Don't Panic!!!

Don't Panic!!!

From When It Hits the Fan by BBC Radio 4

April 1, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of crisis communications and maintaining public calm during potential supply chain disruptions due to the war in Iran.

These are busy days in the world of crisis comms. Keeping calm is vital - keeping the public calm is even more vital. David Yelland and Farzana Baduel explain what's going on behind-the-scenes everywhere - from supermarkets and airlines to energy companies - as concern rises that the war in Iran could affect supply lines. They discuss the importance of being like a meerkat - horizon scanning - for potential public flashpoints. And why PRs have to come up with calming strategies to avoid dreaded words like 'rationing' causing chaos in the aisles and at the pumps. On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, this isn't just any work/life balance, this is a Marks & Spencer work/life balance. CEO Stuart Machin says he doesn't think leaders should switch off while on holiday. That might be the only way for those at the very top - but what message does it send out to those lower down the chain? David and Farzana discuss how part of the job as a PR is making bosses understand that not everyone thinks like they do. Also, life is full of disappointments but how you handle them is what matters. As Wales saw their World Cup dreams vanish in penalty shootout heartache, manager Craig Bellamy…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Yelland, Farzana Baduel

Topics covered

  • crisis communications
  • public relations
  • calm strategies
  • supply chain
  • work/life balance
  • media handling
  • leadership

Keywords

  • crisis comms
  • public calm
  • PR strategies
  • rationing
  • leadership
  • media
  • World Cup
  • supply lines

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Marks & Spencer, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 4

Places: Iran

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