When It Hits the Fan

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.

Explore the rise and fall of Michelle Mone, whose controversial PR choices led to a £122m damages ruling. She claims sexism and classism are to blame for her downfall, but can anyone truly bounce back from such a reputation hit? Meanwhile, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury's historic announcement gets overshadowed by poor timing and messaging. Additionally, learn how celebrity pets are reshaping public relations, creating authentic connections and softening public perceptions with their irresistible charm.

Tensions rise as a leak about Prince Harry's meeting with King Charles threatens their reconciliation efforts. The hosts explore whether this leak was a calculated PR move to divert attention from other controversies. They also delve into the growing threat of cyber attacks, stressing their impact on companies and consumer trust. In a lighter twist, they discuss how the Guinness family reacted positively to their portrayal in a new Netflix show, highlighting the benefits of embracing such dramatizations.

We are living in troubling times when Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, feel they have to go to court to prove she is a woman. The couple's lawyer says 'a line has been crossed' by an online influencer who has repeatedly claimed Mrs Macron is a man. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the 'fight for truth'. Famous people and businesses used to be able to ignore or not comment on stories that were clearly untrue. But in the disinformation age, lies gain traction - and stick - faster than ever. So what are the PR challenges and risks of taking a stand when people have already made up their minds?And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at arguably the toughest PR job in the country - the Archbishop of Canterbury. An announcement on who'll take up the position is expected in the next few weeks - and they face a huge challenge. They'll have a guaranteed platform, but what's the message? At a time when church leaders have written an open letter criticising the 'misuse' of Christian symbols during a march organised by the Far Right, is being controversial unavoidable?Also, who's up and who's down? Yes, it's league table PR. As Oxford and Cambridge slip down the list of best universities, what dark arts are at play in similar lists? Can they be manipulated - and what are the real reputational risks of falling down the rankings?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It was only a few months ago that Prince Harry was being roundly criticised pretty much everywhere. An ill-judged and hot-headed BBC interview where he discussed the King's health did him few favours. And yet, this week, there has been a shift. In this week's episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss whether this is a genuine turning point for Harry's PR.Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they'll explain why it might not all be over for the master of spin, Peter Mandelson. He may have been sacked and his reputation might be in ruins - but don't assume that means there aren't still plenty of people who'd like a quiet word with the 'Prince of Darkness' of PR.And speaking of reputations being in the sewer, David and Simon will be talking about an actual one. The Tideway tunnel to be precise. What's surprising is that it's a £5bn infrastructure project that has come in pretty much on time and on budget - and yet, you probably haven't heard of it. Just why is it so much harder to get PR for good news compared to bad?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Rebrands, name changes, financial black holes. Just what is going on with WH Smith?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the reputation of a high street institution. With stores up and down the country now being called TG Jones, what sort of messaging - if any - has taken place between the new owners and Smith's existing customers? And with most of us looking for a cheap online deal, they'll also explain why retail PR is no longer the glamorous industry it once was.And in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, who wants to live forever? Well the answer seems to be the leaders of China and Russia. President Xi Jinping and President Putin have been overheard discussing how the advances in biotechnology could lead to eternal life. This happened just before a social media frenzy suggesting President Trump had died. He hadn't. But in a world of increasingly elderly leaders, what are the PR challenges of persuading the rest of us that they're alive and well and fit for office?Plus it's Coldplay versus KitKats. Yes, the summer has been bookended by two big sex scandals. One of them revealed very publicly at a Coldplay gig - the other, behind the closed doors of Nestle. But as Simon and David explain, the level of coverage a scandal receives doesn't always dictate how serious it is.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

'PRs hold up the mirror and sometimes people don't like what they see.'So say David Yelland and Simon Lewis in their final episode on golden rules.This week, it's all about self-awareness and the ability to ask, 'Are we the bad guys?'. David and Simon look at why it's vital to understand how other people really see you or your business, because it changes how you behave.And why it can lead to making far better PR decisions.Part of the solution is to challenge groupthink and having the confidence to burst whatever bubble you're in.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

If you say you're going to hit a target, make sure you hit it.Managing expectations is one of the most important golden rules of PR, according to David Yelland and Simon Lewis.In this episode, they look at the pitfalls of over promising - both to shareholders and the public. It's far better for people to be pleasantly surprised at what you've achieved rather than wildly disappointed.David and Simon look at real examples taken from the boardroom and politics to highlight the risks and rewards of getting this wrong and right.It's all about making sure you can make the expectation become a reality.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Non attributable, authorised leaks, Chatham House rules. Briefing the media can be a baffling minefield.In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the art of going on and off the record.They explain how it's possible to reveal and conceal vital or sensitive information, while protecting yourself and your clients in the process.Just make sure you've made it very clear what is -and isn't - up for publication.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.'An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from.In this episode on the golden rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the importance of crisis planning - and why it's very common for those plans to go out the window the moment the crisis actually hits.You might not be able to rehearse exactly what's going to happen but you can take steps to prepare for the worst.David and Simon explain why it's vital to know who you can trust BEFORE the crisis hits -and why just turning your phone off and hoping everything will be ok probably isn't a smart move.There's also talk of Simon hiding in a nuclear bunker.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4