The Lobbyist

For good or bad, It's all in the delivery!

Simply put, lobbyists are influencers. Much like the Guardian "3 little pigs" commercial, lobbyists can spin information in favour of their objective. They can actively influence legislation for the benefit of their organisation, business and/or government.

The foundations of lobbying go back to 1600 but are nowadays commonplace with (albeit basic) boards keeping an open eye, whether it's watching however is another matter. The ethical implications of lobbying draw a very fine line, regulation is at the forefront of this issue. Lobbyists can and do use spin to influence action in their favour, this is unregulated so how can it be ethical?

Trust and transparency are 2 words that are constantly reiterated in this industry. There is a big debate on the call for more regulations regarding lobbying. In a survey, the CIPR found that over 80% of respondents felt lobbyists not on a register should not have access to government.

Now let's go back a little....
Edward Bernays, considered the father of PR & propaganda, manipulated society by drawing on the ideas of French writer Gustave LeBon and his theory - Crowd Psychology. It is widely considered that Bernays made the tobacco industry the juggernaut it is today.

"On behalf of Lucky Strike, Bernays sought the advice of the psychoanalyst A.A. Brill. Brill's message to Bernays and the American Tobacco company was "freedom": sell cigarettes to women as a symbol of liberation.
Following this advice, Bernays staged a legendary publicity event that is still taught as an example in PR schools. He hired beautiful fashion models to march in New York's prominent Easter parade, each waving a lit cigarette and wearing a banner proclaiming it a "torch of liberty." Bernays made sure that publicity photos of his smoking models appeared world-wide."

Without regulation, how can we know that those lobbying aren't being detrimental to society for their own benefit? How can we really be sure that this won't happen again.

A survey on skynews this week revealed that over 80% of the public don't trust politicians. Without regulation and transparency, how can we really know if they are friend or foe?