

238: The Art of Manufactured Outrage: How Celebrities and Brands Court Controversy for Buzz and Profit
As seen on NBC News, exploring the phenomenon of manufactured outrage and how it is used by celebrities and brands to generate buzz and profit. Molly discusses her contribution to the broadcast news story about the business implications of this practice, as well as its impact on politics and culture.
We take a look at the intersection of celebrity, marketing, and social issues. We're back to Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light, as well as a discussion on Meghan Trainor (rightfully) being lectured by teachers.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Bud Light fallout intensifies over trans partnership (NBC News, April 26, 2023)
- Meghan Trainor Apologizes After Criticizing Teachers (TikTok, April 23, 2023)
The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media
Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.
Follow & Connect with Molly: