The Institute of Public Relations has taken the brave step of
bringing together Ed Needham, editor of FHM, Derek Harbinson, editor of
Loaded and Bill Prince, deputy editor of GQ, and a hundred or so sundry
public relations people in the same room for its ’Making the most of
men’s magazines’ seminar.
The event is already being dubbed the ’Three Tenors conference’ by
Loaded hacks. Prince at GQ is thinking along similar lines: ’We have all
seen each other around but it’s the first time we will all be together
on the same platform! It’s kinda like a Dream Team really!’
The three editors will form the panel for an open discussion focusing on
how public relations practitioners can reach their magazines.
’It is very hard to differentiate between journalists and PR people, the
jobs are so similar. Both use information to conceal or reveal,
depending on the agenda,’ says Harbinson.
The IPR confirmed that a list of likely topics had been sent to all
three of the panel members but, in true laddish style, Needham displayed
an amazing lack of knowledge of the issues likely to be discussed.
’Dunno what I’m going to discuss yet. It’s going to be a question and
answer thing isn’t it? So I’m going to answer what they ask me.’
