Category Archives: Politics

Politics is phun.

Shame no PR disaster for Alan Jones over Gillard attack

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Gerry

As an aggressive social media campaign compels advertisers to withdraw their support of the Alan Jones’ radio show, I read a neat precis by Troy Dodds of WA who summarises the issues neatly. And for me, it’s not a PR … Continue reading →

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Where the PR adviser is the PR disaster

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Gerry

For me, the most ironic and iconic PR disasters are where there’s a PR person’s actions at the centre of the storm. Without wishing to go over the coals of the recent Canberra restaurant fracas, here’s a succinct recap of … Continue reading →

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Tony Abbott – loose lips sink ships

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Gerry

Australian Liberal leader Tony Abbott has opened 2012′s PR Disaster contender list with an on-air gaffe comparing the sinking of the Costa Concordia to boat arrivals in Australia, News Limited reports: “Speaking on Triple M Adelaide’s morning show yesterday morning … Continue reading →

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Davenport’s “Ape” email only reveals primitive prejudices

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Gerry

Via Ragan, news that a US Tea Party supporter sent an email depicting President Obama as a baby monkey. Clearly the pathetic racist slur says more about the immaturity and hatred that thrives in the sender – Marilyn Davenport, Orange … Continue reading →

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Academic Behrendt sends most offensive Twitter slur

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Gerry

Australian academic Larissa Behrendt is under pressure having sent one of the most offensive Twitter insults ever seen in Australian politics, says PR disaster specialist Gerry McCusker. Continue reading →

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Tony Abbott in PR disaster with Bush-like silence

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Gerry

Sh*t happens in media interviews: Bullish Australian Liberal leader Tony Abbott is copping highly critical flak for seemingly being fazed into dumb silence when confronted by a newsman about comments he made about the death of an Aussie soldier in … Continue reading →

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Chequebook journalism, editor in undies, best men and Tories communication director Coulson

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Gerry

Here’s a mind-boggling PR disaster story. A (Scottish) News Of The World editor (nicknamed The Beast) is alleged to have stripped down to his boxer undies to watch a video (incriminating a Member of the Scottish Parliament MSP) which a … Continue reading →

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Gillard, Arbib and the empty chair PR disaster

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Gerry

Apparently, Aussie PM Julia Gillard banned a senior Labour honcho – Mark Arbib – from appearing on the country’s most credible political panel discussion (Q&A) last night. Mischievously, the producers left Arbib’s seat empty thereby creating a risible talking point … Continue reading →

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