Some of our team members talk about which public relations related TV shows they’re watching, or would like to watch this summer.
Dennis Culloton, President and CEO
I’ve been a news junkie since I learned to read with the daily newspapers, so it takes a lot to meet my news fix. On a perfect Sunday, I have the clicker in hand and I am catching all the Sunday morning news panels “Face the Nation,” “Meet the Press,” “This Week…” while I have coffee and the Sunday papers (the actual newspapers, kids) spread all over the place. “This Week” has gotten a little too busy, with people talking over each other on their powerhouse roundtables, while “Face the Nation” only gets better thanks to the acumen of Bob Schieffer. Monday through Friday, there really is no political junkie fix like MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” And though I was skeptical, renowned interviewer Charlie Rose and journalist Nora O’Donnell really have “brought the news back” on the “CBS This Morning” show…even best friend Gail grows on you. Let “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America” have the concerts in the plaza.
Tracey Mendrek, Executive Vice President
As a rule I don’t watch TV so this is a tough topic for me. However, I recently watched the first five episodes of “Scandal” just to see what all the fuss was about. It was great TV, but for all of you who think that’s what we do all day, forget it. It’s glamorous and I wish I had Olivia’s wardrobe allowance, but there are many aspects of this job that were missing. For example, new business proposals. If only potential clients walked in the door and didn’t require references, proposals or fee structures. Perhaps Olivia has a fabulous finance staff off camera who deal with invoices and accounts payable/receivable, but without constant vigilance these things can slip through the cracks. So, in general, I would say it represents the best, most exciting part of our jobs. But those days are much fewer than all the other days when we blog, tweet, attend industry events or pitch new business.
Patrick Skarr, Senior Account Supervisor
My favorite political shows have actually come from across the pond. “The Thick of It“ is an amazingly hysterical look at the world of politics and messaging. It is most definitely best enjoyed in binge consumption. Opposition leader Ed Miliband even used a quote of the show in debate.
Going back in the time machine to the era of Reagan, “Yes Minister“ and “Yes Prime Minister“ were equally entertaining. You can watch an episode today and still walk away with a few chuckles, which is probably a statement of the glacial speed of changes in government.
In reality, the gavel-to-gavel coverage of CSPAN is simply the best. From your phone, radio, computer or TV, CSPAN gives you access as good as any citizen can get.
Julia Schatz, Senior Account Executive
ABC’s “Scandal” and Netflix’s “House of Cards” are my two favorite shows right now. Olivia Pope wears her white hat and Frank Underwood manipulates/outsmarts his fellow politicos to his advantage. Both shows are smart, addicting and make me love what I do…even if dealing with scandals aka crisis management may not be as glamorous in real life as Olivia Pope makes it seem.
Patrick O’Connell, Intern
In the Netflix original series “House of Cards,” there is a constant power struggle motivated by deceit, manipulation, and intentional corrosion of the societal order. Starring Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, the series follows a bitter majority house whip as he maneuvers himself upward on the political hierarchy. The show is full of suspense and is a definite must see, even if politics isn’t your niche.
Angelica Munoz, Intern
It’s been eight years since the TV show ”The West Wing” has been off the air, and nothing since has compared to the political drama television series. Until the 2012 premiere of ABC’s “Scandal,” which created such a strong buzz nationwide. This fairly new TV drama series has been said to resemble “The West Wing” but with a more dramatic flair. If “Scandal” is anything like “The West Wing” then I may have to jump on the bandwagon and become a “gladiator,” as the loyal, enthusiastic fan-base is called.
A second series that’s on my “to-watch” list is the Netflix drama “House of Cards.” Described to be a captivating drama series, filled with mesmerizing performances from actors like Kevin Spacey, this show has convinced me that it is a must watch.