The Leveson enquiry has thrown up some areas for serious consideration as far as the conduct of PR professionals are concerned. Some disturbing behaviour has been highlighted, and although this may not be etiquette for all in the field, there is room for reflection by all. The warnings regard correspondence with the media, and they come following threatening emails sent by London Mayor Boris Johnson's Chief of Communications to the BBC. The emails composed by Gutto Hari, regarding coverage of the Mayor, warned the BBC to back off or face having the media turned against them, he also hinted towards friendships within No.10. In later correspondence he also threatened "a huge public fight" aiming to dissuade.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/may/27/guto-harri-press-campaign-against-bbc
It has also been revealed that a video of a similar nature between Downing Street Communications Director Craig Oliver and reporter Norman Smith was leaked onto Youtube. The less than flattering revelations are a bad example and give conscientious representatives a bad name. A profession based on reputation, yet many communications professionals will be losing theirs.
Many of the incidents that are coming to light regard the tenuous nature between Torie agenda and the peoples' BBC, due to the nature of Leveson. The email Will Wealden, BBC Westminster news editor received from Harri begins as follows,
"Dear Will. We are all sick of this at City Hall, and increasingly at Number 10. BBC London is in danger of causing real problems to all of us."
Clearly politics is centred around these issues coming to light. However, the fact that seemingly safe emails of a blackmail nature are being uncovered is a cautionary tale for anyone in PR. As the country moves towards a more open and public stance as regards professional exchanges, not just surrounding politics, but the media and communications in general, it is best to err on the side of caution when pondering over tactics that protect your client.
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