Is all publicity actually good publicity?

Q: There is a saying that “any publicity is good publicity.” Discuss what you think about this statement.

When I hear the statement “any publicity is good publicity,” I have conflicted feelings. This statement mainly applies to celebrities, politicians, and corporations and is typically brought up when seemingly bad press surfaces about them. The thing is that even if they are having negative news spread throughout the media about them, the media is still talking about them. They are still being brought to the forefront of the public’s mind, so people are constantly being reminded about them. Often times all the publicity keeps the person or company relevant, even if it is negative.

            Thinking about this statement I immediately think of Miley Cyrus. At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, Miley Cyrus made headlines with her provocative and crazy performance. People were talking about how she has gone crazy and is taking things to far to get away from her Disney image, that she would be the next celebrity to have a breakdown. This stunt and the stunts that Miley Cyrus has followed it with have shown that it was all perfectly calculated. All of the ‘negative’ press that followed proved to be good for the performer’s career. Her fans still love her and buy tickets to her shows and her CDs, while others are following her to see what crazy stunt she will pull next. Looking at the VMA stunt, people still think and talk about it, it is still relevant. In Miley Cyrus’ case, “any publicity is good publicity” most definitely applies.

            With major companies and corporations, the statement is not necessarily as true. For the past 10 years GM has had problems with their vehicles that has just forced them to have a massive recall of at least 1.5 million vehicles. This recall has made headlines everywhere; getting plenty of negative publicity for GM. Any publicity is not good publicity for GM. They are being kept relevant and in the consumers mind, just not for any reason to be proud of. The public wants to know what is happening with the company, but they this publicity will not inspire a consumer to go purchase a GM vehicle after a previous problem has been ignored for ten years.

            Seemingly negative publicity can be good publicity, but that is not the case in all situations.