When It Hits the Fan

Trouble at the FBI

April 29, 2026·29 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

There are jobs and there are jobs. And then there are jobs like being head of the FBI. So when you're in that role and get accused of excessive drinking and unexplained absences from duty, the reputational risk is huge.This week, David Yelland and Farzana Baduel look at how Kash Patel has handled the claims - from getting into heated verbal battles with reporters to launching a $250m defamation lawsuit citing 'false and obviously fabricated allegations'. What were his options?As they explain, proving a negative can be one of the hardest jobs for those in the public eye.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the universally awful publicity around the new Michael Jackson movie doesn't seem to matter one jot. Despite widespread criticism for ignoring the dark side of Jackson's story, it's smashing box office records. Is the film a perfect example of 'omission PR'? Also, how Apple's succession planning has been a total PR peach. David and Farzana explain how CEO Tim Cook mastered the graceful goodbye and what other leaders can learn from the manner of his departure from the role.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

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