PR: Insurance Companies' Secret Weapon in the Health Care Debate?
Strategic public relations, when used effectively in controversy, can be the dog whisperer that ultimately tames the beast. It can likewise be the match that ignites the giant blaze.
We bring this point about PR up because of a CNN Politics.com article recently written by ex-insurance company spokesman Wendell Potter. Potter's former role as a corporate public relations executive for one of the nation's largest health insurers put him in the constant role of helping to "promote and defend" that insurance company's reputation. We found his points about the impact of public relations for the insurance industry quite illuminating, especially in light of the recent turmoil over President Obama's health care plan. According to Potter, big insurance groups often put much of their budget into hiring public relations people to enhance company reputations, deliver a consistently positive message, and engage media to write positive industry and company coverage.
Potter even claims that some of the public relations teams hired by insurance companies funnel talking points to conservative politicians, business people and other high profile right-wing figures, as well as set up strategic PR stunts. All of these tactics are designed to positively promote the insurance industry while at the same time quashing support for government-run health care. When it comes to an issue as pervasive as the current health care dispute, these strategies can pack a significant punch when used well.
Regardless of where you stand on the Obama health care plan or what your thoughts are on the insurance industry, Potter's article is insightful and worth a read.
We bring this point about PR up because of a CNN Politics.com article recently written by ex-insurance company spokesman Wendell Potter. Potter's former role as a corporate public relations executive for one of the nation's largest health insurers put him in the constant role of helping to "promote and defend" that insurance company's reputation. We found his points about the impact of public relations for the insurance industry quite illuminating, especially in light of the recent turmoil over President Obama's health care plan. According to Potter, big insurance groups often put much of their budget into hiring public relations people to enhance company reputations, deliver a consistently positive message, and engage media to write positive industry and company coverage.
Potter even claims that some of the public relations teams hired by insurance companies funnel talking points to conservative politicians, business people and other high profile right-wing figures, as well as set up strategic PR stunts. All of these tactics are designed to positively promote the insurance industry while at the same time quashing support for government-run health care. When it comes to an issue as pervasive as the current health care dispute, these strategies can pack a significant punch when used well.
Regardless of where you stand on the Obama health care plan or what your thoughts are on the insurance industry, Potter's article is insightful and worth a read.
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