When It Hits the Fan

The podcast dives into the chaos at Heathrow caused by a fire, leaving 300,000 passengers stranded and 1,300 flights cancelled. It scrutinizes the CEO's questionable choice to sleep during the crisis and the ensuing media narratives. Discussions also focus on the challenges of leadership communication in high-pressure situations and compare crisis management strategies with National Grid. Finally, it touches on the future of Heathrow’s third runway, revealing the political and financial hurdles ahead.

Letting the cameras go behind the scenes of a company is always a risky strategy - but did it pay off for Thames Water? David Yelland and Simon Lewis assess whether BBC2's Thames Water: Inside the Crisis is a PR victory or a PR disaster for the much maligned utility. The frontline staff emerge as heroes, but is the real story being told? Also, how bad PR can kill a business - will the Tesla brand survive being tainted by Elon Musk? And how Prince William is using Aston Villa and football as soft Royal power. Beware - fake it at your own peril.Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Across the world reputations are being set by how leaders react to Donald Trump, including those of Keir Starmer and the King. Now Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has seen his standing transformed by his "elbow’s up" anti-Trump stance. But in the country’s upcoming election, the Canadian question will be binary – who is the best candidate to deal with Trump’s America? Plus Abrdn’s reverse ferret and the decision by the investment company to return all its missing vowels following a widely ridiculed rebrand. Why do some ideas fail to pass the parody test? And the power of positivity - how the Japanese ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hiroshi Suzuki, has won hearts by ditching grip and grin diplomacy.Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

A fascinating discussion unfolds around the diplomatic tensions between Trump and Zelensky, igniting questions about media dynamics and royal PR strategies. The conversation takes a quirky turn with Hasbro’s announcement of Peppa Pig's new sibling, offering insights into effective public relations that create memorable marketing moments. Additionally, the impact of beloved preschool shows like Peppa Pig and Bluey is examined, highlighting their influence on children's media and the clever PR tactics behind their success.

David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss how best to navigate the 'disinformation bubble' that appears to be parked over Washington DC. Could business take a lead from the media on drawing lines in the sand?Following Peter Mandelson's apparently off-the-cuff remark that Donald Trump's speech, in which he called Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator, was "interesting", what's the best way to deal with uninvited questions from a reporter? Is silence always golden? And, how long should people who've held positions of power and influence wait before they spill the beans on their old organisation? Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the £75billion PR battle currently waging between BP - one of the UK's biggest companies - and American activist investors who say it’s too weak and too woke. Also, the world’s top banker is caught ranting about work-from-home GenZers. Is it good PR or bad PR? And will the claim from conservative influencer Ashley St Clair that Elon Musk is the father of her baby derail his White House bromance with President Donald Trump? Do such 'scandals' matter in the US any more? Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

David Yelland and Simon Lewis take you inside the woke war rooms in which some of the world’s biggest companies have been sitting these last few weeks with their PR teams, working out whether to abandon their diversity, equity and inclusion programmes following Donald Trump’s ban. With net zero and US foreign aid also coming under the umbrella of what Elon Musk calls the 'woke mind virus’, is the war on woke the great PR distraction trick of our time? Also, 'Illuminating and electrifying!' Are book endorsements dead in the age of the influencer? And how can PR professionals keep a handle on the WhatsApps and private communications of their CEOs?Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Dive into the world of political PR as strategies shift, featuring Rachel Reeves' efforts to reshape the narrative around the UK economy. Explore the contentious language divide in global politics between Trump’s influence and traditional communication. Hear insights on Bill Gates’ memoir, highlighting his views on autism and tech's challenges. Plus, dissect the urgent issue of gender biases in political media. The conversation also touches on high-stakes adventures and the darker side of wellness trends.

Delving into a historic apology from The Sun to Prince Harry, the discussion reveals serious intrusions and the dark role of private investigators. Insights from a former editor shed light on media ethics and the challenges of protecting privacy for the royals. The emotional toll on Harry and his family from legal battles is laid bare, reflecting the scars of past press coverage, especially following Princess Diana's death. The speakers contemplate the implications of these revelations for journalism and royal perception.

Dive into the power dynamics surrounding Donald Trump's inauguration and the role of tech billionaires. The risks of proximity to a capricious leader reveal a modern court reminiscent of medieval times. Explore the implications of TikTok's resurgence and the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Discover how PR strategies shaped public perception and international relations under Trump, alongside dark realities lurking within the wellness industry. Each topic weaves a narrative of influence, reputation, and the evolving landscape of power.