271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review

12/12/23 • 50 min

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Prepare to step back in time to revisit the top PR fiascos of 2023. Diving into the recent and semi-recent mishaps of the year and their enduring impacts. Joining Molly this week to breakdown the top crises of the year are two seasoned media and PR pros - John Perenack and Warren Weeks. This episode covers everything from significant advertising blunders to historical corporate crises. It's a mix of the obvious stories you'd expect on this list as well as some surprises. We're discussing what went down, who got hit the hardest, and what it all means for their reputation and bottom line. This episode really digs into the nitty-gritty of PR and crisis management.

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Previous Episode

270: Thin Ice: When Personal Conduct Comes Into Play - Navigating Crisis and Rumors in the Chicago Blackhawks Organization

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the process of terminating Corey Perry's contract due to unacceptable conduct, as part of addressing broader questions about the organization's culture. This episode examines their approach to managing rumors and controversies, particularly those related to personal conduct. It highlights the importance of developing clear, timely, and empathetic communication strategies to uphold an organization's reputation. The episode analyzes Corey Perry's specific case to illustrate effective crisis management and consistent messaging, emphasizing the need for accountability and empathy. The focus is on balancing transparency with privacy and dignity in professional settings, offering insights into handling such sensitive situations in the field of crisis communication.
Mentioned in the episode: Become a member of the PR Confidential community on Patreon to access exclusive content, including a downloadable guide and bonus podcast on How to Communicate Private News from Your Organization While Protecting Sensitive Information. This resource focuses on navigating the delicate balance between transparency and confidentiality in organizational communication.

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Next Episode

272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview

Let's go behind the scenes of broadcast television, where a former producer joins us to reveal the tricks of the trade. Our guest David McAlpine takes us inside the world of anchors, reporters, producers, and bookers to find out what it takes to be a successful guest on television. Learn how to present yourself confidently and effectively on air so that the reporter doesn't get the upper hand.
Also, analyzing and giving feedback on an interview with a CEO at the center of one of the most significant PR brand crises in history. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to master media interaction and shine in the spotlight.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mastering Media Preparation: Learn the essential strategies for prepping for media appearances. From crafting your story to adeptly navigating surprise questions, we'll guide you through the steps to confidently handle media engagements.
2. Navigating Interview Dynamics: Uncover the typical challenges encountered in interviews and how to effectively address them. We'll delve into the dynamics between interviewers and their subjects, offering advice on establishing a strong connection and keeping your cool in high-pressure situations.
3. Dressing Right for Media Engagements: Get valuable tips on selecting the perfect outfit for different media settings. We'll discuss the art of creating a television-friendly appearance and the significance of leaving a lasting positive impression on your hosts.

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review

Transcript

Molly McPherson [00:00:00]:
Right, so here's my thought. It's that we each do three, but then in the end, we have a little bit of a scrum here and we decide, really, what is number one? Is it from our list or something that we and how are you going.
John Perenack [00:00:22]:
To run them all? Are you going to turn it just, like, give a quick description and then.
Molly McPherson [00:00:29]:
Yeah, I'm going to do an intro before I come to you guys that'll record separately. And it