Gawker
Rich Jernstedt, the chief marketing officer of the massive PR firm Fleishman-Hillard, emails us to explain why, exactly, someone at his firm had the bright idea of mocking Fox News as a nasty, bedbug-infested den of disease, and offering Fox guests a free de-lousing in order to get publicity for a pest control client. Rich, Rich, you don't understand: we're with you on this one. Fox News is a nasty, bedbug-infested den of disease. And we like to see a PR firm uncharacteristically attack a powerful media outlet. We're hoping for a full-on war here! But, reading between the lines of Rich's email, it sounds like Fleishman has done some serious groveling since its CEO got mocked by Fox on-air in retaliation last week. His full email about "our friends at FOX," below:
Hamilton,It seemed like a good idea at the time. Sometimes the commitment to generate publicity can get an agency in trouble. As you noted in your post, one of our more aggressive marcom specialists at Fleishman-Hillard developed a news release for a client that made light of the FOX News green room. Understandably, the folks at FOX didn't appreciate it. One of our strengths is maintaining good relationships with major media like FOX. We talked with our friends at FOX, and also made a note to our file on how to avoid these situations in the future.
Rich Jernstedt
CMO
Fleishman-Hillard
Comments
I'd love to see that file...which I'm sure is located immediately in front of the "How to get into these situations in the future" file.
Well, at least he can spell.
Does "we talked with our friends at FOX" translate into "we sent over our best fluffer?"
Chicken.....
What's the problem? Now I know I can get Fox News on my AT&T-enabled wireless phone. Everybody's happy.
Memo
To: All staff
From: Dick Jernstedt
Subject: Avoiding mockery from tier one news outlets
______________________________________________________________
A reminder to all staff (particularly all you aggressive marcom specialists) -- when fulfilling your commitment to generate publicity, it is imperative that you consult the "How to Avoid these Situations in the Future" file, located in the central file cabinet next to accounting.
Also, tank-tops, flip-flops and midriff-baring shirts are not acceptable attire for casual Fridays.
Thank you,
DJ
@BalknChain: when i used to give walking tours of Philadelphia (seriously...don't laugh) and annoying tourists asked me what i wanted to do when i finished college, I would say I wanted to be a fluffer. it's shocking the number of people who simply smiled, nodded, and said it's nice to have dreams.
@EleanorRigby: hahaha! Are you still in/near Philly? I will now cherish the image and thought of confused mid-western Liberty Bell gawkers thinking how nice it was that their tour guide was going to grow up one day and be a fluffer. Sounds so professional-like.
@BalknChain: no! sadly i graduated and moved up to NYC. but my picture remains on many websites of Asian tourists around the world who probably caption the pictures with news about their tourguide's desire to pursue the American dream of being a fluffer...
Can we assume the "note on file" is written in Purell, on a Handi-Wipe?
@EleanorRigby: haaaaaaa!
I always thought Fox News did a pretty good job mocking itself. That "Fair and Balanced" line is a scream.
Sellouts!
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