Public relations professionals don’t often received the same heroic spin that journalists enjoy in movies and on TV, but that doesn’t mean we are lost in pop culture. Here are 10 movies featuring press secretaries or government PR pros:
- The West Wing (TV Series, 1999-2006): The acclaimed TV series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fictional administration of President Josiah Bartlet. Allison Janney’s C.J. Cregg serves as the White House Press Secretary (later Chief of Staff), providing a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and responsibilities of managing the administration’s relationship with the press.
- Scandal (TV Series, 2012-2018): This political thriller television series features Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, who initially works as the White House Press Secretary. The show delves into the dark corners of politics, including crisis management and scandal cover-ups.
- The American President (1995): In this romantic comedy-drama film, Michael J. Fox plays Lewis Rothschild, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, who often interacts with the press, though not a press secretary per se. The movie provides a light-hearted look at the personal life of a widowed U.S. president and his relationship with an environmental lobbyist.
- Wag the Dog (1997): A black comedy film that explores the manipulation of the media and public perception by political spin doctors. While not focusing on a press secretary, it’s a relevant exploration of public relations strategies in political contexts.
- Thank You for Smoking (2005): This satire film follows Nick Naylor, a spokesman for the Academy of Tobacco Studies. While not a government press secretary, Naylor’s job as a chief spokesperson and lobbyist involves manipulating arguments to defend the cigarette industry, akin to a press secretary’s role in managing public information.
- Veep (TV Series, 2012-2019): This political satire comedy series features a range of communications officials and press secretaries serving under Vice President (later President) Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The show humorously depicts the often chaotic and absurd nature of political life in Washington, D.C.
- Madam Secretary (TV Series, 2014-2019): Téa Leoni stars as Elizabeth McCord, the U.S. Secretary of State, with her team often interacting with the press. The show highlights the professional and personal challenges faced by those in high political office, including managing international crises and domestic politics.
- Primary Colors (1998): This drama film, based on a novel about Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign, showcases the roles of campaign strategists and their interactions with the media. While it focuses more on campaign staff than specifically on press secretaries, it offers insight into the political media strategy.
- The Ides of March (2011): This political drama film dives into the dirty tricks and brutal realities of American political campaigns, focusing on a young press spokesperson played by Ryan Gosling. It illustrates the ethical dilemmas and pressures faced by press officers on the campaign trail.
- House of Cards (TV Series, 2013-2018): This political drama series offers a darker view of Washington politics, with characters such as Seth Grayson serving as the White House Press Secretary. The show delves into manipulation, power struggles, and the complex relationships between the press and the political elite.
These movies and shows vary in tone from comedic to dramatic, but each provides a unique perspective on the roles and challenges press secretaries face every day.