Bridge the Gap – Google boss snubs US Senate – offers to send lawyer instead – declined!
The BBC are reporting that Google’s Chief Executive, Sundar Pichai, will NOT be appearing in front of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, offering to send one of his top lawyers instead. The offer was promptly shut down by the committee who...
Academies can be caught off guard by sensationalist media coverage
It is not always the more obvious “scandals” which cause Academies and other types of school a media headache. Expect the unexpected, would seem to be the lesson to be learned from the recent media coverage of a girl who shaved her head for...
Crisis Communications – lessons to be learned from Grenfell Tower
Some basic lessons in Crisis Communications were not followed here. We have three simple rules for Crisis Communications: Act promptly. Interestingly, Kensington and Chelsea Council did act promptly, of sorts, in that a helpline number was there...
A Hung Parliament – the price for avoiding the TV cameras ?
In 2010 Nick Clegg came from nowhere to become Deputy Prime Minister mainly due to his impressive performances in three TV debates against David Cameron and Gordon Brown. Compare that to Theresa May avoiding the cameras in any TV debate where...
How the five Ws and the H could have saved Diane Abbott
One of the keys to successful Media Interviews is basic training in preparing for difficult questions. Journalists who have received even basic training know that the key to writing good copy is to include the 5 Ws and H – the Who, What, Where,...
Select Committee Appearance – Ordeal or Opportunity?
Facing a Select Committee is no picnic as several high profile performances have recently demonstrated. Even the most experienced executives can be left floundering or appear evasive when asked about company tax...
Building positive stories in changing times
We’re exhibiting again this year at the National Housing Federation Communications and Marketing Conference. I love the strap line for this conference. It says exactly what we've been doing over the last seventeen...
Education in the spotlight
Education is increasingly coming under the media spotlight. Earlier this year it was due to changes in how schools are funded, run and managed. Later we had the usual media feast of praise, or blame and shame, as the summer exam results were...
Crisis averted
“It all happened so fast and the crew were amazing.” The near catastrophe that was averted yesterday by British Airways is something that all airlines prepare for constantly. Passenger safety is paramount. Knowing your top priority is essential...
Protecting Your Reputation
In the final days before the General Election many voters are still undecided, not just about who will run the country, but also who to vote for in their local elections. Only one thing is certain, that’s uncertainty, even at local level. It...