Public Relations, Misinformation and the Fight for Truth In “Hyped,†two award-winning public relations and marketing executives pull back the curtain on public relations and how its misuse is leading to an increasingly chaotic and polarized world. The hosts share real-world stories and first-hand accounts that put a microscope on the impact misinformation is having on society and how we can use public relations for good. In our time of fake news, conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns, it's never been more important to understand how stories are architected and distributed. The first season has seven episodes.
Amanda McPherson, Jennifer Cloer
The Hyped podcast is an engaging and thought-provoking show that tackles the complex and often murky world of public relations and its impact on shaping public opinion. In a time where misinformation and manipulation are rampant, this podcast offers valuable insights into the forces at play behind the scenes, particularly in recent presidential elections. Hosted by knowledgeable and seasoned professionals, The Hyped podcast provides listeners with valuable context to better understand where their online news and perspectives originate from.
One of the best aspects of The Hyped podcast is the expertise that the hosts bring to the table. It is evident that they have a deep understanding of public relations and its influence on shaping public opinion. Their knowledge shines through in each episode as they discuss various topics related to PR and give insightful analysis. The hosts' experience adds credibility to their viewpoints, making their discussions all the more informative.
Furthermore, The Hyped podcast does an excellent job of keeping its content relevant and timely. By delving into recent events, such as past presidential elections, the show ensures that listeners can connect what they hear to real-world examples. This approach not only makes episodes relatable but also enhances their overall impact by highlighting how PR strategies have shaped significant political outcomes.
However, one area where The Hyped podcast could improve is by offering a more balanced perspective. While it is crucial to shed light on the nefarious tactics used by certain PR entities, it would be beneficial for listeners to hear about instances where PR has been employed ethically and responsibly. Including such examples would provide a more comprehensive view of the field while fostering a more nuanced discussion.
In conclusion, The Hyped podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking to gain insight into the forces that shape our online news feeds and perspectives today. With knowledgeable hosts who provide valuable context and analysis, this show effectively educates listeners about how public relations influences public opinion. Despite lacking some balance in its perspectives, The Hyped offers a fascinating and alarming look at the world of PR, making it a great podcast for those interested in understanding the complexities of our modern media landscape.
Amanda details how the Unabomber figured into her opinions about PR and propelled her to make a move. Then, Jennifer and Amanda discuss the first season: what they learned and where to go next with misinformation and the fight for truth.
In episode seven, Amanda talks with digital democracy and open government expert Alex Howard on the state of journalism and what we can do to fight misinformation. Alex details how lack of trust in government has led to the radicalization of a large segment of our population and how direct community connection is the only way out of this misinformation mess. Please give us a review and share with someone who may enjoy Hyped.
Information has become weaponized. In episode six (part one), Amanda and Jennifer take a look at misinformation and the increasing practice of owning the news. If journalists won't publish propaganda, companies just create their own "brand journalism." Amanda explains how companies and political dark money groups are disguising paid-for and partisan propaganda as local newspapers. This episode uncovers a very dark trajectory for our democracy. Please subscribe, follow and rate and share.
Science has shown humans learn best through stories. Bernays knew if you make an emotional connection and use fear, greed or lust, you can influence people to act. Marketers of all types use story and emotion to great effect. But can it go too far? How do we know if we're being manipulated? In this episode, Amanda and Jennifer break down how story and emotion are used, including some chilling examples. Then Amanda talks to Adobe Executive Creative Director and author Adam Morgan about his book "Sorry Spock, Emotions Drive Business" and why he thinks people trust brands more than media. Please subscribe, follow and rate and share.
In the Dark Side, Jennifer and Amanda take a look at a dark PR case study ripped from the headlines and right in their own backyard (tech). They explore how sophisticated technologies are being used to take shady PR tactics to a whole new level with honey traps, troll farms and end-to-end manipulation systems, and Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong tells us where we need more transparency in order to stop the spread of digital misinformation.
In Episode Three "Dangerous Stunts," we dive into the world of PR stunts that manufacture attention through spectacle—or worse. Public Relations stunts run the gamut from the harmless to the very harmful. In today's world of image and social media, stunts are even more of an important tactic. We look back at Ivy Lee and the Rockefellers to see how Public Relations stunts began, and then talk with Dylan Bank, director of the fascinating documentary Get Me Roger Stone on how Roger uses stunts for political gain.
Flacks to the Front explores how public relations front groups were used in tobacco and how they're showing up today to fuel the climate denial machine. Jennifer Cloer interviews her co-host Amanda McPherson about unwittingly being part of a front group early in her career, and we wrap with an interview with Clean Creatives' Duncan Meisel who says exposing these groups and the agencies that support them can help drive creative talent in new directions.
Amanda and Jennifer dive into their pasts in PR and marketing, including time in a well known front group from the tobacco industry. They then examine the origins of PR itself. Edward Bernays was the godfather of public relations. He was also the nephew of Sigmund Freud. They chart how his tactics based on the teachings of his uncle are used to influence and manipulate us today. Amanda then speaks to noted media critic Eric Alterman on the state of our information ecosystem and how misinformation impacts us all.
Public Relations, Misinformation and the Fight for Truth In “Hyped,” two award-winning public relations and marketing executives pull back the curtain on public relations and how its misuse is leading to an increasingly chaotic and polarized world. The hosts share real-world stories and first-hand accounts that put a microscope on the impact misinformation is having on society and how we can use public relations for good. In our time of fake news, conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns, it's never been more important to understand how stories are architected and distributed.
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