Over the holiday weekend I have had the opportunity to do some reading and investigation to attempt to put together the facts from a PR perspective of how things could go so terribly wrong in terms of the “they against us” attitude most folks now have towards the TSA. A number of PR gaffs has lead to this perception.
First off the lame TSA Administrator John Pistole used a worn out administration card saying the TSA knows what right for our citizens but unfortunately they haven’t done a good enough job educating people. Again, we’re so stupid that the wonderful changes they put in place and the stellar way in which they presented it to the public is above our scope of appreciation.
When I departed Long Island for Las Vegas a few days ago I noticed that the TSA was profiling blue hair. Oh I understand everyone is on edge with recent breeches, put this was the definitive example of perhaps spending too much time on the wrong person.
I’m writing this post as an introduction to a topic I will frequently cover. I understand that the core job of a PIO, whether it be in a volunteer or paid department, is to provide information to the public and media. In our world this task is a 24/7 job that keeps our plates quite full. Many PIO’s do not engage in marketing or brand identity, but solely concentrate on providing public information. For those PIO’s whose responsibilities extend into the marketing arena, developing your departments brand is essential to maintain a high public perception of the type of service you provide to the community.
