It’s PR’s 2017 Winners And Sinners!

In this guest post, Nicole Reaney (pictured below), director of InsideOut PR & founder of social influencer agency #AsSeenOn, takes a look at PR’s year that was and who soared and who stank…

It’s been a tumultuous year in brand image for some companies and personalities right round the world, while for others 2017 has brought new-found fame and likeability. From the shameful to the opportunistic, gathered here are just some of the events that seeped our headlines this year.

The SINS

 Straight out of the (jacket) gate, who could forget 2017 starting with one very calamitous wardrobe malfunction. When footage was leaked to the public of one very agitated Amber Sherlock, it went beyond our national boarders and become a viral success internationally. The behind-the-scenes spat between her and Julie Snook stemmed from three presenters all finding themselves wearing white just seconds before going live on air. Fast forward six months and Amber once again found herself in identical green to an entertainment reporter… we are yet to be privy as to what went down in the newsroom that day.

Perhaps it was a case of Mistaken Identity, but Delta Goodrem may not have been Sitting on Top of the World when her license was suspended for speeding. Not one to take things sitting down, Delta returned to the driver’s seat appearing in an ad for Apple Music. Public fury and complaints to the advertising watchdog saw the ad pulled for safety and role model concerns with no seat belt visible worn while she was driving.

The Cheesecake Shop was made to eat humble pie for its social media gaffe that backfired. In an attempt to news-jack the pie jammed in the face of Qantas Boss Alan Joyce, an open letter posted on Facebook, stated it was somewhat concerned the lemon meringue pie was not appreciated to its full sweetness. Within 24 hours the company later apologised.

From Weinstein in the U.S right back to our own nation, the year has seen the unveiling of unscrupulous sex scandals. The affair to remember was Seven West Media’s CEO which came to a head following its release to the public late last year. 2017 saw the arrest of ACA reporter Ben McCormack and now accusations on Don Burke from the investigation led by Tracey Spicer that is set to reveal a systemic environment of harassment, abuse and predatory behaviour.

Apart from the near 80 per cent of eligible Australians participating in voicing their opinion in the marriage survey, the communication campaigns from both sides were completely ineffective. Topped off with a budget set at $122 million, there was a lack of integrity, transparency and continued unnecessary and hurtful attacks.

The WINS

It’s been a big win in the reality TV stakes for celebrities seeking to reignite their past fame. From Cassie Donovan’s win in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and the subsequent release of her new single, through to Sophie Monk’s Bachelorette appearance which has seen her snare daily media attention along with lucrative engagements including Uber Eats and Slim Secrets.

The battle for consumer dollars continues in the supermarket wars. In November Coles announced its quiet hour in 68 supermarkets to provide a more supportive shopping environment for shoppers on the spectrum. Responding to customer feedback and in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia the initiative aims to prevent sensory overload.

While over at Aldi could they just be hammering home their version of Cheap Cheap? Just when you thought having alcohol available in store was enough of a win, the chain has won customers over for its wine offering once again with a $7 bottle winning wine of the year at the Melbourne International Wine Competition.

For such a potentially divisive organisation, the NSW Police Force Facebook page are nailing social media capturing an audience of over one million. Apart from being the expected source of minute to minute information on serious crime, community warnings and announcements, they’ve been able to reach and engage a multi-tiered public audience peppering entertaining content throughout their feed. Serious messages like speed or drinking warnings are articulately conveyed through a filter of humour – the underlying gravity of topic still evident and retained. An average post will have over 10,000 comments and up to 500 shares as the public steps up to support the safety and protection of our community.

The Love Your Sister Movement was a genuine win for drawing compassion, awareness and connection. Led by Samuel Johnson, and his sister Connie who sadly passed away in September, she will be remembered for her fight to bring attention and funds to cancer research and bravely inviting the nation to share her journey. Beginning with Sam riding his unicyle around Australia, the group has raised more than $7 million.

Topping of the year is Prince Harry. Ahhh Prince Harry. Even when he does do wrong, the population just adores him even more. With his engagement to Meghan Markle recently announced and the impending wedding in May next year, 2018 will see our media and social world engrossed in royal magnitude.