Public Relations, Misinformation and the Fight for Truth

In “Hyped,” two award-winning public relations and marketing executives pull back the curtain on public relations and how its misuse is leading to an increasingly chaotic and polarized world. The hosts share real-world stories and first-hand accounts that put a microscope on the impact misinformation is having on society and how we can use public relations for good. In our time of fake news, conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns, it's never been more important to understand how stories are architected and distributed. 

Amanda and Jennifer dive into their pasts in PR and marketing, including time in a well known front group from the tobacco industry. They then examine the origins of PR itself. Edward Bernays was the godfather of public relations. He was also the nephew of Sigmund Freud. They chart how his tactics based on the teachings of his uncle are used to influence and manipulate us today. Amanda then speaks to noted media critic Eric Alterman on the state of our information ecosystem and how misinformation impacts us all.

Flacks to the Front explores how public relations front groups were used in tobacco and how they're showing up today to fuel the climate denial machine. Jennifer Cloer interviews her co-host Amanda McPherson about unwittingly being part of a front group early in her career, and we wrap with an interview with Clean Creatives' Duncan Meisel who says exposing these groups and the agencies that support them can help drive creative talent in new directions.