What is a communication audit?

A communication audit is fundamentally an evaluation of an organization's communication strategies and effectiveness. This process involves assessing how communication flows within the organization, how information is conveyed to key stakeholders, and how well the existing strategies align with the organization’s goals. By conducting a communication audit, an organization can identify strengths and weaknesses in their communication practices, understand the perceptions of different audiences, and determine areas for improvement.

This assessment may include analyzing internal and external messages, reviewing communication channels, and evaluating the effectiveness of different communication strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the overall clarity and impact of communication efforts, which is essential for achieving strategic objectives.

The other options, while related to aspects of communication, don't accurately capture the breadth and purpose of a communication audit. Tracking media coverage is a specific function and does not encompass the comprehensive review process that a communication audit provides. Similarly, a checklist for social media postings serves a narrower purpose, focusing solely on social media rather than a broad evaluation, and assessing employee communication skills is just one element that might be examined as part of a larger communication audit but does not reflect the audit as a whole.