Why The Media Likes George Clooney & Dislikes Hugh Grant
George Clooney and Hugh Grant are both handsome men. They're both intelligent. They're both rich and successful actors.
But when it comes to communicating with the media, they couldn’t be more different…with very different results.
As we have witnessed at the UK’s Leveson Inquiry into newspaper ethics, prompted by phone tapping by some national newspapers and some of their journalists, Hugh Grant has continued his fractiously functional relationship with the British media.
He has made various heartily refuted accusations about the Mail on Sunday newspaper tapping his phone.
The thing is, the Fourth Estate has fuelled the publicity which has made Hugh Grant a rich actor. And yet he loathes the inquisitive nature of some of the journalism that has also exposed some of his non-acting activities, from picking-up prostitutes in L.A. to other colourful peccadilloes.
Hence his increasingly fractious manner with members of the media who retaliate with more stories that make Hugh Grant simmer, seethe and snipe rather than shine.
Less than flattering exposure by the media is always a risk for the more talented and successful George Clooney. And yet he has a very different relationship with the media.
He takes a different approach to the Griping Grant. He uses charm, wit and warmth. Therefore our perception of George is much, much better than it is of Hugh.
Hugh’s outbursts and unflattering appearances are perceived as increasingly undignified whereas the natural Clooney Charm can make men and women like and admire him in equal measure.
Remember: the media are made up of men and women who are, for the most part, human. I know. I used to be a national newspaper journalist and network TV news correspondent.
Even if they have an agenda that may clash with yours or even if they are out to give you a hard time, they cannot help but have the sharpness taken out of their sting if you treat them with a natural charm, calmness, wit and warmth.
You know how most of us are equally embarrassed and entertained by someone getting unnecessarily agitated and angry, certainly when it’s about their ego. It’s just this…but played out on a public stage.
So why risk the public indignity of some unnecessary infuriation which can damage your image.
There can always be people that test and torment us – whether the media, business associates or those you meet socially.
So how will you choose to be regarded and remembered by those tormentors and any audience: agitated or admirable?!
posted: 15 Feb 12