PR Blunders 2019Kentucky Association of

Government Communicators

Roberta BurnesEnvironmental Education Specialist

Kentucky Division for Air Quality

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new”

• The purpose and intent of this presentation is to

reflect on situations that may arise in the

workplace, either by accident or intent, and

discuss how they could be avoided or how best

to address them after they have occurred.

Disclaimer:

Boeing 737 Max Crisis• Two crashes killed 346 people in 2017-2018

• Boeing knew of flight control system flaws but kept them from public and pilots

Boeing’s Response?

• CEO forced out• Internal emails & messages released but show

pattern of deceit and downplaying safety problems

Celebrating Black History Month?• Gucci’s blackface sweater evokes Little Black Sambo• Katy Perry’s shoes follow suit• Adidas’ all-white cotton sneaker called “Uncaged”

Nike Blows It

• Duke player Zion Williamson’s shoe falls apart

• Knee sprain puts Williamson out for rest of season

• Nike loses $1.1 billion in stock value

What is it about February?Burberry’s Noose Hoody

• London Fashion Week runway show• Model Liz Kennedy called Burberry out on

Instagram, saying:

“Suicide is not fashion… Let’s not forget about the horrifying history of lynching either.”

College Admissions Bribery Scandal

• Over 50 parents • College test administrators• Top university athletic personnel

• Coaches resigned or placed on leave• Yale created a FAQ page on the scandal• Public statements• Some students expelled• Netflix postpones release of Huffman film

Monday Motivation?

International House of …?• IHOP announces yet another

name change• The “P” now stands for …

BURGERS (er, “Pancakes”)• Internet gets confused, again

Always Remember this 9/11 Pizza Flag

Meth. We’re On It.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LVcI-DQdYA

Meth. We’re On It.

Peleton Bike CommercialThe gift that gives back

Aviation Gin CommercialThe gift that doesn’t give back

Wal-Mart Pulls Sweater Featuring Santa Doing Cocaine

Dishonorable Mention goes to Amazon for Auschwitz-themed Christmas ornaments

They Otter Not Say That

Conclusions …• Run it past the experts first

• Don’t have experts? Find some

• Have a crisis plan

• Take responsibility

• Apologize and then take action

• Be ready for social media backlash

• Be careful when using vernacular/slang

• Remember to be human

• Communicate early and often

Here’s Wishing You a Blunder-Free Year!