Angela Benander, Vice President of Advocacy and Corporate Responsibility
Here’s a conversation I’ve had more than once lately:
New Acquaintance: “So, what do you do?”
AB: “I work at a boutique public relations firm. I specialize in crisis management and communications. I started my career in Washington.”
NA: “Oh, like Olivia Pope??”
AB: “Who?”
NA: “You have to watch Scandal!”
AB: “Well, I don’t think that’s exactly an accurate representation of my work…”
NA: “But it’s based on a real person!”
That’s right, ABC’s “Scandal” for better or for worse has become the public face of crisis communications and management. I tend to avoid DC-based political shows like one would a virus because if they are realistic, it’s too much like being at work but if they are unrealistic, I drive myself crazy pointing out all of the wild inaccuracies. It’s why I quit watching “The West Wing” after three seasons.
Nonetheless, I feel like I’m missing out on a cultural touchstone of the moment. And my Twitter feed periodically goes crazy with #Scandal live Tweets, so maybe it would be fun to be a part of that.
I’ll be plowing through the first two seasons in a valiant attempt to catch up to the series and I’ll give you my reactions as a DC veteran and crisis communications professional.
Pray for me.