Two PR Nightmares of 2013

Before reading this you may already be thinking up some of the drama that celebrities started in the media world. The two I chose, I chose because they are in my opinion somewhat related.

1. Paula Deen
2. Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson

Paula Deen was and still is one of my favorite cooking personalities. She seemed to have a grandma quality that other chefs didn't have. Who doesn't love cooking with their grandma? Phil Robertson is the patriarch on the most popular reality show of all time (take that Kardashians!). So what can we learn from their huge PR gaffes? How can you help your client in a similar situation from losing their careers and ruining their reputation?

Tip 1: Never allow the press to shape your narrative
I have a friend who complains about how negatively his exes have effected his reputation. The problem is that he has allowed them to shape his narrative. Paula Deen's story is one of hard work, wit and charm. Although I do not agree with her actions, as her PR Manager my job would have been to protect her legacy and in turn, her fan base. I would have focused on what she has done right, and she would have immediately apologized for any confusion on her past remarks. That is controlling the narrative, not allowing the press to paint you as a racist and then making comments that can in some ways prove them right.

Tip 2: Be aware of what you say in public
Phil Robertson seems like a nice, genuine guy. But when you are doing an interview for a non-religious organization that is not the time to talk about the controversial intricacies of your personal beliefs. There is a time and a place for everything. Use the exposure your organization gets by focusing on the positive aspects of yourself that encourage people to be interested. If you are a company seeking to choose a spokesperson, make sure they are coached on what to say and what not to say, and then make sure they know to avoid controversy for the sake of the company.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Angela

Should Public Relations Bow Down to Beyonce's Star Power?

Did Beyonce's Secret Album Release Prove PR is Unnecessary?
Many of you have heard all the buzz recently about Beyonce's surpise album that was released around midnight. She released it without visiting Oprah, being critiqued in any blogs or interviewed in any magazines. Public Relations is often the middleman between consumers and the market place. We help people to see how new products or services can enrich their lives. So does it matter that Beyonce broke an ITunes record for most CD sales in one day without utilizing the middleman?

1. First of all, technically what Beyonce did IS a PR gimmick                                                               
2. Before Beyonce was a worldwide sensation, she relied on PR.
3. She doubtfully will try this again!
4. 
   

 Beyonce essentially decided that she's a star and shouldn't have to pay so that people will pay attention to her. She utilized her status and product to generate buzz on it's own. Its publicity for free! Without sending anyone her CD, without going on the couch with Oprah and Wendy Williams, without high fashion photo shoots and other stunts.  Beyonce does that even when she doesn't have a CD coming out. She constantly is doing PR, such as Super Bowl performances and magazine covers, she is constantly in the public eye. While she does take breaks in between, she consistently comes back into the limelight to remind us all she is still alive and glamorous. Please do not begin to think that PR was belittled or proven unnecessary by this publicity stunt. It generated so much free publicity that other stars may wish they had thought of it sooner. However, like Paranormal Activity's similar luck, such tricks only work once. After that the traditional route is used. Beyonce will most likely taken the traditional route next time, and promote her album before it comes out. 

Ange