The push for a ‘Smartphone-free childhood’ is the latest chapter in an evolving narrative that the overwhelming avalanche and decreasing reliability of the information we are presented daily is not just distracting us but harming our mental health and not simply curtailing our attention spans but affecting our cognitive abilities. Contemporary media channels are saturated with…
Given the small budget relative to the extensive publicity the move has received, some have written it off as just another virtue-signalling (or vice-signalling if you disagree) stunt in the government’s ongoing struggle to address this complex issue. But its origins and implications raise some critical questions. The whole campaign comes hot on the heels…
In the life of King Charles, a man overshadowed by his existence, the recent revelation of his battle with cancer is another step on an enigmatic journey. It also demonstrates his wish to be open in a world clamouring for authenticity. The previous monarch would not have declared a serious health issue. Stoicism and distance…
People are asking me what possessed Rishi to announce his proposed vaping ban exclusively on LadBible. It’s such a baffling comms strategy that I can only guess. Despite serious concerns about the health hazards of children vaping, the policy itself isn’t an easy sell. Before becoming mired in culture war skirmishes, Rishi had signalled a…
My old mucker and ex Borkowski pixie, Paul McEntee, posted something that sparked a reflection on the ever-evolving world of comms. In today’s dynamic realm of hashtag#PR and media, the magic recipe for success isn’t found in a PRCA handbook; it’s crafted with equal parts creativity, agility, and a dash of maverick spirit. While taking…
Navigating public challenges and conflicts requires a pragmatic mindset, especially in the spotlight. I’ve witnessed the power of practical solutions and compromise in my 40-year career in the media and public relations industry.Like any of us, even those in the public eye, we sometimes find ourselves entangled in prolonged disputes. Embracing pragmatism means prioritising resolution…
These days, it’s not uncommon for corporate entities to issue apologies and admit mistakes, but the statement from Fujitsu’s European boss, Paul Patterson, is significant. It explicitly acknowledges their involvement in errors and their impact on innocent individuals. This could be considered a notable ‘mea culpa’ in the context of corporate PR.
Accountability seems swift and relentless in the era of cancel culture, where reputations can crumble at the speed of a tweet. A single misstep, a whispered rumour, and one can be brought down in seconds. No one is too big to fail, no mistake too small to go unnoticed.The Post Office Ltd scandal paints a…
In a world rife with political intrigue and controversy, this morning’s news serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate around U.S. immigration challenges and the disqualification of the former President from the Colorado presidential ballot under the 14th Amendment. What’s striking is that despite these legal actions and establishment decisions, Donald Trump’s popularity…
I am deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of my radical mentor, Philip Hedley—a risk-taker who believed in a small-town dreamer with wild publicity ideas. His generosity and visionary rule-breaking transformed lives and taught me about the essence of risk and trust. His historical legacy, pioneering diversity and inclusion before it became a…