Having spent most of the past 48 hours being mined for my thoughts on the BBC Presenter story I will try to distil here what I see as the most significant lessons and warnings for communications and reputation management professionals. Please visit (and subscribe to) the Borkowski Substack for my thoughts in full.The Sun used to thrive on these kinds of innuendo-laden scandals and have proven that they still have the power to launch a national conversation, but the fact that well into the week we still do not know for sure who the presenter is suggests that the paper…

Spotify’s choice to sever ties with Meghan and Harry may result in a significant financial setback for the couple. This decision also casts doubts on their dwindling aspirations of attaining the status they crave.Are we witnessing a precarious stack of dominos ready to topple with their other deals? Meghan may have a bright future as she pursues her lifestyle ambitions, while Harry potentially finds himself becoming the ‘spare’ again. It’s an avenue where Meghan’s talents can truly shine.What makes them captivating is their ability to generate clickbait and draw attention, but this also limits their control over the narrative. Consequently,…

As an early adopter, I vividly remember sitting in a pub, taking a phone call, and realising that this could be the answer to working remotely. The idea of running my office from a charming old Cotswold hostelry seemed like utter bliss. Not WFH more WFTP. However, this dream scenario soon diminished as the hidden burden of mobile devices revealed itself.Lugging around the giant brick mobile phone took a toll on my back, leading to a series of expensive visits to the osteopath. It became apparent that the convenience offered by this device had Faustian consequences beyond its initial allure….

The rise of social media promised a vibrant public square, but it also brought forth new challenges. Online trolling, disinformation, and a disconnected public have plagued these spaces.Newsrooms rely on metrics to engage audiences, but we are transforming the digital realm into toxic hellscapes. The latest Reuters Institute Digital News Report reveals a decline in active news participation and a rise in passive consumption. Only 22% actively participate, while 47% still need to be uninvolved.This shrinking group resembles the traditional news audience, limiting representation. As we navigate this landscape, bridging the gap and listening to the silent majority of readers…

Political giants, when out of power, exemplify the enormity of being an elegant and true sage. They demonstrate wisdom that surpasses partisan lines, showing us the value of thoughtful reflection and long-term vision. However, today’s political landscape is marred by hostility and a lack of respect for opposing values, amplified by social media sound bites.There is a profound need for compassionate and wise politicians who respect their opponents’ values, highlighting the destructive nature of extreme rhetoric in democracy. The sages of politics showcase the importance of compassion as a guiding principle in leadership. They recognize the humanity in their opponents…

First, Andrew Tate granted an exclusive interview from house arrest in Romania, and then Phillip Schofield gave a joint exclusive to the BBC and The Sun.As the BBC struggles to keep pace with the streaming giants, caught in the culture wars crossfire, it should be cautious about proliferating ‘tabloid’ content lest it damages its credibility as a herald of severe world events. Still, it’s a PR win for Aunty in the short term.Lucy Williamson’s performance interviewing a hostile Andrew Tate was undoubtedly part of this success. Tate went ‘full Trump’ in his aggressive, absolutist denial of every accusation and positing…

– Water UK – the industry body for embattled English Water Companies, has launched a PR counter-offensive today after reports that it had overseen over 300k sewage spills in ’22 while making eye-watering profits. This slick exercise in corporate crisis response has successfully established the Water Companies’ narrative on prominent media platforms but also highlights crucial lessons in crisis management, greater awareness of which might have helped stem the flow of reputational (if not literal) sewage.The Power of Well-Executed Grassroots Campaigns – Feargal Sharkey’s peak of pop-cultural relevance may have been 45 years ago. He may have been the de-facto…

It’s akin to standing on the edge of a cliff, unaware of the impending storm. The looming disaster patiently waits, ready to strike, while those in power remain lost in denial. But embracing the truth, no matter how difficult it may be, is the crucial first step towards averting catastrophe. It grants us the strength to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.Unfortunately, in the past two weeks, hard truths have been unfolding, yet many are consumed by the allure of Showbiz. The relentless pursuit of fame and adoration, fueled by continuous attention, admiration, and adulation from fans, can distort one’s…

An aphorism ingrained in our minds. This week, the news agenda gained momentum through tabloid media narratives, fueling debates on Twitter. From the Holly and Phil estrangement to the King receiving honey from David Beckham, the cacophony of chatter drowned out something profound: ideas and insight.Each incident triggered angst, echoing the diverse passions of the Twitterati—a formless debate reflecting disapproval. We gain little from this commotion.Amidst this chaotic landscape, the relentless pursuit of Meghan Markle by the paparazzi is another example of social media neglecting serious issues. It overshadowed more significant matters that deserve attention, highlighting the prioritization of sensationalism…

Today’s reporting on YouGov’s most recent poll shows a slight but definite slide in monarchism and a rise in republicanism and apathy in the UK.Tracked against a similar poll from September 2022, overall support for the monarchy has fallen by 9%, while support for an elected head of state has risen by 6%.These figures aren’t terrifying – particularly with continued majority support for the monarchy- but the underlying issues will give the Royal comms team sleepless nights.Firstly, there’s the immense shadow cast by Queen Elizabeth II – whose popularity continuously outshone that of her institution throughout her reign and thus…

As a fashion designer in the 1960s, Mary Quant was a true trailblazer who introduced new styles and designs and revolutionised how fashion was marketed and branded. Here are some examples of how Quant pioneered a modern, youthful approach to PR, marketing and branding:Making fashion accessible to young women: Quant created designs that were affordable and accessible, making her brand popular with young people who couldn’t afford high-end fashion. This helped her brand to become a symbol of youth culture and rebellion.Innovative marketing techniques: Quant used bright colours and playful graphics in her advertising campaigns, which stood out from her…

“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 strongholds with increasingly socially conservative rhetoric has been crystalising for months and was writ large in an attack ad bluntly accusing Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives of being soft on crime, specifically sex crimes against children.The ad went primarily viral due to backlash from both…

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, he escalated these tactics – now a living martyr, peddling a whole new tranche of original conspiracies and actively inciting insurrection. The base radicals have spent the two years since January 6th mutating into unhinged cultists. The issue is that Trump’s support base is so…

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 a reliably newsworthy soundbite (the more controversial, the more appropriate to the show), and it was broadly in the spirit of the art it was representing.The launch was proficient, but Succession is genius. At its best shocking. And, much as when walking #PR stunt Borat’s return was…

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 the English-speaking world. We also know from the publication of salaries that he’s acknowledged as the BBC’s most lucrative human asset. This – combined with what a significant chunk of people feel is the moral high ground on this particular issue- gives Lineker immense power…

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 rule of communications every day since her disappearance. In doing so they are increasing her family’s suffering and further undermining public trust in the institution.Trust in the police is at an all-time low. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)’s own Public Perception Tracker showed…

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 view. The documentary was hagiography and had the clear aim of undermining the monarchy, but Harry and Megan at least came away from that documentary with a shred of dignity intact; they hadn’t lowered the tone, and they weren’t desperate. This week, the book excerpts gushing out…

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 a unique and irreplaceable friend. When I was asked to issue the death notice – I couldn’t process it adequately. I had to check it wasn’t a bizarre stunt – something we often mused about. Let’s not forget Victor persuaded a BBC tea lady to…