Scolding and shushing an interviewer is not the way to win the media game. Media coverage is a privilege and responsibility granted to those worthy of public interest. It requires effective communication, presentation skills and media training. Here, the Republican Junior Senator from Kentucky, Dr. Rand Paul, proved himself less than worthy. The potential 2016 presidential candidate patronized, accused, demeaned …
An Unaffordable Media Act
What began as an off-the-cuff comment made during a college lecture by Economics Professor Dr. Jonathan Gruber of MIT quickly became a nightmare as it exploded into a full-blown media frenzy. A video recording of his lecture went viral, then became a national news story and rallying cry for Obamacare opponents. Credited as the “architect” of Presidents Obama’s Affordable Care …
Mexican Uprising
Not since British Petroleum’s CEO Tony Hayward muttered “I’d like my life back” after 11 workers lost their lives in a BP oil rig explosion has an aside caused such international outrage. “Ya me canse” (I’ve had enough/I’m tired of this) complained Mexico’s attorney general as he abruptly ended a press conference in which he was repeatedly questioned about the …
Hot Under the Collar
In this election year, should Governor Rick Scott have electrified his voter base with a seven-minute stand on a non-issue? And why? Before an October debate in Fort Lauderdale, incumbent Florida Governor Scott created a media disaster by delaying his appearance for seven minutes due to a cooling fan placed beneath the podium of his opponent, former Republican turned-Democrat gubernatorial …
What Not to Wear on TV
After beating the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Championship, putting Kansas City on the brink of the World Series, Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie created a firestorm of protest without saying a word. Playing off Chris Brown’s rap song “Loyal,” Mr. Guthrie wore a T-shirt to the post-game press conference that read “These O’s Ain’t Royal.” Not …
Serving Up Good Sportsmanship
The 2014 U.S. Open finished September 8 with Croacia’s Marin Cilic beating Japan’s Kei Nishikori. While the win was a huge feat for both Mr. Cilic and his home country, the big story is that neither #1 ranked Novak Djokovic nor #2 ranked Roger Federer were part of this year’s tennis final. Becoming a top world-ranked athlete is no easy …
Minding Your Own Business
Practicing what you preach is good advice. But even those who are accustomed to helping others can themselves mishandle the media. Edelman Public Relations, the largest independent public relations firm in the world by revenue, specializes in crisis control. However, Edelman has run into a few media predicaments of their own lately. The Guardian recently reported on a survey by …
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
In their classic hit, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Simon and Garfunkel offer a message to Cameron Diaz: Take the high road, not the bait! Acknowledge the interview question then bridge to the answer you’ve come to give. Anyone can fall prey to media mistakes if she hasn’t had media coaching, and the typically well-mannered romcom actress, Cameron Diaz, is no …
Everybody Makes Mistakes
Everyone needs media coaching once in a while, including Pope Francis. The Vatican has been recently involved in embarrassing situations due to poor media preparation. Time after time, Vatican spokesmen have been forced to release awkward clarifications after failed media opportunities. And more often than not, these clarifications cause more confusion. Pope Francis’ latest interview with 90-year old journalist Eugenio …
The Best Defense
During a recent conversation with The Guardian, pop singing sensation Lana del Rey experienced a media disaster by steering the interview in the wrong direction. According to Tim Jonze, Lana’s interviewer, she repeatedly expressed discontent with her life and said, “I wish I was dead already.” Reflecting the title of her debut album “Born to Die,” she mentioned several of …