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In case you missed it, Bloomberg Businessweek published an intriguing story yesterday by veteran journalist Paul M. Barrett that ran with the headline “What It’s Like to Be Attacked by Putin’s Flack.”
The “flack” in question is Ketchum — more specifically D.C.-based partner Kathy Jeavons, who “heads both the Ecuador and Russia accounts” for the firm.
For the record, Jeavons did not personally attack or even contact Barrett. But a source did forward him a talking points document that the firm wrote for Nathalie Cely, Ecuador’s ambassador to the United States. The doc included both well-stated observations about Ecuador’s history with Chevron and suggestions for casting doubt on the credibility of Law of the Jungle, Barrett’s upcoming book on the lawsuit that accuses the company of abusing its relationship with the people of Ecuador....
In the rough-and-tumble world of politics, multinational corporations and public affairs, there are always plenty of bruises to go around. The original article provides a fascinating look at PR strategy and reputation management. Ketchum's analysis and advice appear sound though ironically as the journalist suggests, they vindicate his own views on Texaco/Chevron's actions at the same time. I expect the book will become required reading for environmentalists, PR consultants and corporate managers.