In the ongoing battle over who—in the public’s mind—is more audacious, PR pros or attorneys, public relations scored a victory.
Over the weekend, disgraced Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich lost one of his three attorneys, but picked up representation by PR firm, The Publicity Agency. The Publicity Agency also reps Drew Peterson. In case you forgot, he’s the ex-police sergeant suspected in both the murder of his second wife and disappearance of his third, much younger wife.
Late last week, the governor launched a media blitz to defend himself. He did a round of radio interviews Friday. On Monday, he is scheduled to appear on national TV shows like Good Morning America and The View—instead of attending his own impeachment.
Blagojevich's attorney, Ed Genson, reportedly quit the case because of this media blitz.
According to its Web site, The Publicity Agency is the only PR firm created and staffed by former journalists.
The agency isn’t shying from attention over its high-profile clients. The firm’s Twitter feed, launched a few weeks ago, touts itself as the place for news updates on Blago and Peterson.
I know everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but would you rep a disgraced politician, or worse, a potential murder?
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Comments (9)
How do you rep a "murder"?
Posted by Anonymous | January 26, 2009 1:59 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 13:59
Me thinks the guv' is "tone deaf."
Posted by Susan | January 26, 2009 1:38 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 13:38
The law requires that each person have the option of legal representation -- not so with PR. That being the case, I'd like to think we all carefully consider what clients we take and what we pitch to the media. Perhaps not.
I remain more than little curious as to just what these folks are paying for. The practice of public relations is more than just calling contacts and setting appointments (as The Publicity Agency's Web site notes). Honestly, I think a couple of interns could set up interviews for Blagojevich this week. The pros in our business find interesting story angles when they're not obvious and carefully target reporters who might be interested. Anybody with a phone and a moderate grasp of English can get air time for the sensational and infamous, and that activity doesn't further our profession in the least.
Doyle Albee
President
Metzger Associates
www.metzger.com
Posted by Doyle Albee | January 26, 2009 1:35 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 13:35
I run a PR temp agency and ask all candidates in the interview whom they would not work for. An amazing number say, "Everyone is entitled to good PR." Of course that's nonsense. I understand young people not wanting to lose an opportunity to gain experience, but don't understand how pros with 20 years say this with a straight face.
Posted by Kate Perrin | January 26, 2009 1:12 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 13:12
Personally, I think it is shameful.
I hope the media is responsible and fact-checks the information distributed by the "PR agency that shall not be named." (Harry Potter reference)
Posted by Ria Davidson | January 26, 2009 12:57 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 12:57
A PR agency could not represent a murder (the act of killing another), although it could represent a suspected murderer (person who allegedly committed the murder), although I wouldn't advise it.
Posted by Barbara Kois | January 26, 2009 12:52 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 12:52
Here's my take: http://theflack.blogspot.com/2009/01/blago-and-thains-tv-defense.html
Posted by Peter Himler | January 26, 2009 12:25 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 12:25
'Audacious' isn't the word I would use. 'Shameless' comes to mind.
Posted by Chuck | January 26, 2009 10:34 AM
Posted on January 26, 2009 10:34
I don't think getting your name out there in this fashion is going to help in the long run. You may attract more customers--but probably more of the 'disgraced politician' & 'suspected murderer' kind. I don't think this is what anyone should shoot for as far as clientele go.
Posted by Tammy Homna | January 26, 2009 9:26 AM
Posted on January 26, 2009 09:26