Doppelganger almostclanger

PR can be strange. So thinking on the feet helps. Ultimately, spokespeople need to be able to shape their content and message to suit the tastes of the audience/media they're engaging with.

I was reminded of this in no uncertain terms this morning at the opening to a live interview on Country Mix 106.8, Dublin's best-known country and western radio station (how could I say no?). As they led me in I was kept on hold listening to commentary about some compelling and no doubt highly-talented country artistes. I'd done my prep, and was ready for the first question in our chat about Rainier PR's Amy Winehouse media consumption story.

Then came the first question: "Our listeners are dying to know - are you the same Steve Earle who dazzles them regularly with his musical genius and hits such as Galway Girl?" Had me stumped - sometimes the answer is a big fat no but the questions still throws you.

Thankfully other media, inlcuding Perez Hilton, have not been asking such probing questions in covering the story.