gt tackles ‘black pr’ for Ukranian delegation
5 July 2010 16:21
The drama surrounding the 2004/2005 Orange Revolution in the Ukraine, which grabbed the worlds attention with the promise of a massive people’s revolt over an oppressive authoritarian regime, raised the flag of democracy high at the beginning of the new century. But the Ukraine remains a country at battle with the shadows of its past and present.
Black Public Relations (BPR) or negative Public Relations is a process of destroying someone’s reputation and corporate identity. This is where the term ‘smear campaign’ comes from, a term that so tangibly communicates the dirt and filth that it associates with. While the Ukraine is by no means a lone wolf in the use of this dark form of communications, it is most certainly a leader in the field, and Black PR, propaganda, lies and character assassination are simply everyday accepted and expected ways of doing business in the country.
Over the past couple of days both Simon Cohen, founder and visionary behind global tolerance, and Lance McPherson, Senior Accounts Manager, were invited to make separate presentations to a select group of influential communications professionals visiting the UK from Kyiv (Kiev) and Kharhiv, the second largest city in the Ukraine. A group of 8 made up of Parliamentary Assistants, Media Students, Press Officers and Government Communications interns have come here to witness and explore a new perspective in communications, one that sidesteps ruthless competition and concentrates on connecting people to messages that are compelling, positive, and hopeful. Simon and Lance were hand picked to speak of their experience establishing global tolerance, swimming against the tide of UK PR tradition and operating ethically in an frequently hostile PR environment and media landscape.
The group are in London for seven days, and their itinerary includes a visit with the COI, The BBC Bush House for a live link to Kyiv (Kiev), The Foreign and Commonwealth Office for a briefing and the Swaminarayan Mandir at Neasden.They will also hear from Colleen Harris, Former Press secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales, and Farzana Hakim, Former Senior Political Adviser to Tony Blair whilst PM, as well as receiving training in the UK context for political and social engagement.
