BP CEO Tony Hayward to Resign

This Jul 26, 2010 story was a mixture of PR for BP and news broadcasting for NBC. As the tagline says: After facing criticism for his cool, detached style and his many public gaffes, BP CEO Tony Hayward will step down and be offered a job elsewhere in the company, this story was primarily about the way ahead for BP as it planned to announce that the first American will be named to head the iconic, British Petroleum, replacing the current face of the disaster in the Gulf.

The story was presented partially as the new guy coming in from Mississippi being the right guy to fix things, juxtaposed with the current CEO and his off-target demeanor being on his way out and how he is expected to receive a hefty pension package.The story was being told from London, where BP is based.

The tone was mixed; positive when talking about the new CEO and negative when talking about the outgoing CEO, Hayward. Images of the aftermath of the spill were used as well as images of Hayward out yachting instead of focusing on the spill and cleanup.  Positive images and clips of the incoming CEO put a very good spin on things for BP to try to reassure stakeholders and the American public that were dealing with the massive environmental disaster.

I believe the story worked well for BP in turning the tide of public opinion somewhat and to show that change was coming through the departure of the detached CEO seen as responsible for the mess in the Gulf.