Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Key Takeaways Controlled leaks preempt misinformation by filling the silence with accurate, on‑message details. Used sparingly and ethically, controlled leaks soften crises without triggering full press cycles. When sloppy, leaks destroy trust fast, turning proactive strategy into defensive damage control. You’ve no doubt heard a lot in recent years about “controlling the narrative,” a central tenet in my field of public relations. But there’s another lesser-known PR strategy that can be highly effective when businesses are aiming to influence their media relations: the “controlled leak.” A controlled leak is not a purposely released rumor (at least, not when it’s used in a professional manner). Rather, it’s a deliberate, measured unveiling of information intentionally shared with the public in a manageable and restrained way.…