I wasn't sure whether to post this under marketing or politics! Not a day goes by without some kind of media coverage for UKIP. Racist accusations, pub politics, and extremist views.
Regardless of your views of Nigel Farage, he is a superb marketeer. The exposure UKIP has gained in recent months is quite staggering, and has taken a small party with a single message into mainstream politics and ruffling the feathers of the traditional parties, even beating them in some polls, depending on whose data you believe.
But are UKIP a by product of an instant news on demand age? The exposure they get well exceeds any previous contribution or impact in the political field. I wonder if the Monster Raving Looney Party launched today with similar policies, then they would no doubt get as much airtime. Have some controversial members making controversial claims, and it's instant news saturation time, expanding your reach to a bigger and market, which in turn grows the organisation.
It's interesting seeing some reports from external news agencies, with over hyped claims that Britain is in the grip of a social revolution.
In this digital media age, it's all about winning personalities rather than actual politics, and I do like Farage's image as a man of the people, drinking his pint of beer down the local, straight talking and to the point. I can see why Cameroon and Miliband are nervous and on the defensive.
But is UKIP a serious political party with a genuine mandate to try and shape British politics, or is it just a media darling that will continue to sell copy and generate content?
Either way, to me it looks like a master class in marketing and generating media attention. Maybe as business owners, we should all observe closely and see what can be learned.
What does anyone else think of UKIP, for, against or any views of their media success?