Social media may be changing the way PRs operate but at heart it is a pretty straightforward business; PR is about handling relations with the public, managing reputation and creating dialogue - talking to people. What better illustration than this video from the new look (and hugely improved) Sunderland Echo website.
"Niall Quinn stepped in to get 80 Sunderland supporters home after their flight was cancelled by airline bosses. The club chairman was one of the passengers due to travel on the easyJet plane from Bristol to Newcastle last night following the team's 1-0 victory over Cardiff.
"A dozen fans were taken off the aircraft and more than 100 were left waiting on board for more than an hour before the captain announced that it was being cancelled.
"Staff claimed drunk passengers were causing asecurity risk, but fans and the club have said they saw no evidence of trouble.
"The Irishman and his staff took action and called on a fleet of 18 taxis to make the 310 mile journey back to the North East A total fare of £8,000 was run up on the taxis, with Quinn and his party also making sure those who had decided to catch the next flight were safe before they too headed home in one of the cars."
Almost makes me want to support Sunderland. I wonder if Shepherd would have done the same?
Posted by: Stephen | April 06, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Just as a player, Quinny was leading from the front - even better, he prob wasnt doing this with any 'PR' motive in mind, just authentically decent leadership behaviour. Doesn't make me want to support S'land, tho my English team's magnificent 7 vs Roma was heart warming!
Posted by: Gerry | April 11, 2007 at 08:09 AM