“This old guard didn’t become famous overnight thanks to a TikTok, a reality show or a sex tape,” says branding and PR expert Mark Borkowski. “They rose through the ranks because they were bloody good at what they did and they were grateful and gracious when they found success because it didn’t come overnight. They…
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”As we slide inexorably from the everyday chaos of political peacetime into the unbridled melee of a British general election campaign, Kier Starmer and the Labour leadership would be wise to take heed of the adage.Labour’s election strategy of courting voters outside its progressive metropolitan…
The ex-POTUS understood how to manipulate chaos to build his cult. Donald Trump’s strategy during his term in the White House was to sew tribal division, piggyback on conspiracy theories and paint himself and his supporters as victims of injustice to such an extent that his base became radicalised. As he was turfed out of office,…
NOW TV has made an earnest effort to imbue UK publicity for acclaimed corporate tragicomedy #Succession with the show’s spirit.After manifesting a real-life sequel to a character’s dalliance with Scottish football, Succession’s final series was introduced with a fittingly over-the-top junket starring Brian Cox at the London Stock Exchange.It was a nice vanilla photo opportunity, Cox is…
The Guardian asked me to comment on the Gary Lineker “1930s Germany” scandal’s reputation fallout. Here are some less truncated thoughts: Gary Lineker is on safe ground; it’s been a generation since he retired from playing football. He still comfortably represents the most formidable blend of (men’s) footballing pedigree with televisual competence and charisma in…
Nicola Bulley’s family are enduring an unimaginable tragedy and deserve better than the treatment they have endured at the hands of the police and the media. Those responsible for the police’s communications must take their share of responsibility.Even considering limitations on what they can share with the public, the police seem to break another cardinal…
As the dust settled around Harry and Megan’s Netflix documentary there was a feeling of stalemate; those who thought them attention-seeking Hollywood wannabe egomaniacs found enough dirt to entrench that point of view, and those who thought them innocent victims of outdated, prejudiced hegemony felt there was enough justifiable grievance in there to vindicate that point of…
I am still in deep shock after issuing the news about the death of Victor Lewis Smith to the Press Association earlier today. I first met Victor in 1985. He has been a constant maverick producing iconic work as a TV producer, writer and satirist. I am still struggling to come to terms with losing…
Not a great morning for the Royal Family and their troupe of PR wranglers. Although the Netflix #MeghanandHarry documentary redefines hagiography, this self absorbed reality confessional is straight out of the Kris Jenner play book. The tragic couple seems to be consumed by their own hubris. Nevertheless it will be a hit in US – certainly thrusts a…
There’s a fascinating discussion around Annie Liebovitz’s photo of Ronaldo and Messi for Louis Vuitton. The symbolism of the image is brilliant; a chess match between football’s two grandmasters atop a trophy case containing the world cup. Ronaldo, the personification of a self-assured, single-minded purpose; Messi, studious and analytical, weighing up all the options. The chess board…