Public Relations Expert Howard Bragman
Episode 21 : Media Mayhem
Episode Synopsis
Howard Bragman joins Allison to discuss PR across a wide media-scape. Everything from reality television stars to Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson are discussed in this lightning quick breakdown of the modern entertainment industry.
In addition, Howard gives keen insight into the tender business of handling PR for GLBT-related stars and issues (including his own memories of working with Heath Ledger on the “Brokeback Mountain” media campaign).
Though Howard’s business is making people look as good as possible, he does not hold back on Media Mayhem.
Guest Bio
Howard Bragman is a pubic relations professional with over 30 years of
experience. He served as a vice president at Burson-Marsteller and in 1989
founded Bragman Nyman Cafarelli which he sold in 2000. In 2005 he founded
Fifteen Minutes a boutique entertainment PR agency that provides services such
as high level strategy, crisis communications and media training. Bragman
currently serves as Vice Chairman of Reputation.com, an online reputation
management firm. Published author of the book, “Where’s My Fifteen Minutes,”
Bragman can be seen on television on such shows as Good Morning America,
Entertainment Tonight and HLN‘s Showbiz Tonight.
Episode Breakdown
00:01 Welcome to Media Mayhem.
00:30 Introducing Howard Bragman.
02:55 What is reputation.com? The importance of a clean google search.
05:49 Is there some way to control social discussions?
08:22 Raising the level of superficial journalism.
09:24 Thoughts on the Republican presidential campaign.
14:20 PR for celebrities ‘coming out,’ and helping them live their truth.
20:57 The political implications to the “choice” vs “lifestyle” debate.
23:45 The real job of a PR person and the importance of words.
25:23 “Brokeback Mountain,” and why it was the scariest media training ever.
30:28 Small steps towards homosexual equality.
32:19 “Tragic straight people:” Reality TV stars and when exposure can pay off.
41:01 The time to advise people against things.
41:32 “Where’s my 15 minutes?” All press is not good press.
43:10 The difference between fame and achievement (case in point, Dr. Drew.)
48:20 Coverage of the Whitney Houston death and the reaction to Howard’s response.
54:03 Michael Jackson’s death and the teachable moment for society.
59:17 The Mayhem Round. Are politicians afraid of the stain of Hollywood?
1:02:38 Thanks and close.
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Hosted By
Allison Hope Weiner
Allison Hope Weiner was a Century City entertainment litigator before she began writing about Hollywood as a journalist. A graduate of Columbia University and the University of Southern California Law Center, she joined the legendary firm of Wyman, Bautzer—where she represented entertainers and corporate media clients.
