Mark My Words

Having spent most of the past 48 hours being mined for my thoughts on the BBC Presenter story I will try to distil here what I see as the most significant lessons and warnings for communications and reputation management professionals. Please visit (and subscribe to) the Borkowski Substack for my thoughts in full.The Sun used […]

Spotify’s choice to sever ties with Meghan and Harry may result in a significant financial setback for the couple. This decision also casts doubts on their dwindling aspirations of attaining the status they crave.Are we witnessing a precarious stack of dominos ready to topple with their other deals? Meghan may have a bright future as […]

As an early adopter, I vividly remember sitting in a pub, taking a phone call, and realising that this could be the answer to working remotely. The idea of running my office from a charming old Cotswold hostelry seemed like utter bliss. Not WFH more WFTP. However, this dream scenario soon diminished as the hidden […]

The rise of social media promised a vibrant public square, but it also brought forth new challenges. Online trolling, disinformation, and a disconnected public have plagued these spaces.Newsrooms rely on metrics to engage audiences, but we are transforming the digital realm into toxic hellscapes. The latest Reuters Institute Digital News Report reveals a decline in […]

Political giants, when out of power, exemplify the enormity of being an elegant and true sage. They demonstrate wisdom that surpasses partisan lines, showing us the value of thoughtful reflection and long-term vision. However, today’s political landscape is marred by hostility and a lack of respect for opposing values, amplified by social media sound bites.There […]

First, Andrew Tate granted an exclusive interview from house arrest in Romania, and then Phillip Schofield gave a joint exclusive to the BBC and The Sun.As the BBC struggles to keep pace with the streaming giants, caught in the culture wars crossfire, it should be cautious about proliferating ‘tabloid’ content lest it damages its credibility […]

– Water UK – the industry body for embattled English Water Companies, has launched a PR counter-offensive today after reports that it had overseen over 300k sewage spills in ’22 while making eye-watering profits. This slick exercise in corporate crisis response has successfully established the Water Companies’ narrative on prominent media platforms but also highlights […]

It’s akin to standing on the edge of a cliff, unaware of the impending storm. The looming disaster patiently waits, ready to strike, while those in power remain lost in denial. But embracing the truth, no matter how difficult it may be, is the crucial first step towards averting catastrophe. It grants us the strength […]

An aphorism ingrained in our minds. This week, the news agenda gained momentum through tabloid media narratives, fueling debates on Twitter. From the Holly and Phil estrangement to the King receiving honey from David Beckham, the cacophony of chatter drowned out something profound: ideas and insight.Each incident triggered angst, echoing the diverse passions of the […]

Today’s reporting on YouGov’s most recent poll shows a slight but definite slide in monarchism and a rise in republicanism and apathy in the UK.Tracked against a similar poll from September 2022, overall support for the monarchy has fallen by 9%, while support for an elected head of state has risen by 6%.These figures aren’t […]

As a fashion designer in the 1960s, Mary Quant was a true trailblazer who introduced new styles and designs and revolutionised how fashion was marketed and branded. Here are some examples of how Quant pioneered a modern, youthful approach to PR, marketing and branding:Making fashion accessible to young women: Quant created designs that were affordable […]

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”As we slide inexorably from the everyday chaos of political peacetime into the unbridled melee of a British general election campaign, Kier Starmer and the Labour leadership would be wise to take heed of the adage.Labour’s election strategy of courting voters outside its progressive metropolitan […]

The ex-POTUS understood how to manipulate chaos to build his cult. Donald Trump’s strategy during his term in the White House was to sew tribal division, piggyback on conspiracy theories and paint himself and his supporters as victims of injustice to such an extent that his base became radicalised. As he was turfed out of office, […]

NOW TV has made an earnest effort to imbue UK publicity for acclaimed corporate tragicomedy #Succession with the show’s spirit.After manifesting a real-life sequel to a character’s dalliance with Scottish football, Succession’s final series was introduced with a fittingly over-the-top junket starring Brian Cox at the London Stock Exchange.It was a nice vanilla photo opportunity, Cox is […]

The Guardian asked me to comment on the Gary Lineker “1930s Germany” scandal’s reputation fallout. Here are some less truncated thoughts: Gary Lineker is on safe ground; it’s been a generation since he retired from playing football. He still comfortably represents the most formidable blend of (men’s) footballing pedigree with televisual competence and charisma in […]

Nicola Bulley’s family are enduring an unimaginable tragedy and deserve better than the treatment they have endured at the hands of the police and the media. Those responsible for the police’s communications must take their share of responsibility.Even considering limitations on what they can share with the public, the police seem to break another cardinal […]

As the dust settled around Harry and Megan’s Netflix documentary there was a feeling of stalemate; those who thought them attention-seeking Hollywood wannabe egomaniacs found enough dirt to entrench that point of view, and those who thought them innocent victims of outdated, prejudiced hegemony felt there was enough justifiable grievance in there to vindicate that point of […]

I am still in deep shock after issuing the news about the death of Victor Lewis Smith to the Press Association earlier today. I first met Victor in 1985. He has been a constant maverick producing iconic work as a TV producer, writer and satirist. I am still struggling to come to terms with losing […]