It was amusing to watch AMC’s cult hit “Mad Men” – a show about the 1960s advertising world – give a nod to public relations in this week’s episode.  In it, Don Draper lectures a much-derided real estate developer behind former architectural landmark and future home of Madison Square Garden, Penn Station.

In Don’s words: “Your concern over public opinion shows a guilty conscience…PR people understand this but can never execute it: If you don’t like what is being said, change the conversation.”

I obviously beg to differ on the issue of execution, but the sentiment, otherwise, holds true. What is public relations if not a voice ? If you’re getting vocal criticism, offer your point of view. Loudly directing the media to support facts that contradict myths and inaccuracies can go a long way to reverse the tide of criticism.

We are very good at managing brands and ideas through sensitive issues and it was interesting to see a similar quasi real life situation played out on TV.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

This entry was posted on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 6:48 pm and is filed under TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.