The Entertainment Bureau

About 10 years ago I had the great honour to be a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Westminster, teaching undergraduates on its BA:  Public Relations and Advertising course, focusing on its Campaigning and Persuasive Skills module.

There have been many films and TV programmes which explore the subject of Public Relations and all that’s involved in exercising it with Thank You For Smoking (2005) my favourite film which explores a lobbyist for Big Tobacco.  It’s written and Directed by Jason Reitman and based on the 1994 satirical novel by Christopher Buckley.

By chance I watched the first episode of a TV drama that upon first viewing, didn’t hold me.  Too violent and gory, but it was my daughter who suggested I persist as ‘it’s about public relations mum’, she encouraged me.  I’m glad I did.  Poor Ashley!!!

"The Boys," an Amazon Prime series based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, has garnered significant attention for its unflinching and often grotesque portrayal of superheroes. Unlike traditional superhero narratives, "The Boys" presents a world where superheroes, or "Supes," are managed by a corporate entity, Vought International. The series provides a dark and satirical look at the world of public relations (PR), highlighting the power and manipulation involved in shaping public perception. Here's an exploration of the various aspects of PR as depicted in "The Boys."

At the heart of Vought International’s operations is the meticulous crafting of superhero personas. Each Supe’s image is carefully curated to maximise public appeal and profitability. Homelander, for instance, is portrayed as the quintessential all-American hero, embodying patriotism and moral righteousness. This carefully constructed image contrasts sharply with his true, sociopathic nature.

PR Lesson: In the real world, public figures and brands often present an idealised version of themselves to the public. "The Boys" exaggerates this concept to show how PR can mask darker realities behind a polished facade.

Crisis management is a recurring theme in the series. When a Supe’s misdeeds come to light, Vought’s PR team swiftly moves to control the narrative. For example, when A-Train’s drug abuse is exposed, the company spins a story to mitigate the damage to his and Vought’s reputation. Similarly, when Homelander's atrocities are revealed, efforts are made to reframe the narrative or distract the public with other news.

PR Lesson: Effective crisis management involves quickly addressing issues, controlling the story, and sometimes deflecting attention. The show demonstrates both the power and ethical ambiguity of such strategies.

"The Boys" also delves into the manipulation of the media to serve corporate interests. Vought wields significant influence over news outlets, ensuring favourable coverage of the Supes while burying negative stories. This control over information flow is a critical component of their PR strategy.

PR Lesson: The relationship between corporations and media can significantly impact public perception. The series exaggerates this to underscore how media can be used as a tool for propaganda and misinformation.

Vought often exploits social issues to enhance the Supes' images. For instance, the company promotes Queen Maeve’s LGBTQ+ identity and Starlight’s feminist stance to appeal to specific demographics. While these moves are presented as progressive, they are ultimately driven by profit motives rather than genuine advocacy.

PR Lesson: Brands frequently align themselves with social causes to resonate with target audiences. "The Boys" satirises this practice, revealing the potential for exploitation when motivations are insincere.

The stark contrast between the public personas of the Supes and their true behaviours is a central theme. While the public sees heroes, viewers are privy to their morally bankrupt actions. This dichotomy underscores the disparity between crafted public images and hidden realities.

PR Lesson: Authenticity in PR is crucial. When the truth eventually comes out, the fallout can be far more damaging than if transparency had been maintained from the start. "The Boys" amplifies this concept to illustrate the potential dangers of deception.

Throughout the series, the ethical dilemmas faced by PR professionals are highlighted. The show’s character Ashley Barrett, who becomes Vought’s PR head, often finds herself torn between corporate directives and her own moral compass. Her journey illustrates the personal and professional conflicts inherent in the PR industry.

PR Lesson: PR practitioners must navigate ethical challenges, balancing corporate interests with personal integrity. "The Boys" presents a hyperbolic but thought-provoking portrayal of these conflicts.

"The Boys" provides a fascinating and extreme exploration of public relations, offering valuable insights through its satirical lens. It exaggerates real-world PR practices to highlight the power and potential pitfalls of managing public perception. As viewers watch the Supes navigate their carefully crafted public images, they are reminded of the complex, and sometimes dark, reality behind the polished veneer presented by public figures and corporations. In this way, "The Boys" serves as both entertainment and a critical commentary on the power of PR in shaping society’s heroes.

This is a must-watch show for entertainment or if you’re a PR student.  It’s well written, brilliantly acted and the special effects are clever, but it’s not for the faint of heart.  The three main characters for me are Homelander, portrayed by Anthony Starr, Butcher played by Keith Urban and Colby Minifie’s Ashley Barrett.  Be warned, there is liberal use of the C-word too!  I’m watching the first three series for the third time and can’t wait for season four.

Diane

Why should I hire a publicist?

1. Media Exposure: A publicist can help you gain exposure in various media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, and online publications. They have established relationships with journalists and editors, making it easier for you to get press coverage for your music releases, performances, or other activities.
2. Brand Building: A publicist can assist in shaping your brand image and narrative. They can work with you to develop a compelling story that resonates with your audience and helps differentiate you from other artists.
3.  Industry Connections: Publicists often have extensive networks within the music industry. They can introduce you to key players such as record label executives, music producers, and other influential figures who can help further your career.
4. Increased Visibility: With a publicist’s help, you can expand your reach and visibility beyond your current fan base. They can pitch your music to radio stations and playlists, helping you reach new listeners and potential fans.
5. Crisis Management: In the event of any controversies or negative publicity, a publicist can help manage the situation and mitigate damage to your reputation. They can advise you on how to respond and navigate sensitive issues.
6. Time and Expertise: Managing your own publicity can be time-consuming and requires specific expertise. By hiring a publicist, you can focus more on your music while leaving the promotional aspects to a professional who knows how to maximise exposure effectively.
7. Objective Perspective: A publicist can offer an objective perspective on your music and career. They can provide valuable feedback and strategic advice based on their experience working with other artists.
8. Event Promotion: Whether it’s a concert, album release, or other events, a publicist can help generate buzz and excitement around your activities, ensuring maximum attendance and media coverage.

In summary, a publicist can be a valuable investment for a singer/songwriter looking to raise their career and increase their visibility in the competitive music industry. They bring expertise, connections, and a strategic approach that can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Having a million followers on TikTok is a significant achievement and shows that you already have a strong online presence and a dedicated fan base. However, investing in a publicist can still be beneficial for several reasons, even with a large following on social media:

1. Media Outreach Beyond Social Media: While TikTok is a powerful platform for reaching a large audience, a publicist can help you expand your visibility beyond social media. They can pitch your story and music to traditional media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio, reaching audiences that may not be active on TikTok.
2. Professional Image and Branding: A publicist can work with you to refine your brand image and narrative, ensuring consistency across all platforms. This can help you attract opportunities such as partnerships, endorsements, and collaborations with brands or other artists.
3.  Industry Connections and Opportunities: Publicists often have extensive networks within the music industry. They can introduce you to industry professionals such as record labels, talent agents, and music supervisors for film and TV, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
4. Event Promotion and Management: If you're planning live performances, album releases, or other events, a publicist can assist with promotion and logistics. They can help secure press coverage, coordinate media interviews, and manage publicity surrounding the event.
5. Strategic Guidance and Reputation Management: A publicist can provide strategic advice and guidance tailored to your career goals. They can help navigate challenges, manage crises, and ensure that your public image remains positive and consistent.
6. Long-Term Career Growth: While TikTok is a fantastic platform for building an audience, a publicist can help you translate that online success into long-term career growth. They can assist with developing a roadmap for your career, identifying new opportunities, and expanding your reach beyond social media.

In conclusion, even with a large following on TikTok, investing in a publicist can be a smart move to take your music career to the next level. They can provide valuable expertise, industry connections, and strategic support that can help you maximise your potential and sustain success in the competitive music industry.

When you're considering hiring a publicist for your music career, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are some key questions you should consider asking prospective publicists:

1. What is your experience in the music industry?  Understanding their background and specific experience within the music industry can give you confidence in their ability to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in music publicity.
2. Can you provide examples of successful campaigns you've worked on?  Asking for case studies or examples of past successful campaigns can help you gauge their track record and see if their approach aligns with your goals.
3.  What is your approach to developing a publicity strategy for musicians?  Understanding how they approach developing a strategy can give you insights into their methodology and whether it aligns with your vision for your music career.
4. What media contacts do you have and how do you leverage them?  Publicists rely on their network of media contacts to secure coverage for their clients. Asking about their contacts and how they utilise them can give you an idea of their reach and influence within the industry.
5. How do you measure the success of a publicity campaign?  It's important to understand how they define and measure success. Whether it's through metrics like media placements, audience reach, or other key performance indicators, clarity on success metrics will help set expectations.
6. What services are included in your fee?  Clarifying what services are included in their fee structure (e.g., media pitching, press releases, event coordination) will help you understand what you're paying for and avoid surprises.
7. How do you handle crisis management or negative publicity?  Understanding their approach to handling challenging situations can be crucial, especially in the unpredictable world of music and entertainment.  
8. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?  Asking for references or testimonials can provide insights into their reputation and client satisfaction.
9. How do you tailor your strategies to different artists and genres?  Each artist and genre may require a unique approach to publicity. Understanding how they adapt their strategies to different clients can help determine if they can meet your specific needs.
10. What is your communication style and how often can I expect updates?  Clear communication is key in any professional relationship. Make sure you understand their communication style and how often they will provide updates on the progress of your campaign.

These questions can serve as a starting point for evaluating prospective publicists and ensuring that you find the right partner to help you achieve your music career goals.

Good luck in your search and don't be afraid to ask questions.  Publicists are there to help.