I watched the HBO film “Game Change,” mouth agape last night, wondering if in fact former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could indeed have been so dimwitted during the 2008 historic election.  Having worked extensively with the media, and with high-profile individuals, I know first hand that media reflections are often far from reality.  While I found the movie to be thoroughly enjoyable I couldn’t help but walk away and wonder if indeed it was an accurate reflection of Palin.

Learning that a Democratic public relations firm is representing the film doesn’t make me reassured that the movie was balanced or accurate. Seems like a real double standard.

One of the managing directors of the firm tasked with promoting the film is Anita Dunn, former White House Communications Director under Obama.  The same PR Agency is working done pro-bono for Sandra Fluke, who was attacked by arch-conservative Rush Limbaugh. Other senior staffers of the firm include former top advisors to Andrew Cuomo, and Chuck Schumer amongst other Democrats.

To be clear, Palin could indeed be a ding-bat – but having DNC operatives claim the movie is fair and balanced isn’t exactly a convincing argument.

One of my favorite quotes in my book “For Immediate Release” comes from Anita Dunn – “The press corps wouldn’t be doing its job if it weren’t demanding more access than we’re willing to give. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t occasionally irritate the press.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

 

SHARE
Previous articlePublic Relations Book: “For immediate Release” by Ronn Torossian
Next articleThe New York Times Plays Devil’s Advocate to God’s Messenger: Greg Smith & Goldman Sachs – Guest Blog by Juda Engelmayer
Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.