Clients and agencies in a recession - the reality?

Thanks to Todd Defren, Shift Communications www.pr-squared.com

International PR - we're not that different really

I was at an ICCO meeting last week before attending the Paul Holme’s Sabre Awards at the amazing City Hall, Stockholm.

Part of the ICCO meeting was a round table discussion from attendees representing PRs from 20+ countries around the world – South America, Europe, Africa and North America.

It was interesting to see that many of the changes we have seen in the UK market in the last 12 months have been repeated in other countries. The top six trends were:

1. Decline in print media on the back on collapse in advertising revenues
2. Advertising sector pushing hard for digital communications budgets. Sweden was the exception where the PR sector seems to ‘own’ digital communications.
3. Downward pressure on all budgets across all sectors
4. Clients asking for more for less
5. Pitches asking for projects rather than retainers
6. Strategic consulting and crisis advice growth areas

On a positive note, Brazil is forecasting one and a half percent growth in its economy for 2009 and with South Africa’s banks precluded from taking foreign investment the country’s financial sector has not been hit as hard by the credit crunch. Although with the average South African worker have nine dependents the impact of unemployment is considerable.

If you are looking for an overview of the international PR sector take a look at the latest ICCO World Report – published earlier this year – and what I believe is the only annual report specifically on the PR sector.

You Can't Polish a Turd

When a company or an organisation gets something wrong they have two choices from a communications perspective - put their hands up and apologise or continue to plod on defending their mistake.

Two great examples of these different approaches in the last 24 hours – one serious one not serious.

Joanna Lumley’s hijacking of an impromptu press conference with immigration minister Phil Woolas yesterday was a good example of plodding on regardless. Once you’ve seen the clip you’ll know who you trust and who you don’t. Why a government with so many huge issues to manage continues to fight this battle is beyond me. But setting a monotone and uncharismatic minister alongside a famous and popular actress who clearly has the moral high ground is just plain stupid.



On a lighter note, Emma Porter of Kaizo (http://twitter.com/emmapotter) highlighted the ad above from M&S in this morning’s Metro, detailing its change of heart over the premium it charges for D-cup bras.

One approach builds loyalty and supports the brand – the other reinforces failings and undermines future communications.