Is the Beckham Brand in Jeopardy?

Is the Beckham Brand in Jeopardy?

From When It Hits the Fan by BBC Radio 4

January 28, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential threats to the Beckham brand following a social media outburst from their son, Brooklyn, and explores PR strategies in the context of business.

It started with a bombshell but the aftershocks are only just getting started. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis ask whether David and Victoria Beckham's seemingly bulletproof brand is under threat. The cause is of course the incredibly emotional social media outburst from their son, Brooklyn. Theirs is a brand built on family - so what are the PR challenges when threads start to unravel? And crucially, what say will the money men have about how the Beckham's handle the fallout? On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, where best to see where the worlds of PR, power and business collide than Davos? Simon spent the week there and reveals what's really going on behind-the-scenes. It's certainly not as glamorous as you might think. Plus, how to take on Elon Musk and win. Ryanair's Michael O'Leary delivered a PR masterclass as the two men had a very public spat - using a killer blend of humour and facts. It seems to have done wonders for the airline's business - and given us a timely reminder of how to use your opponent's strength against them. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios…

People in this episode

Guests: David Yelland, Simon Lewis

Topics covered

  • Beckham brand
  • PR challenges
  • social media
  • business
  • Davos
  • Elon Musk
  • Ryanair

Keywords

  • Beckham brand
  • PR challenges
  • social media
  • Davos
  • Michael O'Leary
  • Ryanair
  • Elon Musk

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ryanair, BBC Radio 4, BBC Sounds

Places: Davos

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