Topic: Speakers Bureau

The media has focused on Michael Flynn's failure to disclose payments for a 2015 speech in Russia. The hosts clarify that Flynn was paid by "Leading Authorities," an American speakers' bureau, rather than receiving a direct check from the Russian government. They argue that the reporting on Flynn's financial disclosures is a "puzzle" designed to create a narrative of collusion where none exists.

General Michael Flynn is under fire for receiving $34,000 from RT to attend a 2015 gala in Moscow where he sat next to Vladimir Putin. Investigations also reveal payments from Kaspersky Labs and a $600,000 lobbying contract involving Turkey. The hosts explain how the "speakers bureau" industry works, suggesting Flynn was likely part of a pre-packaged group of speakers booked by the agency Leading Authorities.

RT's head of communications, Anna Belkina, defended the payment to Michael Flynn as a standard commercial transaction through a U.S. speakers bureau. She criticized the agency, Leading Authorities, for leaking confidential, unredacted emails to the Washington Post. The hosts condemn the agency for violating client confidentiality and failing to protect the names of employees involved in the booking.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced the creation of a DOD Speakers Bureau to send senior military leaders to schools and civic groups to promote the benefits of military service. Critics argue this is an expansion of the military's massive PR apparatus and that such speakers should be required to provide full disclosures when appearing on news programs.

The hosts lament a perceived decline in English language proficiency and professional etiquette among young workers in the media industry. They specifically criticize the limited vocabulary and "snotty" attitudes of entry-level employees in corporate offices.

The Carlat Psychiatry Blog exposed how Schering-Plough recruits doctors for "Speaker Bureaus" to promote drugs like Saphris. Physicians are offered $3,000 for training and up to $1,600 per 45-minute presentation, with annual earnings capped at $170,000. The hosts argue this system incentivizes doctors to over-prescribe medications to children for financial gain.