1. Misuse of statistical Data - a Brainstorming -
Sponsorship Group on Communication
Wiesbaden, January 2011
Klaus Poetzsch

2. Overview – How to deal with misuse?
Typology
Identification
Reaction
Terms and conditions

3. 1. Typology of misuse of statistical data
Character of misuse
False report
Misinterpretation (unknowingly or intentional)
Criticism
Heaviness
(formal error)
Marginal misuse (error)
Serious misuse (error)
Danger for corporate image
Spread of misuse
Limited publicity
High publicity
Public scandal

4. 2. Identification (detection) of misuse
Possible reactions depend on time of detection!
Internal identification
Observation of news agencies
Alerts (e.g. Google)
Regular press monitoring
External identification
Calls or inquiries of journalists
Public report about misuse of others

5. 3. Reactions on misuse Publicity Threshold
Call ( ) to editorial journalist (e.g. false report or unknowingly misinterpretation – formal or marginal error – limited publicity)
Official letter to editorship (e.g. unknowingly or intentional misinterpretation – serious misuse – limited publicity)
Publicity Threshold
Public letter to the editor (e.g. false report or intentional misinterpretation – serious misuse – limited publicity)
Press release (e.g. false report or intentional misinterpretation – serious misuse – high publicity)
Counterstatement (e.g. false report or intentional misinterpretation – serious misuse or danger for corporate image – high publicity)
Press conference or other public statement (e.g. false report or intentional misinterpretation –danger for corporate image – scandal)

6. 4. Terms and conditions of possible reactions
Time of detection
Manning
Equipment
Coordination with other persons/organizations concerned

7. Misuse - An Example

8. Own detection (regular press monitoring)
False report
Serious error
High publicity (Message was repeated by other leading media.)
Press release

10. Thank you! Klaus Poetzsch Statistisches Bundesamt, Wiesbaden