Over years of public relations assignment

In 1959 BP produced a pump allowing consumers to purchase several different blends of fuel from one space saving pump that became an instant hit as more and more people purchased personal automobiles that were used as primary transportation. In 1961, BP launched a short film following a young girl whose father runs a service station where a little boy pulls his wagon up to get “ filled” with petrol. After the father plays along with the boy and sends him on his way, the irl asks why he did so as the boy is not worth it.

The father explains to her that everyone is important echoing a message the company was intent to send the public. It was a simple but powerful statement that ended up winning BP an Academy Award for the film. A year later BP showed the public it was not only concerned with making money but also in conserving the environment by Joining an Anti-Pollution Advisory Group. Later, they again made their point by founding the Environmental Control Centre in order to establish best practices in policy and in science for environmental ssues.

One of the guides used is described as, “ A two hundred page reputation manual outlining a peeches, media briefings, editorial board visits, op-ed piece development, news and video releases, contributions, scholarships, community meetings, forums, exhibit booths, publications, web sites, books, sponsorships, museum exhibits. Executives and staff could draw from the ‘ cookbook’ as events were planned (Healy & Griffin, 2004)” This campaign was considered successful as it greatly improved public awareness as well as public approval.

One year after BP celebrated their 100th birthday tragedy struck at Deepwater Horizon in the form of an explosion and the ubsequent leaking of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. BPS response to this accident showed how far they were willing to go to correct their mistake. With cameras operating around the clock, they openly broadcasted every step they took in order to close off the leak. From a public relations standpoint, this showed that BP was actively working on this leak by documenting every step made with video and pictures. Their efforts could not be denied.

In a press release dated Nov. , 2011, it is stated, “ the U. S. Coast Guard’s federal on-scene coordinator (FOSC) has approved the shoreline clean-up completion plan, paving the way for restoration work (Mueler, 2011)” in regards to the Deepwater Horizon accident. Information like this press release gives the public a reference point in the work BP is doing in the Gulf Coast. It reminds them that the company has not forgotten the effects of the oil spill and is continuing its work in the area to clean-up its mess. The press release goes on to say that BP has already pledged up to $1 billon to fund early restoration.

As proof of the work they have done, the article points out the 66. 5 million hours devoted to the response, 95, 000 tons of oiled debris collected and the 13. 6 billion spent on the clean-up as well as the $7. 3 billion paid in claims. BP made a promise to those affected by the spill to do their best to clean up the environment and make financial restoration to those who were economically impacted as well.