David Yelland

David Yelland is a British journalist and communications adviser, best known as the former editor of The Sun. He later held senior communications roles at Weber Shandwick and Brunswick Group, founded Kitchen Table Partners in 2015, and co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s "When It Hits the Fan" on crisis communications and public relations.

Communications Has Become Part of How Political Power Is Exercised

David Yelland, the former Sun editor turned communications adviser, argues that public relations has become part of the machinery of power rather than a layer applied after decisions are made. In conversation with Andrew Roberts, he says the collapse of mass tabloid influence, the rise of financial media and digital platforms, and the speed of modern politics have made communication central to how governments, companies, monarchies, and foreign states exercise authority. His recurring test is whether the principal is credible enough to lead that process, because even the strongest advisers cannot rescue a leader the public does not believe.

Hoover InstitutionJul 7, 202623 min read