The Flack

This weblog attempts to shine a brighter light on the subtle role public relations plays in politics, culture, media, business and sports. Through greater transparency, the author hopes to make the profession better understood and perhaps more widely appreciated.

It didn’t get much pick-up here. In fact, I think I only saw a brief Reuters item in The Times. But BP CEO Lord Browne’s announcement earlier this week on his company’s auspicious plans to make an $8 billion investment in alternative energy sources further bolsters and differentiates this socially responsible company at a time when the spotlight on the oil industry is especially harsh. Is this simply a ploy to deflect the criticism?

The answer is a resounding no! Some years ago, I had the fortune of representing BP as it broke with the industry to acknowledge the potential dangers of global warming. It was a bold, risky, but earnest move, which enabled BP to completely recast its corporate reputation. The company’s new and continuing commitment to do good, has allowed it also to do well. Kudos to Lord Browne for paying more than lip service to the environment.


Posted in Institutions & Enterprises, Lord John Browne, BP | No Comments »

Socially Smooth Sailing

Posted by Peter Himler on 13th July 2005

Example

In its ongoing commitment to lessen the public perception gap that exists over its factories’ working conditions, Gap Inc. today leaked to the Wall Street Journal its second annual “social-responsibility report.” The news is good (otherwise, why would the SF-based apparel company have offered it up to The Journal a day before its general release?)

More and more companies are taking the initiative to placate their important constituencies, which include increasingly influential and sophisticated NGOs, by tackling and then publicly sharing the operational and societal challenges they face. Reebok, followed by Nike, are other notables that have transparently come to terms with their workers’ standard of living.

On the environmental front, BP and Shell have taken the lead, while ExxonMobil’s CEO, in an article also published in The Journal, thumbed his nose at the environmental movement. We soon shall see the price it will pay for its recalcitrant position. The company is now the target of a boycott by some potent NGOs. Maybe the nation’s largest oil producer should just take out a Greenpeace ship?

Posted in Environmental PR, Philanthropy, BP, NGOs | No Comments »

Hot Air

Posted by Peter Himler on 14th June 2005

Example

It’s 94 degrees and humid in New York today.

In 1997, BP CEO Sir John Browne delivered a speech in which he broke with the oil industry to acknowledge that global warming is an issue with which we all must contend. At the time, he probably didn’t know the degree to which his radical stance would transform the image of his company, let alone his own. At the time, no other major oil company admitted any possible role in global climate change. Most belonged or funded organizations that fought the notion that big oil contributes to this problem. Many have since come around, but not the world’s largest — Exxon Mobil.

Today’s Wall Street Journal highlights the stalwart policies of the recalcitrant Exxon and its long-time CEO Lee Raymond, who steadfastly refuses to acknowledge any human culpability in global warming.

How does this affect the perception of the company? For the financial community, all of whom read the Wall Street Journal, Raymond’s position will probably be seen in a positive light. After all, being a good environmental steward can be costly.

For BP, doing good has translated into doing well. Take notice, Mr. Raymond.

Posted in Global Climate Change, Environmental PR, BP, Corporate Social Responsibility | 1 Comment »