More open, timely news releases needed: study

WHILE most companies recognise an online platform as the best way to engage their stakeholders, they still have much to do when it comes to being more forthcoming and timely with their news and helping stakeholders discern the facts from the noise, a study found.

The study of some 700 listed companies here, "Stakeholder Communications", was conducted by KPMG in Singapore, CPA Australia and the Singapore CFO Institute between May and July this year.

It found that about 91 per cent of firms communicate with the public through their corporate websites. News releases came a distant second for about 70 per cent of the companies, with the least preferred modes being company visits, newsletters and normal mail.