PR representation: Privilege or right?
Are the services of a public relations professional a privilege for those with enough money — or ego, or both — to afford it? Or is it, in one way or another, a right that should be afforded to each of us in our respective times of need?
I’ve thought about this from time to time, most recently in the context of the story of Nadya Suleman, the mother of a rather notorious set of octuplets. Simply by nature of the rarity of her, uh, feat — having given birth to only the country’s second set of live octuplets — she was thrust into the public eye, though at first unnamed.
At that point, even before she was identified and before we heard rumors of a book deal or a (god, help us) reality television show, folks coast to coast (and beyond, I’m sure) were discussing the whys and hows of giving birth to eight little critters and, in many cases, passing judgment. How could she? Why would she? Should she? Is she, or will she be receiving some sort of welfare or other public assistance?
At some point along the way, Ms. Suleman picked up the services of a PR firm — pro bono. In a sick turn of events, those PR pros have stepped down after having reportedly received death threats. That’s terrible and unfortunate, and it reminds me of high-profile cases in which certain lawyers receive similar treatment. What did the PR folks do wrong? Isn’t it at least as likely, if not more so, that they’re trying to do some good than they’re simply being opportunistic? And even if you believe they’re a little attention-hungry or whatever, death threats?!
Not that PR people need any more comparisons to lawyers (see the joke Shel shares here), but Ms. Suleman’s story really has me thinking (so I can get on with the point of my post, now that I have the context out of the way): Most folks I know believe in the fundamental importance of adequate legal representation when on trial in a court of law. But what about when someone is thrust into a trial in the court of public opinion? Isn’t a person entitled to the services of someone who can help them in their time of need?
To be clear, when I say “entitled,” I don’t necessarily mean they should get it for free. I don’t foresee, desire or expect a “public reputation defender” who functions as the PR equivalent of the court-appointed public defender. I do, however, believe that having your side of the story heard is something to which you’re entitled, and sometimes that requires professional help.
Photo courtesy of mindgutter on Flickr
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Mike,
I have a post on this about half written, and it hinges on the ethics of how we select our clients. Whom we choose to represent tends to shape our professional reputations.
I’m not one who believes just anyone “deserves” PR representation (in the same sense as legal counsel). If that were the case, someone among us might have represent terrorist group or serial killers. Those are extreme examples, but should illustrate my point. We don’t want to be shilling for Satan.
In her interview with Larry King, Joann Killeen, Nadya Suleman’s PR counsel, said she took on the project because she felt this young woman needed someone to help her navigate the media circus. Joann said didn’t charge a fee and has not profited at all from the account. I believe her.
As she also points out, Nadya didn’t PLAN to have 8 kids. The fertility doctor who handled her other pregnancies used the same procedure each time. One can question the doc’s ethics, to be sure, but there was no plan for a multiple birth. I’m not condoning what Nadya did, as it’s a tad deviant, but it wasn’t part of some diabolical plot to double the size of her family and bleed the social welfare system.
So in the end, I agree with you. Is it so crazy to think that Joann Killeen, a mother and grandmother herself, really wanted to do something to help these kids and their mom? For her troubles, she received numerous death threats along with the hateful comments of bloggers and media pundits — all undeserved.
I should tell you that I’ve know Joann for more than a decade through out involvement in PRSA. She is a respected PR professional, not some carnival publicist.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Bill. You bring up a good point: making smart choices about who we’re comfortable representing. That will vary from person to person, however; I imagine that, too, is somewhat comparable to practicing law.
You touch on another important factor to consider, at least in terms of how our choice in clients reflects on our own reputations — that is, the intent of the PR pro herself. And though I’m far less familiar with Joann Killeen than it seems you are, I share your perception of her, her work and her intent. That makes this situation all the more unfortunate.
Great post and great topic … something a point that I think is a great debate for PR if it ever wants to define itself as a profession.
I agree with the point about selecting clients well, and especially appreciate the instinct of Joann Killeen that this woman just needed help managing the media in with an extraordinary circumstance.
Because for organizations and, at times, individuals, media relations is a management function. And while the ability to manage it well doesn’t require constitutional protection or a bar exam, it does require a level of insight, sound judgment, experience and familiarity with journalism and the media environment that does not come naturally for most organizations or citizens.
Point being, obtaining sound communications counsel and assistance is a smart thing to do, it’s an essential function to manage, and — particularly in a crisis — it’s much better handled by a professional.
Beyond being a smart thing to do — and apparently this is not obvious — obtaining sound communications counsel is not an act that justifies death threats.
Thanks for stopping by, Ken.
Twitter Comment
RT @mjkeliher:..you’re entitled to the services of legal counsel…what if you’re thrust into the court of public opinion? [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
[...] PR Rep for Octuplets’ Mother Get Death Threats Just as there is no boundary, apparently, for who should hire PR representation, there is no reason at all to take on a client that would get you death threats. Right? I suppose there are exceptions but this is far from one of them. [...]
You bring up a great point, Mike. I honestly wish she would have had better professional help (see psychiatric) before this happened, but now that it has, she really deserves to have someone to help her navigate through the court of public opinion.