When It Hits the Fan

It may be the season to be jolly but there's not a lot of good cheer going around at the moment. With so much unrelentingly bleak news, how do you persuade anyone that not everything's as bad as it seems? This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the power of optimism. It's not just a useful PR tool, it's vital. When optimism is authentic, it can inspire and be incredibly infectious. The trouble is, it can also feel totally out of step with people's own experiences.That's why it's such a tricky PR balancing act. You want to take people with you but not make them think you're living in a dream world.When people are crying out for good news, David and Simon look at why the phrase 'positive spin' is almost always used in a derogatory way - even though the very last thing you want is a pessimistic PR team.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, who's on the list and who isn't? The PR minefield that is Christmas cards. David and Simon discuss whether the festive staple is still a good way of judging where you sit in the business and social firmament.Should you send cards to all your contacts, should they each get a personalised message - and if someone suddenly stops sending one to you, what are you supposed to think? And given the cost of postage - how do you decide who is really worth the price of a stamp?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It's panto season and panto villains don't come much bigger than Simon Cowell.The music mogul's made a career and fortune playing the Bad Guy on TV talent shows. But is there more to him - and crucially, is it good PR for him to show a different side?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis wade through the blizzard of publicity created ahead of Simon Cowell's latest show - to piece together a PR jigsaw that hints at his attempts to stay relevant while also offering glimpses into his world that he may not have intended.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, what happens when a CEO goes missing in action? The good people of Tunbridge Wells are once again disgusted - following a drinking water crisis in the spa town. And their mood has not been helped by the boss of South Eastern Water, David Hinton, refusing to give any interviews. If the buck stops with you, do you have a duty to show your face in public - or can there be very good reasons for staying invisible when everything is going wrong?Also, what is going on at HSBC? There's a distinct whiff of chaos around the search for a new CEO. George Osborne had been heavily touted, only for the job to be given to a 76-year-old internal candidate who, by all accounts, might not be hanging around for long. Given it's one of the most prestigious roles in global finance, where is the succession planning? And what does all this confusion at the top mean for the bank's reputation?Producer: Duncan MIddleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve StreeterMusic by Eclectic Sounds. A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Three octogenarian nuns have captured global attention by escaping a care home and returning to their beloved convent, stirring a joyful social media movement. Their grassroots support presents a PR nightmare for Church authorities, who struggle to counter the emotional momentum. Meanwhile, the hosts explore how misinformation affects corporate responses, highlighting Campbell's bizarre denial of using 3D-printed chicken. The conversation also touches on an airline's mishandling of a public figure's distress, emphasizing the need for respectful customer treatment.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of elite communication revealed by the Epstein files, showcasing how powerful individuals share coded messages. Delve into the fallout from a scandal at Lloyd's of London, questioning whether their reputation for reform is still intact. Discover the Freemasons' attempts at transparency as they open their doors to the public, weighing the benefits against the loss of mystique. This discussion highlights how modern elites increasingly rely on encrypted messaging, emphasizing the changing landscape of power and secrecy.

Discover the intriguing world of PR and job lists. Learn how names get seeded on coveted lists and the hidden risks of public speculation. Delve into the fallout from the Penguin campaign, where Merlin Entertainments faces mounting reputational pressure. Explore Sundar Pichai's cautious insights on AI, warning of potential market risks. The hosts dissect strategies for navigating the treacherous landscape of public perception and media influence in securing top positions. Get ready for an engaging discussion on the dynamics of ambition and reputation!

The discussion kicks off with the BBC's PR blunders, highlighted by leadership resignations and a scandalous leaked memo. David and Simon dissect the corporation's slow response and its implications. They then turn to 'Drastic Dave,' now leading Diageo, exploring the immediate impact of his arrival on stock value. A funny yet insightful debate unfolds on the best practices for waking a CEO during a crisis, wrapped in anecdotes. Come for the PR insights, stay for the entertaining banter!

In a whirlwind two weeks, Buckingham Palace pivoted from mishandling a crisis to issuing a surprisingly empathetic statement regarding Prince Andrew. Behind the scenes, the royal communications team faced immense pressure and challenges. Meanwhile, the gambling industry is waging a PR battle for lower taxes, sparking debates on reputation and economic impact. John Lewis attempts to attract loyal customers with lavish perks, but risks backlash if expectations shift. It's a fascinating exploration of loyalty, PR tactics, and the evolving royal narrative.

David Yelland and Simon Lewis explore the shocking departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from a popular show, analyzing its PR implications. They delve into the emotional toll on teams blindsided by big announcements and the complexities of managing public narratives. The conversation shifts to Prince Andrew's ongoing PR crisis and the challenges of crafting a coherent royal image amid speculation. Additionally, a controversy involving Waitrose unfolds as local activism meets national scrutiny, prompting discussions on neuro-inclusive employment.

The fallout from Prince Andrew's scandal continues to unfold as Buckingham Palace struggles to distance itself from negative headlines. Questions arise about the timing of Andrew's statement and whether it truly reflects contrition. The hosts critique the palace's communications strategy, suggesting they missed a chance to show compassion for victims. With scrutiny on royal finances and public demand for title removals, the monarchy faces significant reputational challenges. The future legitimacy of the crown may depend on the younger royals navigating these crises.

Victoria Beckham's admission of developing an eating disorder due to media pressure sparks a deep dive into PR's responsibility to address sensitive issues. The hosts explore the delicate balance of raising uncomfortable topics in PR and share insights on managing comebacks, highlighted by Charlotte Dujardin's quiet return to dressage. Meanwhile, an uproar surrounds Paddington Bear's controversial portrayal, prompting discussions on image restoration tactics. This episode hilariously navigates reputation management, scandal recovery, and the ethics of PR.