{"id":2325,"date":"2023-05-15T11:52:32","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T11:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-square.co\/es\/?p=2325"},"modified":"2023-09-21T11:58:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T11:58:14","slug":"to-communicate-youve-got-to-break-some-eggs-learning-from-succession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-square.co\/es\/to-communicate-youve-got-to-break-some-eggs-learning-from-succession\/","title":{"rendered":"To communicate you\u2019ve got to break some eggs: learning from Succession"},"content":{"rendered":"

Great TV shows, we are often told, are made up of outstanding cast members and performances, a compelling plot that keeps on giving and, occasionally, an inimitable soundtrack. Succession ticks all these boxes: in its first three seasons, it claimed 8 Emmys, 5 Golden Globes and 1 Grammy. Yet, it is hailed by its adoring fans as being not only great, but something more than that. One reason for this is that it emphasizes the importance of PR in very challenging circumstances.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

In TV and film, corporate communications departments are commonly overlooked or overshadowed by players who are supposedly closer to the action. PR and Comms are often not adequately represented in terms of their daily action and influence on the way the company\u2019s gears grind. No wonder, then, that Succession has picked up so many fans in this particular field. Much has been written about this topic so we will do our best to keep it short and sweet on why you, a professional in the field of Public Relations (or Communications in general), should keep tabs on this show. Yes, minor spoilers ahead.<\/p>\n

Optics: seeing what is meant to be believed<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the Roy kids make their plays for Logan\u2019s throne, you will often hear Kendall say that it\u2019s all about the optics. What are these, exactly? \u201cImage is the family\u2019s business\u201d, the firstborn son says one time. This is precisely why Karolina and Hugo, two of the heads of comms and PR at Waystar Royco, are always in close proximity to the inner circle; they are always part of the crew, from England to New Mexico, whether in a hospital room or flying to Norway. The show\u2019s writers make a point of staying true to the real value of PR and ensuring that the C-level characters (especially Kendall) have a clear grasp that getting to the top involves building and protecting one\u2019s reputation. Nowadays, customers have developed a keen eye for spotting dishonesty and are not afraid of being vocal about it. In this sense, Dasha Nekrasova, who played a crisis PR rep for Kendall Roy through a particular period of turmoil, has perfectly encapsulated the importance of this discipline in an interview with GQ<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cthere\u2019s a really great line from Logan [in episode 3×03], where Shiv mentions the leverage of the law, and [Logan] says the law is people, and people is politics. And to expand on that, people is public relations, and public relations is constructing reality as people interpret it. And in that way it is immensely, immensely powerful\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Rising above or following along?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the first episode of the third season, there are polarizing aspects to the work that PR specialists do. Even if the validity is open to interpretation, both are portrayed in a believable way.After the previous season\u2019s finale, Karolina \u2014 Head of PR at Waystar Royco \u2014 is confronted with the choice of siding with Kendall or withdrawing and remaining on the company\u2019s side. As Robert Geller put it in his post<\/a>, it was \u201cgreat to see the PR rep be the adult in the room, or car \u2014 and not drinking the Kool-Aid. Karolina, who clearly had no part in Kendall going rogue, is not playing along.\u201d<\/p>\n