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BBC Radio 4


Inside the world of crisis managers and spin doctors as David Yelland and Simon Lewis watch the week's biggest PR disasters unfold. In each episode our hosts go behind the scenes of the latest news stories and find out how, where and when it all began to hit the fan. 

When It Hits The Fan is hosted by two of the most influential and experienced people in the game; David Yelland is the former editor of the Sun and alongside him is Simon Lewis, former trouble-shooter for the Queen and Gordon Brown, as well as for major corporations like the Nat West, Vodafone and British Gas. Together they bring decades of experience in both creating and managing crises. They'll share all they know about what's keeping those big stories in and out of the news.


When It Hits the Fan

Non attributable, authorised leaks, Chatham House rules. Briefing the media can be a baffling minefield.

In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the art of going on and off the record.

They explain how it's possible to reveal and conceal vital or sensitive information, while protecting yourself and your clients in the process.

Just make sure you've made it very clear what is -and isn't - up for publication.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

5. Know How To Go Off the Record

'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.'

An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from.

In this episode on the golden rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the importance of crisis planning - and why it's very common for those plans to go out the window the moment the crisis actually hits.

You might not be able to rehearse exactly what's going to happen but you can take steps to prepare for the worst.

David and Simon explain why it's vital to know who you can trust BEFORE the crisis hits -and why just turning your phone off and hoping everything will be ok probably isn't a smart move.

There's also talk of Simon hiding in a nuclear bunker.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

4. Prepare For A Crisis

It's not quite two tribes going to war but it can feel like that.

In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the complicated relationship between PR and the media. You know what story you want to tell but a journalist might have another idea entirely.

David and Simon examine the mistakes that even the top CEOs make when talking to reporters. And they explain the conflicting nature of the two worlds and how to navigate between them.

Top tip: Even if you've known a journalist for years - don't assume they're going to be on your side when things hit the fan.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

3. The Media is Not Your Friend

Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in.

But it doesn't have to be like that.

In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why growing your network is vital to success - and the best time to start is right now.

Whatever your background, they look at how you can start to increase your contacts - even if it's just asking for a phone number. And they explain how asking for advice can be a great ice-breaker.

And if you still think networking is something that only the rich and powerful can do, follow David's advice - 'Don't mock the elite, copy them'.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

2. Start Networking Now

Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you?

In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When it Hits the Fan.

First up, they explain why reputation really is everything. You might be flying high now but if you fall, you might find it very hard to climb back to the top without having a good reputation.

David and Simon explain why it can be very healthy - if not a little daunting - to seek out the dreaded 360 degree feedback.

Also, they look at how your social media posts can affect your chances of recruitment - but insist businesses are getting it wrong by only seeking out candidates with a vanilla profile.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

1. Reputation is Everything

The idea of a secret meeting is just that - it stays secret. So what happens when that meeting becomes front page news? 

It's time to call in the PR detectives.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the curious case of a clandestine meeting between the senior staff of both Prince Harry and the King. Someone tipped off the press. But who - and why?

David and Simon sift through the evidence to establish what might have been going on behind-the-scenes and which PR team - if any - has most to gain from the meeting being made public.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they'll look at the fallout from all this - and ask where this leaves the attempts at reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father.

They'll also take a deep dive into the secret PR world of secret meetings - how to arrange them, where to have them and the awkward moments that can follow if someone gets the wrong end of the stick. 

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

A Right Royal Whodunnit

We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in business.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at a huge fan hitter in the business world that you may not even have heard of - but one that goes to the very heart of reputational risk.

And never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It appears the much-loved book and now film, The Salt Path may not be quite what it seems. Does it matter? And if so, who is this a crisis for? 

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

The Crying Game

Siblings at war, power struggles, a well-earned reputation in need of protection - who doesn't love a family dynasty drama?

As Eric Trump hints he could try and run for President, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how you PR a dynasty, in both business and politics. How do you build momentum and create an inevitability about succession?

And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the world of PR loves an anniversary. As Keir Starmer marks a year in power, David and Simon explain why it can be great (not to mention easy and lazy) to celebrate notable dates - but how it can also leave you a total hostage to fortune.

Plus whether the PR rules applied to big multinationals can also be used in the smallest of settings.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Dynasty PR: Can the Trumps learn from the Royals?

Just be your best authentic self. That's supposedly what we should all be striving for. But is it good advice and in public life, is it even possible?

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at creating the illusion of authenticity and why the public can sniff out a fake a mile off.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon celebrate the PR holy grail that is the word-of-mouth smash. And with new statues being announced for the late Queen and Sir Andy Murray, they'll look at the tricky issue of legacy PR.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Faking It To Make It

Sure, who wouldn't want a wedding snap with Venice's Grand Canal in the background? But what if there were also dozens of banners showing your face on a rocket being blasted into space?

As Jeff Bezos and his multimillionaire guests prepare to descend on Venice for his Big Day, David and Simon look at how the lavish bash is set against a backdrop of protests against mass tourism across Europe. And why AirBnB is trying to mount a fight back.

Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, it seems rumours of the demise of X might have been exaggerated. David and Simon discuss why it's still the go-to platform for having a PR argument.

And emerging from shadows, what does the announcement of the new head of M16 tell us as about the secret service's communications game?

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

5. Know How To Go Off the Record

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