Reputation Management v Image in the Modern Media – Breakfast Seminar

FrontRow Legal’s second Breakfast Seminar on Reputation Management v Image in the Modern Media was another successful event which was well attended by delegates from the Sport and Media Industries.

Our Sports and Media Specialist, Katie Simmonds, kicked off the day by interviewing Diane Modahl about the allegations made in 1994 that she had taken performance enhancing drugs, and the effect that those  allegations had on her family and her career. Her story was fascinating as she detailed the traumatic experience and how she dealt with such adverse media surrounding her.

Partner Richard Cramer said “Diane gave us a personal and compelling insight into how the media, who originally hounded and lambasted her, later became her biggest ally in helping to clear her name  – and how she would deal with the same situation today.”

Subsequently guest speakers Philip Bernie, Head of BBC Sport, and Jonathan Crystal, high profile Barrister, gave their insights into the Media’s role in building up and destroying the reputations of both companies and individuals. Also on the panel were FrontRow Legal Sports and Media Specialists Richard Cramer and Clive Lawrence.

During the morning a variety of topics were covered including infidelities, drug scandals and whether people in the public eye should give up their right to privacy. The indiscretions of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Tiger Woods, Ricky Hatton and Lord Triesman, together with media’s role as ‘watchdog’ of society, sparked interesting discussions from the panel and audience.

Delegates made donations throughout the morning which were all given to the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation. Established this year, the charitable foundation supports schools to help them identify talented young people with the potential to compete at the highest levels in sport.

 Reputation Management and Image in the Modern Media