PR Gaff

The creeping erosion of PR standards is highlighted again by some poor practice in a resultant picture caption in this morning’s Sun newspaper. Emblazeoned across the lovely Vicky Newton “bizarre” column is a promo snap of Girls Aloud all brandishing mobile phones. Clearly it was staged to promote the handset.

The problem is the story and the name of the company didn’t get a check. The hook, or should I say the more compelling narrative, was that one of the pop totty had covered up her pins. Shameful that the phone PR company that was employed did not control the story. The deal is simple; a picture plugs a brand message and that is why the client has sunk his cash on the girls holding the phones.

The PR failure is that the clients commercial needs weren’t looked after.  It underlines a poor relationship with the art of media relations. Whilst I know the name of the product, I don’t see why this blog should name it and therefore right the wrong. Christ it’s a hard job, but looking afer the finest detal of the job in hand with savvy professionals is essential for meaningful ROI.