One session at the Charity Communications conference that I didn't write about was the keynote speech from Kelvin MacKenzie, the former editor of The Sun. It was controversial to say the least, with several delegates storming out of the room half way through in disgust. As such, I thought it wasn't woorth repeating what he said considering that a lot of what he said didn't appear to carry much worth itself.
The latest issue of PR Week contains a piece on the incident though and covers the story well (even MacKenzie's comments are taken slightly out of context). It makes for interesting reading, but the conference organisers did record the whole speech, so I'll let you know if (when) I get hold of it:
"Kelvin MacKenzie, the former editor of The Sun, has clashed with hundreds of conference delegates after arguing that you could never put a positive spin on a story involving a paedophile.You can read the PR Week article here.
During his speech at the Charity Communications conference in London, he advised delegates not to judge coverage purely by its content, but by its volume, 'there is no such thing as bad publicity – ask Jeffrey Archer - unless of course you're a paedophile. I think that's probably the area where publicity is not helpful'.
But during the question and answer session a delegate told him that her charity worked with paedophiles. As the charity helped to protect children, was there not any opportunity to garner positive coverage?
'No. Next', he said, adding 'Are you serious? There is a paedophile charity?'
The delegates were visibly infuriated as they tried to explain what the charity actually did, and MacKenzie's response was met by audible shock.
'There may be an argument, but I'm not going to progress it', he said, 'Why don't you try The Independent, there's probably a few [positive stories] in there'. He said he wrote his own 'vile column' in The Sun adding, 'you can be sure the paedophile charity will get a good mention in it next week don't you worry about that'."
1 comment:
Who on earth thought he would be a good keynote speaker anyway for a Charity conference? His views and political persuasion are pretty well known and he seems a deeply inappropriate person to talk to an audience of charity staff.
Post a Comment