When It Hits the Fan

Group chats aren't known for holding back. Take a scroll through your own neighbourhood chat and the word 'Evri' probably features quite highly.This week, David Yelland and Farzana Baduel look at the reputational problem facing the delivery giant. In terms of business, it's a great success story but it has a huge word-of-mouth issue, with people needing little encouragement to vent their fury. Now, the CEO is fighting back - saying because they have so many customers, it only takes a fraction of them to complain to make it feel like there's a problem. He may be entirely right - but is this one of those times when people aren't interested in the facts? And is he really more interested in appealing to the retailers who use Evri, rather than the public?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a double whammy of reputational management - Tom Watson and Palantir. The former Labour deputy leader has joined the tech company - but can he do anything to change people's perception of this deeply unpopular company? Or is Palantir just laser-guided on landing lucrative contracts rather than public affection?Also, just how long should you leave it before speaking ill of the dead? In Jeffrey Archer's case, it seemed the gloves came off almost immediately. But, as Farzana and David explain, there is a whole industry around what you could call Legacy PR - with people paying big money to make sure all the right things are said about them, long after they're gone.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

"That's it, I'm leaving." After which, there is often the sound of a door slamming. But in this case, it's more likely to be the sound of a private jet revving its engines.This week, David Yelland and Farzana Baduel look at why some of the UK's richest people seem so keen to quit the UK. Recent stories includes claims that the country is not just on the slide - but has irreversibly slid. What's really behind the decision to publicly say you're off - or that you're thinking of leaving? Who is the message really aimed at - and what are the risks of sticking your head above the parapet?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, AI seems to have a PR problem. Literally. OpenAI is still looking to fill its head of comms role after almost a year's search. When PR becomes the story, it's never good. And is there any real chance of one person being able to change the reputation of AI - given the catastrophic predictions for it ending humanity?Also, there are times when it doesn't hit the fan. But it's not because of PR brilliance. This week, Ed Sheeran was saved from a potentially huge crisis when his controversial gigs at a stadium in the US had to be cancelled because of the weather. His problems over his stance on the conflict in Gaza have not gone away for good - but David and Farzana look at times from their own careers when a good old slice of luck has saved the day. And then ask, should you ever take the credit it for it?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

When an interviewer's first question is whether your product could kill all humans, you know it's serious.This week, David Yelland and Lauren Beeching look at how the boss of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, handled himself following insider claims that AI could indeed wipe us all out.As Amodei outlined the risks - and benefits - the vital thing to look at is the timing. With Anthropic preparingto sell its shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange, he needed to appeal to investors more than the general public. And explaining just how incredibly powerful your product is, is not necessarily a bad thing. Even if it could lead to the end of the world.Also - the secret game being played behind-the-scenes when your client is given a right to reply. David and Lauren discuss what options you have - including how quickly to respond and how much or how little detail to give. And they explain how these days, you can be given as little as an hour to put your side, as publications try to stop people going on social media to control the narrative.And it's never a good idea to get on the wrong side of a National Treasure. Sir Tom Jones has made it very clear he's not happy at being offered a reduced role on The Voice. He says ITV told him it was due to a 'financial difficulty with insurance'. With producers looking to 'refresh' the show, is everything as it seems?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4