The company faces a huge bill and is also expected to have to pay huge sums in compensation and fines.

BP’s image has also taken a battering; there have been fluctuations in the share price along with talk of a consumer boycott.

How should BP now go about financing the clean up, restoring its public image and ensuring its continued survival?

Ni hao, you’re listening to People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com, and here on China Radio International. I’m Nigel Ballard in Beijing. In today’s program we’ll discuss the future of BP.

First we’ll speak with David Buick, who’s an analyst and city commentator at BGC Partners in London.

(Conversation with Mr. David Buick)

And after a short break we’ll talk to an expert in crisis public relations and a businessman whose been affected by the BP oil spill.

Ni hao, you’re listening to People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com and here on China Radio International. I’m Nigel Ballard in Beijing.

A company, such as BP, needs a good public image in order to secure further business as well as public and political support. For more we’ll now speak to Bruce Hicks who is a counselor with The Alliant Group in the USA. As a public relations expert he has helped companies deal with crises.

(Conversation with Mr. Bruce Hicks)

The BP oil spill is still affecting fishing and tourism businesses around the Gulf of Mexico. Many are now dependent on BP to ensure the leak is stopped and the mess cleaned up. For more we now go to Grand Isle, which is off the Louisiana coast, to speak with Mr. Dean Blanchard the owner and Managing Director of Seafood Incorporated…

(Conversation with Mr. Dean Blanchard)

And with that we conclude this edition of  People In the Know, online at CRIENGLISH.com and here on China Radio International.

The effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill look set to last a long time, not only for communities living along side the disaster but also for BP. The company appears to be big enough to deal with the situation. But the full implications of what is involved are still not fully known.

Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn.  You can also listen to our show on your mobile by logging onto m.cri.cn.  The Programme Producers are Xu Yang, Chen Mo, Lu Yuan and Interns Guo Ling Zhi and Wang Lin; I’m Nigel Ballard in Beijing.  We’ll talk again tomorrow.