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Thursday, June 24, 2010
BP PR and Legal Accountability
To lawyers, BP's PR strategy isn't puzzling
By CURT ANDERSON, RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI and DAVID KOENIG (AP) – 19 hours ago
To a nation frustrated by the Gulf oil spill, BP's attempts at damage control have sometimes been infuriatingly vague. But from a legal standpoint, that's exactly the point.
ENONOMICS AND POLITICS, two subjects that play a significant role in every aspects of life; one way or another. One would think there's a oil leak, plug it up - problem solved. NO. First you must consider the politics and economics of every case scenario, deeming a solution based on what positions best both economically and politically. The article states, "There is a natural tension between public relations people who want BP to project a positive image and lawyers who don't want to be boxed into a corner." The lawyers and PR people share the same goal, stregthening and securing BP political and ecomonic status; however the two sides have two dramically different plans to ensuring the goal is met.
Was BP'S early Silence as it relates to oil spill the advice of their lawyers? Taking a much more proactive role, I would offer now, that the PR folks have found away to effectively manage BP's public relations without disclosing too much information. We spoke about this briefly in class last Wednesday. As suggested in class, BP has chosen a Mississippi native to the face and voice of the company.
I understand what you are saying Christina. However, PR reps and lawyers very rarely have the same goal. Lawyers are focused on keeping the company out of litigation. They want to say as little as possible. Their usual statement would be "no comment." PR people's goal is controlling public opinion. They know that saying "no comment" is not what the public wants and they will get lambasted for doing so. PR people know that being seen as accepting responsibility by the public in some form can gain a lot of leverage in and sympathy in the public eye. However, the lawyers cringe at the idea of even seeming to accept guilt or liability in any way. It can come back to haunt them in the court room. It is a very tough balance that must be struck between the lawyers and PR reps.
ENONOMICS AND POLITICS, two subjects that play a significant role in every aspects of life; one way or another. One would think there's a oil leak, plug it up - problem solved. NO. First you must consider the politics and economics of every case scenario, deeming a solution based on what positions best both economically and politically.
ReplyDeleteThe article states, "There is a natural tension between public relations people who want BP to project a positive image and lawyers who don't want to be boxed into a corner." The lawyers and PR people share the same goal, stregthening and securing BP political and ecomonic status; however the two sides have two dramically different plans to ensuring the goal is met.
Was BP'S early Silence as it relates to oil spill the advice of their lawyers? Taking a much more proactive role, I would offer now, that the PR folks have found away to effectively manage BP's public relations without disclosing too much information. We spoke about this briefly in class last Wednesday. As suggested in class, BP has chosen a Mississippi native to the face and voice of the company.
I understand what you are saying Christina. However, PR reps and lawyers very rarely have the same goal. Lawyers are focused on keeping the company out of litigation. They want to say as little as possible. Their usual statement would be "no comment." PR people's goal is controlling public opinion. They know that saying "no comment" is not what the public wants and they will get lambasted for doing so. PR people know that being seen as accepting responsibility by the public in some form can gain a lot of leverage in and sympathy in the public eye. However, the lawyers cringe at the idea of even seeming to accept guilt or liability in any way. It can come back to haunt them in the court room. It is a very tough balance that must be struck between the lawyers and PR reps.
ReplyDelete