Guest column: Why TV show Coppers was a bad idea
Martin Stone, account director at Tank PR, explains why he thinks Channel 4 show Coppers has not been a good PR exercise for Notts Police and the city
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Channel 4 show Coppers has been criticised for showing Nottinghamshire Police in a poor light.
I HAVE to say that my heart sank a little after watching this week's episode of Coppers, which followed Nottinghamshire Police's Armed Response Unit.
The show has provoked quite a reaction, particularly on Twitter. And that reaction was less than positive.
One tweeted: "Dreading coming to Notts at the weekend for my mate's stag do after watching that." And, even more alarming was the resurgence of the "Shottingham" label.
Over the past few years, many organisations in the city have done some fantastic work to change the tarnished image of Nottingham and this programme has set about undoing that.
On many levels, I can understand why Nottinghamshire Police chose to take part. It has gone a long way towards humanising the force and demonstrating that they are real people doing a job in challenging circumstances.
However, what has been underestimated is the power of editing. We all know television shows like to sensationalise – it is what brings in the ratings – but someone should have considered this before sanctioning the force's involvement.
Editors favour soundbites and snapshots and, sadly, this has not resulted in the best portrayal of our city or the people who live here.
The old saying "no such thing as bad publicity" is by no means true, and Coppers is testament to this.
As a PR agency, we work with many different clients to create opportunities for publicity.
However, any opportunities that arise need to be carefully weighed up and the risks calculated. I cannot help but feel that this has not been done to any sufficient degree here.
As far as Coppers is concerned, the damage is done.
However, I hope that people take the opportunity to defend our city. Yes, it is not perfect but there are a great deal of positives going on too. We need to continue shouting about the good things and not allow the city to be consumed by the negative.
21 Comments
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by dennislot
Saturday, February 11 2012, 7:43PM
“Coppers in Notts haven't even the lntelligence to hide their unsuitability to the job. The only shock to all of us, is where are the superiors that are supposed to sort out these numb skulls. Unless of course they are on the pay roll of the council. Upps sorry not supposed to say that are we! Welcome to Nottinghamshire Council Council.”
by Smith1980
Thursday, February 09 2012, 4:22PM
“Sorry about the typo "couple"”
by Smith1980
Thursday, February 09 2012, 4:21PM
“I might like to respond to a coupld of those recent posts. The only problem is I don't understand a word of them.”
by Hvilla
Thursday, February 09 2012, 2:13PM
“I felt the programme was good. you have problems all over the country it was good to see that nottingham is trying to fight against a broken society-the mps need to watch it and get some reality checks with human rights..... What about the human rights of the tax payers and familes who just want to feel safe on the streets and in there homes. I am not personaily bothered about wasted money on giving nottingham agood name-PASS THE MONEY TO THE POLICE BECAUSE MANY TOWNS HAVE BAD NAMES. All the public want is there humans rights of protection. The problem with the Brits is, were to nice and keep making excuses for the new generation of brain dead thugs, who just like to steal from the workers, or sit back drinking and take drugs, paid for again by tax payers money or items they have sold from stealing. Support the police and start excepting these people had life chances, i.e rehab, benefits, EDUCATION.”
by altheboss
Thursday, February 09 2012, 1:21PM
“OK Supersonic 72.
The Lezzar Copper showed absolutely no compassion to the innocent "victim" until proven guilty.
Is that better.?”
by Smith1980
Thursday, February 09 2012, 12:17PM
“Thanks police constable unknown.”
by unknown24
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:02AM
“The thing is! Yeah it is based in nottingham! But it is showing what the police have to deal with!! There are cities that are a lot worse than nottingham! It is just not being seen on telly! No nottingham is not a bad place but it is not a good place niether! But u tell me what city doesn't have its defolts.. U tell me what city doesn't have its gangs of mobs! U tell me what city does have its gun crime! Nottingham police dnt have anythink to hide because they no that there are worse of cities than nottingham! Yeah its given us a bad review! But its not gnna change the way nottingham is!”
by mof_gedling
Thursday, February 09 2012, 12:22AM
“so it now comes down to a PR exercise ???, heres me thinking it was a down to earth TV prog to entertain the masses and get some much needed advertising revenue,maybe the next series should concentrate on loxley hall members like joco and see how they react to the day to day runnings of the service, perhaps they could film it once a month to coincide with the meeting ? it could be real edge of the seat TV,”
by MiRRv
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 5:52PM
“lol, didnt think thatd get through, i of course meant constable”
by MiRRv
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 5:51PM
“the female constable comes across as suprisingly naive.”