ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that character assassination (CA) is becoming a systemic norm in the context of mediated complexity. In today’s global society, large events happen more often than in the past, mainly due to an increased number multiple networked groups and individual actors. These agents constantly incite the public to support their causes or mobilize against political regimes. In the context of globalization, most reputational risks result from structural transformations occasioned by the development of information technologies. New technological innovations also enable agents with malicious intent to cause tangible reputational damage to their targets. The complex nature of highly mediated events often impedes public relations specialists from controlling for and adequately responding to new challenges. This chapter examines character assassination and reputation management in relation to structural and relational changes produced by globalization and technological innovations, declining trust in institutions, and mediatized politics. The chapter concludes by discussing the prospects of locating the CA framework within crisis communication scholarship.
