Where’s the PR in PoweR Girls?
Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all have guilty pleasures. Mine happens to be reality TV - more specifically, reality shows on MTV. Needless to say, I was thrilled when MTV premiered its show PoweR Girls – a look into Lizzie Grubman's New York City PR firm. And being in PR, I thought it would be especially entertaining and shed some light on what it is we do in the PR industry.Who was I kidding? I should have known that all the drama that generates high ratings would overshadow any true representation of what the real PR professional does. Instead of looking at what really goes into writing press releases, planning events with the media, strategizing and determining messaging for clients, we’re shown what to wear on Fourth of July at the Hamptons, get to see how the girls gossip about each other, and witness the attempts made at schmoozing with celebrities like Paris Hilton. This begs the question…is anything on so-called “reality TV” really reality? As an avid viewer of this type of programming, I’d say not.
I’m disappointed at the lack of airtime that focuses on the hard work I’m sure these girls put into each one of their clients. You do get a sense for how much time their job requires of them but it’s always portrayed as a big party. For someone who is truly interested in PR, this show could easily sway them into thinking that PR is nothing but a fluffy, glamorous career and not for the educated, intelligent professional. In truth, the time it takes to establish valuable media relations, hone writing skills, create comprehensive campaigns and execute large special events is lengthy and requires business savvy, experience, commitment and a real understanding of what your clients’ objectives are. I think all PR pros who have been in this industry for years would scoff at how frivolous the profession is portrayed. But then again, we are talking MTV here, aren’t we?
An accurate portrayal of PR is not what PoweR Girls offers. If anything, I think it gives PR a bad name. But if you’re interested in co-worker drama, what celebrities will be attending the next NY nightclub opening, and how Lizzie Grubman handles her Botox injections, this show’s for you. But for all those eager young viewers interested in pursing a career in PR, do your research, sign up for an internship and get to know what REAL challenges and benefits come from working in PR.
Happy viewing!
-Angie @ Ardell Group
posted by The Ardell Group @ 2:00 PM
2 Comments:
OK, so PoweR Girls isn't exactly a PBS documentary, but you've got to believe VH1's Strange Love show with Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen was on the up-and-up, right? Or maybe the rest of us finally have our answer to professional wrestling!
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