Post Truth: Is B*llsh*t the new normal?

Today we consider the extent to which we live in a post-truth age. We are quite literally going to talk bullshit, described by Jon Lovett, a former advisor to Clinton and Obama, as “one of the greatest threats we face”. 

So, the logic goes, we are constantly assailed by partisan rhetoric, industry sponsored research, facile brand messages and spokespeople with their lines that are just true enough not to be a lie - infecting every facet of public life, corrupting our discourse and wrecking trust in major institutions.  Mr Lovett, rightly or wrongly was firmly pointing his finger at you and I dear listener, we the professional communicators paid to spin and obfuscate and draft those clumsy corporate press releases.

Why is there so much bullshit around today? And to what extent are we, the professional communicators, to blame?  Haven’t mendacity and nonsense been around forever? And if it has gone too far, what should we do to fix the problem? Or do we simply have to hold on to the hope that eventually the truth will out, that like any natural system, balance will eventually return?

We’d love to hear what you think. Get in touch on social media or email [email protected]

The Little Questions podcast is presented by Matt Young, Jenny Scott and Andrew Brown.

Matt Young is an Apella founder partner with 25 years of experience in corporate affairs. He was Corporate Affairs Director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.

Apella founder partner Jenny Scott joins us again on The Little Questions podcast. Jenny has worked as Executive Director of Communications at the Bank of England and co-lead for Bank wide strategy. She was also Advisor to the Governor, and sat on the Bank’s executive committee and risk committee. Formerly Economics and Politics Correspondent for the BBC and Presenter of the Daily Politics, she is now Trustee of Pro Bono Economics.

Apella partner Andrew Brown is a former Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Ageas Insurance. He has more than ten years’ experience leading the corporate affairs functions for global firms across a range of regulated and unregulated sectors, developing considerable experience in issues, crisis and change management. Formerly Director of Communications at Drax Group plc and Group Corporate Affairs Director at Regus plc.

Find out more about Apella Advisors at www.apellaadvisors.com and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected]

This podcast was produced by the www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk