Session Description: When Leadership Wants the Comments Turned Off

Many government social media managers have heard it: “Can’t we just turn off the comments?” It’s an especially common request in public safety, where leaders are trained to control risk, not invite it. But for communicators, the comment section isn’t chaos, it’s connection. It’s where trust is built long before a crisis hits.

This session explores how to talk up the chain, educate chiefs, directors, and attorneys on the value of keeping comments open, and fill your “trust tank” before tough headlines hit. Real examples show how agencies shifted leadership mindsets, handled trolls and misinformation, and turned “don’t post that” into collaboration. Because transparency and timeliness protect credibility far better than silence ever could.

Bottom line: If you silence the comments, you silence the chance to build credibility before the crisis.

Instructor Frances La Rue brings more than a decade of public sector communications experience to the team, with a focus on strategic messaging, digital media, and community engagement. Prior to joining Julie Parker Communications, she served as the Public Affairs Manager for a growing North Texas city, where she led award-winning public relations and digital outreach efforts. She is a FEMA-certified Advanced PIO and has received more than 30 awards over the past four years from leading industry organizations.