Like great comedy, timing is the secret to great public relations
Much like great comedy, the secret to great public relations is all about timing. From the optimum time to pitch your press release through to the best time to actually get the resultant publicity for your business. Of course, if you are the Prime Minister and your party is in third place in the polls... timing is crucial!
Which is why Gordon Brown and Lord Adonis called their press conference outside 10 Downing Street earlier today to announce the Royal Navy would be heading off to rescue stranded Brits from Europe, it just happened to be smack bang in the middle of David Cameron's press conference and each and every news programme cut him off to take the news first.
Amazing timing eh? What a coincidence that the business of Government just happened to clash with the Conservatives' electioneering? Or rather what a coincidence that the business of Labour electioneering just happened to clash with the Conservatives' electioneering. Of course some people are crying foul that the Royal Navy has only been sent in to hijack the headlines. I think the same accusation was levelled at Margaret Thatcher when she sent the Royal Navy to the Falklands!
In the mud slinging of an election it is hardly surprings that the Tories complain, but it is one of the tools that a sitting Prime Minister has at his disposal. Watch for any big news story that can hijack the agenda. Better than facing up to the polls.
When I was a press officer at Thames Valley Police, more than once we organised a press conference or press facility at a police station or venue away from a location where an operation was being launched, or a sensitive witness was being brought in.
Admittedly such timing shenanigans are in the advanced class of public relations, so do ask Morgan PR if you want any help!