The PR News Review: Zach Polanski, live-streamed executions, RAF Fairford and Celebrity Traitors

In this episode of the PRmoment podcast, Ben Smith and Mark Borkowski discuss British politics, media credibility, journalism, and television.

They begin with the Islington by-election and the Green Party. The hosts discuss Labour’s win and Zach Polanski’s campaign, including criticism of his absence from a party vote on a controversial Israel–Palestine policy. Borkowski says Polanski is a strong communicator but argues that avoiding the vote may have damaged his image as a forthright leader. Smith questions Polanski’s appeal, while both consider how personality politics is reshaping the parties and how difficult it can be for a leader to recover from a high-profile misstep.

The conversation then turns to the reported prospect of a live-streamed execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. Both hosts express alarm at the idea of broadcasting an execution. Borkowski opposes the death penalty and compares the spectacle to violent propaganda shared online by Islamic State, questioning what such a broadcast would say about American values and leadership.

Next, they discuss US bombers at RAF Fairford and the media coverage of unusual activity near airfields. Borkowski recounts a theory, shared by an aviation enthusiast, that men in vans carrying fuel may have been testing security ahead of a possible drone attack. The hosts distinguish between credible specialist sources and unsupported speculation, while asking whether mainstream outlets provide enough context and insight. 

They connect this fragmented information environment to a challenge for PR professionals: messages now circulate across traditional outlets, niche channels, social platforms, and search engines, with varying levels of reliability.

That leads into a discussion about the future and funding of journalism. The hosts suggest that AI and large language models may increase the value of original reporting, prompting journalists to get out and investigate stories rather than rely solely on desk-based work. Borkowski stresses the importance of reporters, expertise, and trusted coverage. Smith observes that, despite broad agreement on journalism’s importance, society has not settled how to fund it as platforms such as Google and Meta compete for attention and advertising revenue.

Finally, they discuss Celebrity Traitors as a successful BBC format that gives audiences something to talk about together. Borkowski praises the show’s cast and enduring appeal, while noting that public figures such as Amol Rajan are increasingly leaving established broadcasters to build audiences on YouTube and other platforms. The hosts consider how established media careers can serve as a springboard for personal brands and direct-to-audience communities. Borkowski argues that top talent should be paid appropriately, while the BBC faces pressure over its funding model and its ability to retain prominent presenters.

Overall, the episode explores how trust, personality, and changing routes to audiences are influencing politics, journalism, PR, and entertainment.

Here are quotes from this week's show:

1. “The cult of Zach Polanski is under threat.” — Mark Borkowski [03:46]
2. “When you’ve got Caroline Lucas actually not supporting you, you know you’re in trouble.” — Mark Borkowski [06:21]
3. “I’m anti the death penalty, no matter what someone’s done.” — Mark Borkowski [06:58]
4. “What does that say about America? What does it say about the Republican administration at the moment?” — Mark Borkowski [06:58]
5. “You need that credible journalism. You need that credible coverage that actually allows the questions to be asked.” — Mark Borkowski [14:57]
6. “As a society, we haven’t quite worked out who’s going to actually pay for [journalism].” — Ben Smith [15:18]
7. “It’s a remarkable format. It’s remarkable television.” — Mark Borkowski on Celebrity Traitors [16:00]
8. “If someone is the best at what they do, they should be paid accordingly.” — Mark Borkowski [18:43]

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