As PIO’s most of us are constantly working to position our departments in the most positive public light possible. Much of this effort involves interaction with the media to spread the word about our professionalism and efforts. While it is great that we can create cordial working relationships with the press, it is not beneficial to either party to become “friends.” Sooner or later tough questions are going to have to be asked by the media and on the opposite side we may find a story to have erroneous facts or flawed opinions.
My buddy Bill Purcell in Nevada has told me that Sharon Angle has a good vision for residents of the state and deserves to become its next Senator. The problem might not be her political platform but rather her public relations and media outreach which seems to always get her in hot water. It appears Angle’s PR and media strategists are inept and constantly giving her the wrong advise and some absurd talking points to boot.
I posted recently on a “press conference” that Angle held that virtually had her speaking into the camera but ignoring the physical presence of the media in attendance. She hauled off for her car afterwards not answering questions and having in tow a press guy that had the personality of a tick.
I blame Angle’s choice of media consultants, but moreover I blame her media folks altogether. The women is unfortunately surrounding herself with empty suits that advise her on what to say on interviews like this one a few days back.
It is a truly baffling interview. Watch as Angle says the following in an interview with Fox News’ Carl Cameron in regards to her media strategy:
Angle: “We needed to have the press be our friend.”
Cameron: “Wait a minute. Hold on a second. To be your friend…?”
Angle: “Well, truly-”
Cameron: “That sounds naive.”
Angle: “Well, no. We wanted them to ask the questions we want to answer so that they report the news the way we want it to be reported.”
Also on The Fire PIO…
- Watch out for the Reporter who Flips the Script – October 21, 2010
- The PIO Should Keep Homeowners Informed on the Fire Ground – November 2, 2010
- Not all Public Speaking is the Same. What’s your Grade? – September 14, 2010
- What’s in your Email Subject Line? – August 11, 2010
She clearly has no concept of the press. And surrounding herself with the aformentioned empty suits is a standard political move. They want to keep her ‘on message” but she clearly has other ideas.
I’d love to hear a debate or a simple speech from her she wrote herself so we can hear some of her ideas and platforms. All politicians should write their own speeches in my utopia.