Molly McPherson | PR Breakdown
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
222: To Catch a Corporate Operative: The "Network News" Hit Piece
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222: To Catch a Corporate Operative: The "Network News" Hit Piece

Today’s podcast sheds light on a new dirty trick used by special interest groups and people who are activist-minded. It takes a look at an article by NPR, “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and reveals how Kristen Hentschel used her previous work experience as a journalist to challenge Toby Overdorf, a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, while working as an advocate for a political consulting firm.

 This episode covers a brief overview of the story, why you need to be aware of this dirty trick if you work in communication, media, news, or a leadership-related position, and what you should bear in mind if facing an activist-minded foe. A second twist follows...

Key Points From This Episode:

  • Insight into the article  “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and why it’s relevant to listeners of this podcast. 

  • A brief overview of the story.

  • How this story reveals a new tactical strategy used by activists.

  • The statement released by ABC denying that Kristen Hentschel worked for them.

  • The twist of Kristen Hentschel working as a journalist while simultaneously working as an advocate.

  • How this relates to a situation faced by one of Molly’s clients with an activist-minded foe.

  • An interesting twist relating to Kristin’s previous career as a journalist under a different name.

  • The Indestructible PR® tip for the day for identifying or dealing with fake or former journalists.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

"She was an ABC News producer. She also was a corporate operative"

Kristen Hentschel on LinkedIn

Molly McPherson 

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