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Commentary: 2013-14

 

Media:
J Group is Tight
with Panel Coverage, Info

Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Investigative Reporters & Editors has posted on its website materials for six of the 26 panels at its session Jan. 24. We're hopeful of a lot more. No contact info is available for attendees, a giant info hole.
Mon., Feb. 3

Wealth:
Whines of the Super-Wealthy Fuel Backlash
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The Wall Street Journal's editorial page today defended venture capitalist Tom Perkins' Jan. 24 rant about the "progressive war on the American one percent."
Thu., Jan. 30 envelope[4]

Environment:
Pete Seeger's PR Encore
hazleyBy Greg Hazley
New York should honor one of the state's finest and most influential citizens – Pete Seeger – one who saved the Hudson River with a boat, a five-string banjo and the insistence that he sing his songs twice.
Wed., Jan. 29 envelope[2]

Crisis Communications:
Grimm Meltdown is Lesson in PR
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Grimm's loose lips have triggered a grand PR crisis. In becoming a sideshow, Grimm offers a lesson to all communicators about the importance of dealing with the media in a respectful rather than thuggish way.
Wed., Jan. 29 envelope[2]

Media:
Pope Francis Earns Ultimate Pop Culture PR Placement
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Rolling Stone, that arbiter of popular culture, has granted its imprimatur to Pope Francis. It will feature the 77-year-pontiff on the cover of the issue that hits newsstands Friday.
Tue., Jan. 28 envelope

PR School:
PR for 2014
By Fraser P. Seitel
If you already have a tough time understanding what, precisely, the practice of public relations is all about -- just listen to the executives who run public relations agencies. And you’ll become even more confused.
Mon., Jan. 27 envelope

Media:
Journos Battle PR, Lawyers, Threats to Get Stories
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Top investigative journalists spent Jan. 24 describing their boundless quests for interviews, whistleblowers, facts and data of all sorts. If PR blocks them, they go "up the line" to bosses, boards and anyone else.
Mon., Jan. 27 envelope[2]

International:
H+K Paves Way for China in Africa
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Hill+Knowlton announced today a dedicated practice to counsel Chinese companies operating in Africa, a golden chance to prove the real value of PR.
Thu., Jan. 23

Public Relations:
New Yorkers Ill-Served By National PR Groups
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
New York PR people are currently sending about $350K each year to PR Society of America and the Int’l Assn. of Business Communicators -- two groups whose policies do not serve New Yorkers and which bring discredit to PR rather than improve its image. 
Tue., Jan. 21

Sports:
Elton John Adds to
Putin's Sochi Nightmare

kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Elton John lashed out today at Russia’s hateful anti-homosexual law via a 500-word statement in which he blistered the measure for providing  “extremists the cover to abuse people’s basis human rights.”
Wed., Jan. 22 envelope[7]

2013:
PR Boondoggles & Missteps
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Corporate PR crises - and there were many – took a back seat in 2013 to the going ons in Washington.  Result: Good news for crisis specialists.
Wed., Jan. 22envelope

Public Affairs:
Military-Industrial Complex Alive & Well With Lockheed's $1.5T Jet
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The Air Force is pushing to kill off the A-10 Thunderbolt, which first went into operation in 1977, in favor of the $1.5T F-35 supersonic jet, which has not yet gone into operational testing.
Tue., Jan. 21 envelope[4]

Public Relations:
How PR Could Win the Future
greg shoveBy Greg Shove
In the era of brand story-telling, the PR industry is well suited to win the future of communications.
Fri., Jan. 17

Crisis Communications:
JetBlue Passengers Seeing Red Again
Ronn TorossianBy Ronn Torossian
JetBlue is off to a shaky 2014 as weather-related problems and new pilot-rest rules have forced the carrier to cancel tens of flights, stranding thousands of passengers.
Tue., Jan. 14

Ethics:
Was Harper's Write-Up of Servant School Ethical?
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
The Society of Professional Journalists, asked if the 16-page undercover report on the Starkey private service school in the January Harper’s was “ethical,” has responded with an answer that tosses the question into the laps of our readers.
Mon., Jan. 13

International:
Rodman is 'Greenwasher' Champ
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Rodman’s palling around North Korea’s Kim Jong-un serves as greenwashing gold for that psycho’s brutal regime.
Mon., Jan. 13

Sports:
The A-Rod Decision:
A Pyrrhic Victory?

Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
If Alex Rodriguez is serious about taking his case to federal court, and the court agrees to take the case, all sports -- not just MLB -- may be the losers, even though the A-Rod arbitrator’s ruling is upheld.
Mon., Jan. 13

Crisis Communications:
Christie's Press Conference Debacle
Richard NicolazzoBy Richard Nicolazzo
Stepping up and taking responsibility is the right thing to do in a crisis, but Gov. Chris Christie’s unprecedented, 107-minute press conference was so far over the top that it defies logic.
Fri., Jan. 10 envelope

Public Affairs:
Christie PR Collapse Good News for Hillary
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Jersey Governor today made a desperate effort to salvage his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, a quest endangered by all the pettiness and spitefulness connected with the George Washington Bridge traffic jam scandal.
Thu., Jan. 9 envelope

Crisis Communications:
Why the Big Man
Won't Be the Nominee

By Fraser P. Seitel
Chris Christie – indomitable, indestructible, unyielding – has raked himself into a pile of muck from which he likely won’t emerge – at least not enough to become the Republican nominee for President.
Thu., Jan. 9

Healthcare:
Moore's Obamacare Publicity Stunt
foleyBy Kevin Foley
Filmmaker Michael Moore's New York Times op-ed critical of Obamacare appears to be little more than a publicity stunt, a way for the aging director to portray himself as a serious critic while keeping his name and face in front of the media.
Mon., Jan. 6 envelope

Public Affairs:
Clinton Shows Why He's 'Big Dog' of PR Strategists
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
At the inauguration of New York Mayor Bill deBlasio, Clinton stole the PR spotlight and gave a giant boost to Hillary's presidential prospects.
Thu., Jan. 2 envelope[2]

2013

Crisis Communications:
A&E Standards and Judgment Fall Through the Quacks
bill hueyBy Bill Huey
Heaven knows the substances and sleepless nights that went into crafting a statement like A&E’s excruciatingly carefully worded reinstatement of 'Duck Dynasty' scion Phil Robertson.
Mon., Dec. 30

Crisis Communications:
Duck Dynasty Crisis Shows Power of Social Media
David JohnsonBy David Johnson
The A&E Network announced last week that they were lifting their suspension of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and bringing him back less than a week after suspending him for remarks he made in GQ in regards to homosexuals and African-Americans.
Mon., Dec. 30

2014:
Forecasting PR Headlines for 2014
By Fraser P. Seitel
What we really need to know is what happens next. And so, by popular demand, here is what we can look forward to with the leading “Public Relations Headlines of 2014.”
Mon., Dec. 30

International:
Ad Make-Good for South Sudan
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Thousands of civilians have been murdered in South Sudan since the launch of month's ethnic bloodletting in the Africa's newest state that hopes to celebrate its second anniversary in July.
Mon., Dec. 23

Content:
Why Sponsored Content is Here to Stay
By Fraser P. Seitel
Few in this field can deny that the Public Relations times they are-a changin’ and that communications vehicles that once were considered anathema by earned media zealots are now the way of the world.
Fri., Dec. 20

Public Affairs:
We Need Billy Jack
foleyBy Kevin Foley
I was sorry to see that Tom Laughlin, the creator of the iconic “Billy Jack” movie franchise, passed away recently. Very few film heroes fought social and economic injustice the way Laughlin’s fictional former Green Beret did.
Wed., Dec. 18

Public Affairs:
Pope Francis, The Maestro
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
From a PR viewpoint, Francis’ simple message of love for one another, modesty, humility, fairness, social justice and transparency is the perfect positioning for his global institution of 1.2B members.
Wed., Dec. 18

2013:
Review of PR in 2013 (and Before That)
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Traditional media continued to shrink in 2013, putting pressure on PR practitioners to reach audiences via social media, PR wire services, e-mail networks and their own websites.
Mon., Dec. 16

Crisis Communications:
School Heads Have One of the Toughest PR Jobs in America
Richard NicolazzoBy Richard Nicolazzo
We’ve learned that while schools conduct table-top mock drills and maintain simple “crisis contact lists,” few have specific, written contingency crisis communications plans in place.
Mon., Dec. 16 envelope

Food:
Simple Truth About Carbs and Sugar
robert postBy Dr. Robert Post
There's never been a time like the present with as much interest in the press about nutrition and approaches to healthy eating and lifestyles. 
Fri., Dec. 13 envelope

Public Affairs:
Boehner Finally Gets the Memo
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
House Majority Leader John Boehner has finally told anti-government groups FreedomWatch, Club for Growth, Heritage Foundation, and Koch Brothers' Americans for Prosperity to take a hike. 
Thu., Dec. 12

PRSA:
PRSA on Gift-Giving Binge; Try Ethics
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
PR Society of America should stop thinking of itself as a commodity to be marketed in the "holiday season" at marked-down prices.
Wed., Dec. 11

In Memoriam:
Pedersen's Shot at Changing
Course of World History

kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Long-time Washington public affairs fixture and editorial buddy Wes Pedersen, who died last week at the age of 91, taught me the importance of listening to the people in the trenches rather than those in the upper echelon of government, corporations or even PR firms.
Tue., Dec. 10

Public Affairs:
RIP to What's Left of Free Press in Ketchum's Russia
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Russian strongman Vladimir Putin today dissolved the country’s state-run RIA Novosti and its Voice of Russia radio unit in a consolidation move that eliminates the sole outlet willing to criticize the Kremlin, according to the BBC.
Mon., Dec. 9 envelope[4]

Food:
Junk Food is New Cigarettes - Health Advisors
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
New guidelines for lowering cholesterol, which could about double the number of people taking statins, already a $30 billion market, has touched off a barrage of criticisms and media attention.
Mon., Dec. 9

Advertising:
Droga Rips Lazy Adland
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
In his "manifesto on the future of advertising," published in the December Esquire, ad man David Droga sound more like a PR guy in urging adland to hone its story-telling skills.
Wed., Dec. 4

Healthcare:
Should A-Rod Get Paid More
Than Top Surgeons?

ron levyBy Ron Levy
You be the judge as you look at the realities, whether high hospital costs are caused more by hospitals that want our health or by politicians who want our votes.
Wed., Dec. 4 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
Iran Deal Sets Stage
for Obama's Legacy

kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
A PR victory awaits the President, who has the chance to add a second signature achievement to his record—if he works for it.
Tue., Dec. 3 envelope[2]

Food:
East Fats, Dump Carbs
and Statins, Says Best Seller

Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs and Sugars—Your Brain’s Silent Killers is a New York Times best seller in the dining category by Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and nutritionist.
Mon., Dec. 2 envelope

Holiday:
TV's Thanksgiving Day Armageddon
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, family, prayer, turkey, cranberries, argument with crazy old Uncle Louie, pumpkin pie, football, left-overs, hug with Uncle Louie, Wal-Mart stampedes and forecasts of weather Armageddon are all part of America's national holiday.
Wed., Nov. 27

Media:
Will Time Mag Do the Right Thing?
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Time
 magazine may be a shadow of its former self these days, but its annual person of the year still gets a lot of play.
Tue., Nov. 26 envelope[3]

Healthcare:
My PR Company is Saving $60K Under Obamacare
foleyBy Kevin Foley
Despite their "I told you so" proclamations, what Republicans fear most is happening at my broadcast and Internet public relations firm in Georgia.
Tue., Nov. 26 envelope[4]

Education:
Parents Revolt vs. Common Core Tests
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Parents across the U.S. are revolting against tests prepared by Pearson, McGraw-Hill and others that many of their children are flunking and may result in their being held back.
Tue., Nov. 26

Public Affairs:
Remembering JFK
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Thousands of words have been written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the murder of President John F. Kennedy.
Fri., Nov. 22

PR Education:
PR Textbook Strikes Celebrity Note
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The fact that Lady Gaga is on the front cover of the 12th edition of The Practice of Public Relations by Fraser Seitel tells a lot about how marketing PR is practiced these days—hitch your wagon to a celeb.
Thu., Nov. 21

Public Affairs:
Obama Down But Public Still Up on Obamacare
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
President Obama is approaching George W. Bush’s lousy approval ratings territory because of his screwed up launch of what was supposed to be his signature achievement, Obamacare.
Wed., Nov. 20 envelope[2]

Sports:
MLB's A-Rod Witch Hunt
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Baseball's legal and PR assault on Alex Rodriguez equates to witch-hunting, because for years teams, leagues, sports marketers, the commissioner’s office and much of the media turned the other way when it was obvious players weren’t hitting longer balls because they were eating more spinach.
Tue., Nov. 19

PR School:
Fixing a Cracked Mayor
By Fraser P. Seitel
Welcome to the upside down world of Toronto mayor Rob Ford, an unknown Canadian politician six months who, today, is a household name in the United States and around the world.
Mon., Nov. 18 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
Tea Party's PR Timing Slips

kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The Tea Party strikes again, filing the first articles of impeachment against a sitting Cabinet member in 137 years, though its timing is lousy.
Mon., Nov. 18

Education:
Pearson's Big Ed Biz is Under Fire
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
PR exec Kate James, who is leaving the Gates Foundation to be chief corporate affairs officer at Pearson will bring lots of controversy with her when she delivers the annual Distinguished Lecture to the Institute for PR Thursday.
Mon., Nov. 18

Public Affairs:
Obama's Ultimate Cave-In
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Facing 110 percent opposition from Republicans, Democrats put their necks (and seats) on the line and were hookwinked by our slick-talking president.
Fri., Nov. 15 envelope[3]

Corporate Communications:
Kaiser CEO Praises Free Speech, What About His SVP of PR?
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
Bernard Tyson, CEO of $48B Kaiser Permanente, sings the praises of “freedom of speech” in a four-column feature in the Sunday Nov. 10 New York Times, saying, “You can say whatever you want to say in this office to me.” His senior VP of PR didn't get the message.
Fri., Nov. 15

Book Review:
League of Denial
By Kevin McVicker
Just as tobacco executives can no longer deny the ill effects of smoking, the NFL can no longer deny the substantial risks to football players' heads.
Wed., Nov. 13 envelope[5]

Media:
Mon Dieu! WSJ ♥s France
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Not too long ago, the Wall Street Journal led the media cabal in trashing France as leader of the "axis of weasels." On Monday, the paper's lede editorial carried the shocking headline, "Vive La France."
Wed., Nov. 13

Media:
CBS News Circles the Wagons
foleyBy Kevin Foley
CBS thought that a "60 Minutes" apology was the end of its Benghazi mistake, but the network’s public relations problems are only beginning. 
Wed., Nov. 13

PRSA:
Legal Trumps Court of Opinion
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
“How to work with senior managers who defer to the legal function and the court of law rather than PR and the court of public opinion” was the title of a workshop at the PR Society of America conference Oct. 28 in Philadelphia.
Tue., Nov. 12

Public Relations:
PR People Told to 'Lighten Up'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
"Lighten up," is the best recommendation to PR people that I have heard in many years of covering the business. 
Fri., Nov. 8 envelope[3]

Public Relations:
PR Image Boost Begins With Revolt Against Rigged RFPs
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
There’s a growing disgust in the PR community about the broken RFP process in which potential clients demand elaborate presentations from candidates without any plan to eventually hire them.
Thu., Nov. 7envelope[4]

Journalism:
'He Said, She Said' Detrimental to Good Reporting
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Newspaper stories and TV broadcasts have never been more closely scrutinized. The effect is all too often the criticism of journalists not being fair in their reporting has resulted in no-news reporting.
Tue., Nov. 5 envelope

Social Media:
More Spin vs Substance in Twitter's Arab Uprising Role
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Twitter's reputation as the Paul Revere of the social media scene may have been overblown.
Mon., Nov. 4

Public Relations:
Council of PR Firms Needs New Name
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
The Council of PR Firms, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, needs a new name to reflect changing conditions.
Mon., Nov. 4

PR:
NYT Foster Obit Repeats Tylenol PR Myths
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
The New York Times obit for Lawrence Foster, former VP-PR of Johnson & Johnson who died on Oct. 17, came two weeks after his death and reiterates PR myths surrounding the Tylenol murders. 
Thu. Oct. 31

Sports:
Silverado Strong = Silverado Stupid
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The PR geniuses at Chevy decided to kill its “Silverado Strong” promotional stunt that it planned to run Monday evening at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium during Game 5 of the World Series.
Wed. Oct. 30

Media
Snowden's Snow Job
Joe HonickBy Joseph J. Honick
What's even more confusing than Edward's Snowden's PR campaign, is how simply and widely media have been taken in without at least raising serious questions.
Wed. Oct. 30

PR School:
Dealing with Snakes in PR
By Fraser P. Seitel
There are PR snakes who will sacrifice anything -- including truth, fairness and propriety -- to skewer their targets.  Here's the antidote for the snake venom...
Tue. Oct. 29

Media:
Fox's Hard-Nosed PR Unit
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The “brilliance” of Fox News is based on its ability to stick with a single story and force others to pay attention to it day and day and the off-air “maneuvers of its PR department,” according to a new book.
Mon. Oct. 28 envelope

Technology:
'Present Shock' Forces Changes in PR
tim fryBy Tim Fry
The need for quality storytelling is just as important as ever before, but technologies have changed in how they are told.
Fri. Oct. 25

Public Affairs:
GOP Probes Obamacare in Quest for Irrelevance
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
In its quest for total irrelevance, Republicans plan a series of noisy hearings on Obamacare. 
Thu. Oct. 24

Politics:
Democrats Have Tea Party Envy
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Democrats knock Ted Cruz but there’s no doubt they could use a bolt of energy to ignite supporters.
Mon. Oct. 21 envelope[2]

Crisis Communications:
Death of J&J's Foster Revives Tylenol Myths
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
The death on Oct. 17 of Lawrence Foster, former VP-PR of Johnson & Johnson, has touched off a slew of false references to the Tylenol murders.
Mon. Oct. 21 envelope

Crisis Communications:
Dimon Should Relinquish Chairman Role
Richard NicolazzoBy Richard Nicolazzo
Now that JPMorgan Chase is on the verge of reaching a $13B civil settlement the time has come for CEO Jamie Dimon to relinquish his role as chairman.
Mon. Oct. 21 envelope[3]

APR:
PRSA Seeks Help of Public in Reviving APR
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
PR Society of America has posted on its website a plea for help from the "public" in its quest to put new life into its Accreditation program which will be 50 years old next year.
Fri. Oct. 18 envelope[2]

Sports:
Say Goodbye to the Washington Redskins
By Fraser P. Seitel
The opposition to the Washington Redskins name has converged so quickly and landed so ferociously that the textbook public relations program adopted by the team's opponents may have gotten lost in the tidal wave.
Thu., Oct. 17 envelope[6]

Social Media:
Twitter Sings Praises of PR
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Twitter, in its S-1 financial document filed yesterday, pitches the opportunity for “earned media and viral global reach” as one of its “value propositions” offered to advertisers.
Wed., Oct. 16

Lobbying:
Lobbyists Can Run But They Can't Hide
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The reputation of lobbying is so abysmal that the profession's trade group wants to banish the term from its moniker.
Tue., Oct. 15 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
A Few Questions Journalists Should Ask the NFL
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Obama’s policy toward Syria will be considered masterly if it results in Syria turning over its chemical warfare supply to international control.
Fri., Oct. 11

Public Affairs:
It's Not a 'Shutdown'; It's a 'Putdown'
Joe HonickBy Joseph J. Honick
Calling the indescribable circus underway in the nation’s Capitol a “shutdown” violates the purposes of the English language to adequately describe actions attributable to adults supposed to be leaders, all paid and more than adequately supported by taxpayers.
Thu., Oct. 10

Public Affairs:
Fisher House Stands Tall Among GOP Shutdown Pygmies
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
There are many villains linked to the federal government shutdown and few heroes. The biggest champion to emerge from the senseless political chaos is the Fisher House Foundation.
Wed., Oct. 9

Sports:
NFL Denies, Defames, Defends, Delays
foleyBy Kevin Foley
PBS "Frontline" aired the scathing documentary "League of Denial" last evening revealing how the National Football League has addressed the troubling issue of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among former players.
Wed., Oct. 9

Public Affairs:
'Non-Governing' Crowd Wrecks Republicans
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The Washington Post reports there is more than enough support from Republicans to pass the “clean continuing resolution” needed to end the government shutdown. Let’s get on with it.
Tue., Oct. 8

Social Media:
PR's Best Friend
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The use of social media is increasing job satisfaction among PR staffers, according to a "PR 24/7" report released by Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.
Mon., Oct. 7

Public Affairs:
Obama's Phone Buddy
honickBy Joe Honick
The only people who should be happy about the American presidential "phone call" to Iranian President Rouhani should be AT&T and Rouhani himself.
Wed., Oct. 2 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
WH Tight Media Control Set for Grilling
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
President Obama will get hammered next month as the Committee to Protect Journalists releases its first report on the state of press freedom in the U.S.
Tue., Oct. 1

Public Affairs:
ObamaCare Goes Into Effect (whether you like it or not)
kevin mccauleyBy Jon Gingerich
Today the Affordable Care Act became official. States opened enrollment on exchanges for private insurance, with coverage slated to effectively begin January 1.
Tue., Oct. 1

Public Affairs:
Obama Wins Healthcare PR Victory By Default
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
There’s only one PR campaign worse than President Obama’s failure to promote Obamacare, his signature legislative achievement. That’s the crazed obsession of Tea Party Republicans to shut down the government.
Thu., Sept. 26 envelope

PR School:
Who Asked Ya?
By Fraser P. Seitel
Barilla Pasta’s self-inflicted public relations wound was just the latest where a company official enmeshed himself into a completely unrelated PR imbroglio.
Mon., Sept. 30

Media:
NY Journalists in State of Collapse
Jack O'Dwyer By Jack O'Dwyer
From an organizational standpoint, New York journalists are in a state of collapse. The groups that are supposed to help them are run by the "haves" of journalism, i.e., the employed.
Mon., Sept. 16 envelope[2]

Social Media:
Navigating Brands Through Social Hate
katherine o'haraBy Katherine O'Hara
Social media abounds with "haters" who spew venom and nonsense at personalities and brands. What does a PR person do when a client is under attack?
Fri., Sept. 13

Media:
NYT Takes Unfair Hit for Putin Op-Ed
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The New York Times has received "plenty of criticism" for running today's op-ed piece by Russian strongman Vladimir Putin, according to its public editor Margaret Sullivan. 
Thu., Sept. 12 envelope[7]

Public Affairs:
Russia Bails Out Obama with Good PR Move
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Will President Obama -- during tonight's address to the nation on Syria -- thank the Russians for saving him from an embarrassing Congressional rebuke?
Tue., Sept. 10

Public Opinion:
Syria Strategy Flies in Face of Public Opinion
Richard NicolazzoBy Richard Nicolazzo
President Obama may be making the mistake of being arrogant and presumptive in assuming the country will blindly follow him into yet another overseas military action. 
Tue., Sept. 10

Public Affairs:
Let's Give Peace a Chance (For A While)
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Obama’s policy toward Syria will be considered masterly if it results in Syria turning over its chemical warfare supply to international control. 
Tue., Sept. 10

PRSA:
Murray to Be CEO of PRSA in Power Shift
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Delegates of PR Society of America will consider a proposal to give Bill Murray the single title of CEO, replacing the titles of president and COO he has had since 2007. 
Mon., Sept. 9 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Kudos to NYT
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The New York Times today shattered journalism's fixation on faithfully presenting misinformation, rants and false statements from politicos as unvarnished facts. That misguided practice undermines the credibility of the media.
Mon., Sept. 9 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Grimm's Grim Switcheroo on Syria
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
New York City's only Republican Congressman Michael Grimm today flip-flopped on his support for President Obama's plan to attack Syria for its use of chemical weapons that killed more than 1,400 people, including 426 children.
Thu., Sept. 5 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Policeman of the World
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
When I hear President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry give reasons why the U.S. must use force in Syria, I think of President Bush and Colin Powell on Iraq. But in the future, I hope presidents will be more careful with their words.
Wed., Sept. 4 envelope[4]

Public Affairs:
Labor Day 2013
dilenschneiderBy Robert Dilenschneider
As we battle to put Americans to work, stimulate the nation's economy and rebuild our manufacturing base, there is much to be grateful for.
Mon., Sept. 2

Public Affairs:
Obama May Score Pyrrhic PR Win
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
President Obama's move to punt the decision on whether to attack Syria to Congress is a face-saving gesture by the commander-in-chief.
Tue., Sept. 3 envelope[5]

Media:
Liberian Journalist Sued, Jailed
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Rodney Sieh, publisher of FrontPage Africa, Liberia, unable to pay a fine of $1.5 million and having contracted malaria, is now under police guard in a hospital with no relief in sight.
Tue., Sept. 3

Public Affairs:
Science Denial, the U.S. and Us
oestreicherBy Paul Oestreicher
Science denial is becoming more entrenched and culturally correct. Scientists must learn how to engage and how to communicate.
Fri., Aug. 30

Public Affairs:
Loose Lips Sink Ships and President Obama
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
An off-the-cuff statement uttered by Obama to staffers over a year ago about Syria crossing a "red line" now has America standing on the brink of another Middle Eastern adventure. 
Thu., Aug. 29 envelope[3]

Sports:
NFL, ESPN Butt Heads on Concussion Report
foleyBy Kevin Foley
ESPN's decision to drop support of a 'Frontline' report on brain trauma injuries suffered by pro football players puts heat on the NFL.
Tue., Aug. 27 envelope[2]

Tourism:
Turkey, Staging Area for Syria Attack, Floats Travel RFP
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
In a case of unfortunate timing, Turkey, a likely staging area for a NATO-led attack on Syria, is floating a $50M advertising RFP to promote tourism. 
Tue., Aug. 27 envelope[2]

Ethics:
CPRF Stresses Ethics But Flaws Remain
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The Council of PR Firms, chaired by Dave Senay of FleishmanHillard, is making a major push to identify itself with ethical conduct.
Mon., Aug. 26

Media:
Time Warner Cable's Risky 'Rabbit Ears' PR Gambit
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Initially, I thought Time Warner Cable's offer of free indoor TV antennas to viewers who want to watch CBS's over-the-air broadcast -- blacked out on the cable behemoth due to a payments scrap -- was a stoke of PR genius.
Mon., Aug. 26 envelope

Sports:
Shutting Down A-Rod's Loudmouth
By Fraser P. Seitel
Alex Rodriguez' lawyer was single-handedly -- and with breathtaking speed -- destroying the last shreds of the star's reputation before A-Rod pulled the PR plug.
Mon., Aug. 26 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
DeBlasio Sticks to His Gut; Quinn Commits Heresy
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
If a cable network launches and nobody is around to watch it, does it have any impact on the media scene?  We'll find out tomorrow. Welcome, Al Jazeera America.
Thu., Aug. 22 envelope

Public Relations:
New PR Head at ProPublica
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Nicole Bronzan of Freedom to Marry, will join ProPublica Sept. 16 as communications director, replacing five-year veteran Mike Webb, who had the title of VP/communications.
Thu., Aug. 22

Public Affairs:
PR Drills for Gold with Mexico's Pemex
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Petroleos Mexicanos is eager to make its mark in U.S. waters following decision of recently installed Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto to allow foreign companies to share in the country’s oil profits for the first time in 75 years.
Mon., Aug. 19

Media:
Welcome, Al Jazeera America
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
If a cable network launches and nobody is around to watch it, does it have any impact on the media scene?  We'll find out tomorrow. Welcome, Al Jazeera America.
Mon., Aug. 19

Public Relations:
Peppercomm Staffer Frets About PR's Image
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Lia LoBello, "strategic" PR staffer at Peppercomm, $16.1 million O'Dwyer-ranked PR firm, is upset at PR's poor public image.
Mon., Aug. 19 envelope[2]

PR School:
Perfecting the Perfect Pitch
By Fraser P. Seitel
Knowing the "do's" and "don'ts" of pitching the media -- including bloggers and other denizens of the web -- is obligatory for public relations knowledge. 
Mon., Aug. 19 envelope

Writing:
WSJ Plagued By Too Many 'Buts'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The credibility of journalism would be seriously bolstered if reporters and editors would drop the word "but" from news articles.
Thu., Aug. 15

Crisis Communications:
Five PR Lessons From the Weiner Campaign
Bill HueyBy Bill Huey
Nothing can save Anthony Weiner's campaign, but if you are ever advising someone trying to make a comeback, it might serve you well to remember these five PR lessons.
Wed., Aug. 14 envelope[3]

International:
Bahrain's PR Firms Put on Notice
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Bahrain activists put western PR firms supporting the King's government on notice, threatening cyber-attacks on their websites.
Wed., Aug. 14

PRSA:
PRSA Inflates Conf Attendance By 50%+
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PR Society of America's promotion to service firms for its 2013 annual conference are a gross exaggeration not only of the number of PR practitioners at the conference but the level of their jobs.
Wed., Aug. 14

Finance:
Icahn Forces Apple to Open Up to PR
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Apple, which is renowned for its close-mouthed ways, may be forced to open up as it is currently overmatched in the dust-up with media savvy investor Carl Icahn, the pride of Far Rockaways, Queens.
Tue., Aug. 13

Media:
Why I Hope the Koch Bros Buy the LA Times
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Does the Koch Brothers' pursuit of the LA Times worry a left-leaning PR pro like me? Not at all.
Tue., Aug. 13 envelope

PR Commentary:
Social Media's Biz Impact Exaggerated - NYU Prof
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
A New York University study has found that less than 3% of the traffic going to websites of major brands and advertisers is coming from social media while 33% of the traffic is coming from consumers doing searches for products and services.
Mon., Aug. 12

Media:
Don't Glorify or Pillory Hillary
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
NBC and CNN have the right to air whatever they want, even a miniseries on Hillary Clinton.
Wed., Aug. 7 envelope[3]

Crisis Communications:
How Not to Respond to PR Crises
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
All too often flawed responses to PR crises needlessly keep disasters in the news. Here are several examples that resulted in additional negative media coverage or, at the best, didn't help the situation.
Tue., Aug. 6 envelope[6]

Media:
Where Was Buffett in Wash Post Deal?
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Warren Buffett is the odd man out in Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' stunning $250M purchase of the Washington Post. Why didn't the Oracle of Omaha, a lover of newspapers buy the paper? That's the $64,000 question.
Tue., Aug. 6

Media:
Things Are Looking Up for Media World
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The deals of this past weekend marked the low-point of the great media depression.
Mon., Aug. 5

PR Commentary:
"PR Day" Flops in U.K. but Need Continues
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Saturday, July 27 was the first "PR National Awareness Day" in the U.K. in case you missed it. Almost everyone missed it in the U.K. and there is no evidence anyone at all knew about the effort in the U.S.
Mon., Aug. 5

Tech PR:
Reasons Why Sony is Beating Microsoft in the PR War
Ronn TorossianBy Ronn Torossian
Every few years, the world of technology gets rocked by the release of new home video gaming consoles.
Fri., Aug. 2

M&A:
Pay at Top of OMC/Publicis Far From Equal
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The proposed combination of Omnicom and Publicis is being billed as a merger of equals but the pay packages of OMC CEO John Wren and CFO Randy Weisenburger dwarf the pay given to Maurice Levy of Publicis.
Thu., Aug. 1

Technology:
Big Data Crushes Creativity in Publicis-Omnicom Deal
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
A Big Data emphasis is a soul-crushing experience for "old-fashioned" PR people who think the profession is based on creativity, trust and relationships.
Tue., July 30

Crisis Communications:
In Crisis, One Size Doesn't Fit All
By Fraser P. Seitel
Today's ubiquitous crisis management experts" offer a handy formula to rescue suspected sinners from disaster -- don't believe them.
Tue., July 30 envelope

PR Services:
Radio Still Provides Big Bang for PR Buck
shel lustigBy Shel Lustig
Radio's versatility, affordability and myriad environments can accommodate a range of messages, deliver a significant audience, convey a personal story, and do it all at a reasonable cost. Simply put, radio still provides a big bang for the buck. 
Tue., July 30

M&A:
My Thoughts on the Omnicom-Publicis Merger
edelmanBy Richard Edelman
I have several thoughts on the historic merger of Publicis and Omnicom. First and foremost, I am not afraid. You should not be either. 
Mon., July 29

M&A:
Don't Count Levy Out in Publicis-OMC Blockbuster
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Media coverage of the "merger of equals" deal cut between Omnicom and Publicis Groupe leads one to think that OMC's John Wren will assume the helm after a dual CEO run with Maurice Levy. One shouldn't bet the farm on that assumption.
Mon., July 29

PRSA:
PRSA Posts VP-PR Job
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PR Society of America has posted the specs for a VP-PR to replace Arthur Yann, who died suddenly at 48 in that post on June 13. President and COO Bill Murray has written that Yann had "one of the toughest jobs in PR."
Mon., July 29 envelope

Public Affairs:
Ireland's Modest Proposal
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Irish president Edna Kenny is the driving force in a campaign to junk the country's senate. Think of the millions U.S. taxpayers would save if the House voted itself out of office. 
Thu., July 25 envelope

Public Affairs:
Weiner Blindsides Spitzer on PR Front
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Now that he’s been blindsided, what can disgraced former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer do to revive the buzz in his campaign for comptroller of the Big Apple?
Wed., July 24

Media:
What's With the Outrage?

kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
We've come a long way since 1970, the year in which Rolling Stone selected mass murderer Charlie Manson as a cover boy and people picked up the issue because they wanted to know what made that cult leader and madman tick.
Thu., July 18 envelope[3]

Public Relations:
PR, Newspaper Execs Must Face Their Low Credibility
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Leaders of the PR/IR industry, in a remarkable show of community, gathered Jan. 13-14, 2003 in Madison, N.J., in an effort to restore credibility to the business community.
Wed., July 17

Crisis Communications:
Opportunities in a PR Crisis
hirigoyenBy Patrick Hirigoyen
Do we often overlook the "opportunity" part of the crisis communications equation?
Tue., July 16

Public Relations:
Definitions of Journalism, PR Sought
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Congress is working on a definition of journalism and the PR industry should be working on a description of what takes place under the heading of "PR." PR people often say that most of what is in media comes from them.
Mon., July 15

Public Affairs:
The PR Plan to Elect Eliot Spitzer
By Fraser Seitel
Having solidified his right to compete for New York City office, here is the public relations prescription that Eliot Spitzer will use to become New York City's next comptroller.
Fri., July 12 envelope

Media:
Chris Matthews & Wife Are Flops as Journalists
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Chris Matthews, noted for blasting out his opinions on one subject or another, is strangely silent on a subject dear to our hearts -- Marriott Hotel guards twice blocking our coverage of PRSA events at its hotels. His wife, Kathleen, heads Marriott PR.
Fri., July 12 envelope

Public Affairs:
Yes, Mr. President, It's a Coup
Joe HonickBy Joseph J. Honick
What is it that's keeping our president from the obvious? What has happened in Egypt is a coup.
Fri., July 12 envelope[3]

Healthcare:
GOP Demonization of PR
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Republicans who have voted over and over in the House to pass a meaningless repeal of the Affordable Care Act are demeaning PR and media outreach in their effort to undercut ObamaCare.
Thu., July 11 envelope[2]

Media:
LA Times 'Saved'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Liberal activists will cheer Tribune Co.'s decision announced today to spin-off its eight-paper newspaper group led by dual crown jewels Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune.
Wed., July 10

Public Relations:
Corporate PR is Dead
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, Melbourne, Australia, headlines in its newsletter that "PR is Dead." We agree that corporate/institutional PR is just about dead.
Mon., July 8 envelope[4]

Technology:
Motorola Takes PR Bite of Apple
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Unfortunately for Apple CEO Tim Cook, Motorola Mobility, which is part of Apple arch-rival Google, beat him to the publicity punch in announcing a domestic production push.
Mon., July 8

Public Relations:
Corporate PR is Dead
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, Melbourne, Australia, headlines in its newsletter that "PR is Dead." We agree that corporate/institutional PR is just about dead.
Mon., July 8 envelope[3]

Crisis Communications:
What the Deen Saga Can Teach Us
pierreBy Harry-Jacques Pierre
If I were working with Paula Deen and trying to craft a strategy to avoid further destruction of her personal reputation and business brand, I would offer these pieces of advice...
Wed., July 3 envelope[2]

PR Industry:
Campbell: PR Pros Bad at PR, Replaced By Journos
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Former PR head for U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair said the PR industry has done a "lousy job on its own reputation" resulting in terms like "PR" and "spin" being "synonyms for B.S., lies, deception.
Wed., July 3 envelope[2]

Associations:
IABC's MacCasland Should Apologize
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Robin McCasland, internal PR staffer at Dell and new chair of the International Assn. of Business Communicators, should apologize for her remarks June 25 likening reporters to dogs "humping" in the park.
Mon., July 1

Sports:
Can Marketers Protect Themselves from Athletes Gone Bad
By Arthur Solomon
With the arrest of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez for murder, an ongoing probe of MLB players, and the generally disgraceful actions of fans, is there any way that marketers tied to sports can protect themselves when an athlete spokesperson goes bad?
Thu., June 27 

Crisis Communications:
Paula Deen's Southern Fried Crisis Management
By Fraser Seitel
Every move she's made to tamp down her crisis has only burned the sassy Savannah chef even further. She can still get her PR mojo back.
Mon., June 24 

PRSA:
PRSA Unmentioned at Yann Funeral
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Sources covering the funeral last week of Arthur Yann, VP-PR of PR Society of America, who died suddenly June 13, were struck by the fact that no one from the Society made remarks either at the funeral home or the church.
Mon., June 24 

Awards:
DuPont Silver Anvil is Tarnished Over Conflict
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
DuPont on June 13 picked up the Best of Silver Anvil Award of PR Society of America but it's tarnished as DuPont is a client of the chair of the Society, Mickey Nall of Ogilvy PR. 
Thu., June 20  envelope

Advertising:
Grey Advertising 'Walks on the Wild Side'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Grey Advertising doesn't have the reputation as a creative powerhouse, but tomorrow it will "walk on the wild side" by featuring legendary 1960s seminal rock band Velvet Underground front man Lou Reed in Cannes. 
Wed., June 19 

PR School:
Plagiarism and PR
Fraser SeitelBy Fraser P. Seitel
While there are no hard and fast rules, PR people should generally follow these guidelines to avoid even the appearance of stealing someone else’s work without attribution.
Tue., June 18  envelope[2]

PRSA:
PRSA's Anvils Raise Issue of Definition of PR
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The No. 1 topic among PR people is no doubt what exactly is PR? Each PR person has a different definition.
Mon., June 17

Public Affairs:
Obama's Crafty PR Diversion
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
In agreeing to arm Syrian rebels, President Obama is finally showing some much-needed backbone. 
Fri., June 14

Public Affairs:
Cyberwar and Shadowy Intel - The Next Big Musical Comedy
Joe HonickBy Joseph J. Honick
Is there any more entertainment potential for comic opera than the current assaults on cyberwarfare and alleged NSA monitoring intelligence?
Thu., June 13

Public Affairs:
Stop Watching Us, Liberties Groups Urge
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
As more than 40 civil liberties groups forge a coalition to rein in the NSA, the Pentagon is warning security directors not to look at any classified information that they may inadvertently stumble upon on the web. 
Tue., June 11 envelope[3]

APR:
Help Sought for PRSA's APR, 50 Next Year
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PR Society of America has retained the Organizational Performance Group, Hamden, Conn., to do research on its accreditation program and offer advice on how to improve it.
Tue., June 11

Public Affairs:
Snowden Fallout Should Trigger Privatization Debate
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Freedom of expression and anti-secrecy advocates are coming out of the woodwork in support of Booz Allen Hamilton whistleblower Edward Snowden. 
Mon., June 10 envelope[4]

Corporate Communications:
Gen. McChrystal Tells Sad Tale to PR Seminar
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who led U.S. troops in Afghanistan until a Rolling Stone article outed him as the "runaway general," told his sad tale to the 2013 PR Seminar at the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay.
Mon., June 10 envelope[2]

Public Relations:
Communicating with the iGeneration
stefan pollackBy Stefan Pollack
With the coming of age of the next generation -- often called Generation Z, but more likely to be known as the iGen generation -- there is likely to be an enormous disruption that will change how brands and consumers communicate and, more importantly, the media's role in this process.
Fri., June 7

Public Relations:
PR Deserves Better Than Basil Clarke
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
PR pros may want to check out the new biography of Basil Clarke that due out next week. Guardian columnist Roy Greenslade credits him as being the "father of PR in the U.K."
Thu., June 6 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Acting Lessons Not Learned from Reagan
solomonBy Arthur Solomon
President Ronald Reagan wasn't the only Republican politician with acting ability. Anyone who has watched the recent congressional hearings knows it.
Wed., June 5 envelope

Public Affairs:
Stronger Than the Storm???
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
In recovering from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey has done a magnificent job in getting much of its devastated shore battered back in condition for the economically all-important summer vacation season.
Tue., June 4

Compensation:
OMC CEO Wren's $42M Pay Goes Viral
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Bolt Insurance circulated a table of the 15 highest paid CEOs that put OMC's John Wren in 11th position with total pay of $42.6M in 2012.
Mon., June 3 envelope

Media:
How Will Al Jazeera America Affect PR & TV Viewers
By Ronn Torossian
Will a growing Al Jazeera America win the hearts, minds and pitches of U.S. PR firms amid the rubble of collapsing mainstream media?
Thu., May 30 envelope[2]

Corporate Governance:
Activists Seek Pay, Governance Reforms at Omnicom
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Stockholder activists are pressing for pay and governance reforms at Omnicom, the $14 billion conglomerate that owns FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, Porter Novelli and other PR firms.
Thu., May 30 envelope[2]

Food:
China Seeks PR Rebound from Porker Apocalypse
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
China's biggest meat company struck an outstanding PR bargain today in announcing the acquisition of American pork powerhouse Smithfield Foods.
Wed., May 29 envelope[2]

Media Relations:
IRS Bounces Stonewaller; A Tool Reporters Need
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
It was with some satisfaction that we saw IRS agent Lois Lerner being bounced from her active duties May 23, the day after she took the Fifth Amendment on whether her office improperly targeted conservative groups.
Mon., May 27

Crisis Communicatons:
Natural Disasters as Reality TV
renzi stoneBy Renzi Stone
We are entering a new era of real-time reporting in American journalism as public surveillance increases, crowdsourcing becomes commonplace and technology becomes widely available.
Fri., May 24

Energy:
Thank You, President Bush
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Newly minted Energy Secretary Ernie Moniz should have credited President George W. Bush this week as Tesla Motor paid back its $465M U.S. loan early.
Thu., May 23

International:
Muslim World Woefully Underserved By PR Sector
yusuf hatiaBy Yusuf Hatia
The Muslim market is large, lucrative and underserved. At a time when companies are looking to find the next billion consumers, the Muslim market presents a unique opportunity.
Tue., May 21

Media:
Yahoo Sings the Right Note
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Yahoo's press release to announce the acquisition of the fast-growing social media site Tumblr is a thing of beauty.
Mon., May 20

PR School:
What Makes a Good Press Secretary
Fraser SeitelBy Fraser P. Seitel
The best press secretaries possess certain characteristics that make them invaluable to both their boss and the media through which they convey their administration's positions, philosophies and programs.
Mon., May 20 envelope

Higher Education:
PR Profs Push 'Dialog Loop' (for Others)
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PR professors including Tina McCorkindale, chair of the PRSA Educators Academy, and Marcia DiStaso, chair-elect, maintain that a "dialogic loop" is the ideal form of comms. for PR people.
Mon., May 20

Media Relations:
When the Media Descends
dignanBy Kellyanne Dignan
When the global media descends on any type of community, be it a town, city or organization it can be very overwhelming. After handling several large media events here in Boston recently, here are six key takeaways.
Thu., May 16 envelope

Public Affairs:
Obama's Vision: Stave Off Impeachment
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The only vision/agenda that Obama has during his last 1,300 days in office is surviving a sure-to-happen impeachment proceeding in the House.
Thu., May 16 envelope[6]

Books:
Crisis Geniu; NYU 'Resort' in Abu Dhabi; Nall Speaks
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Helen Armstead, a character in the new book, A Thousand Pardons by Jonathan Dee, is portrayed as a "genius for crisis management."
Thu., May 16

Media:
Payback Time for Aloof Obama
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Our aloof president with his holier-than-thou rhetoric attempts to float over the down-and-dirty aspects of political life.
Wed., May 15

Public Affairs:
How Benghazi Changed My Political Beliefs
solomonBy Arthur Solomon
The Benghazi hearings have crushed my long cherished belief that politicos always tell the truth. Wink. Wink.
Tue., May 14

Public Affairs:
Hillary Hoisted By Her Own PR Petard

Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
With riveting testimony, revelations of high-level concerns and revisions designed to white-wash talking points, Benghazi looms as a building PR crisis for the Administration and presidential heir-apparent Hillary Clinton.
Mon., May 13 envelope[5]

Media:
Pelley Warns 'Journalism's House is on Fire'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
When it comes to heavyweights in Big Media, one would be hard-pressed to find a person heavier than CBS News anchor Scott Pelley. When Scott trashes the journalism profession, people should take notice.
Mon., May 13

Public Affairs:
Hillary Hoisted By Her Own PR Petard

Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
With riveting testimony, revelations of high-level concerns and revisions designed to white-wash talking points, Benghazi looms as a building PR crisis for the Administration and presidential heir-apparent Hillary Clinton.
Mon., May 13 envelope[3]

Media:
PR Chutzpah of the Week Award
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Barring any late breaking developments in the "can you believe this one," department, Fox News' media critic Bernie Goldberg and Boeing are awarded the coveted "PR Chutzpah of the Week."
Fri., May 10 envelope[3]

Corporate Communications:
In Caustic Concert on Bangladesh
hazleyBy Greg Hazley
Whether it's confusion or denial, apparel retailers have turned in a shameful PR performance in the aftermath of the deadly April 24 factory collapse in Bangladesh that took more than 800 lives.
Thu., May 9 envelope

Public Relations:
APR is Bad for Your Wealth
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
A PR practitioner who puts "APR" after his or her name is apt to remind clients of "Annual Percentage Rate" and is flying in the face of advice that use of such "post-nominal letters" is counter-productive, says PR consultant Alex Singleton.
Tue., May 7 envelope[5]

PR Education:
PRSA Educators Block Student Members
By Jack O'Dwyer
Jack O'Dwyer PR professors in the past blocked students from joining PRSA without taking PR courses. It's an issue now because PR employers are telling us they are not satisfied with the quantity and quality of grads showing up at their doorsteps.
Mon., May 6

Media:
Hands Off Koch Bros. Tribune Paper Buy
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Brooklyn-born Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is one of my heroes in the political world, but Sanders is laying an egg in opposing the sale of the Tribune Co.'s newspaper group.
Fri., May 3

Public Relations:
Dearth of Celebrities is Harbinger of Negative Trends in PR
By Patrick Di Chiro
Where are the PR, advertising celebrities of yesteryear? PR (and advertising) professionals need to strongly and visibly assert their influence and impact in the global business world.
Fri., May 3

Public Relations:
F-H’s Drift to Ad Side Dismays PR Vets
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The Fleishman-Hillard unit of Omnicom, rebranding as FleishmanHillard, has embarked on “new direction” so it can “better serve marketer clients in the 21st century,” said Stuart Elliott’s feature on the changes in the New York Times April 29.
Thu., May 2

Public Relations:
Where are the Celebrities of PR?
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Where are the celebrities of PR who can serve as role models for the students and make PR an attractive career? There are very few such models when there used to be scores of them.
Mon., April 29

Media:
Murdoch is Now Really Aligned with Shareholder Interest!
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch is getting a 15 percent raise in 2014 targeted compensation following the carve-up of the media combine into two.
Fri., April 26 envelope[2]

PR School:
Branding Video
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Video is the star of the social media scene as PR firms forge branded content or native advertising to "friendly"' media outlets.
Wed., April 24

Public Affairs:
George W. Bush's Reputation on the Upswing
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The 43rd President is on the reputation rebound trail, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll that shows the former commander-in-chief with a 50 percent approval rating.
Tue., April 23 envelope[3]

PR Groups:
One PR Secret Society Lives (Sort Of), Another Dies
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
There is news of two of the five "Secret Societies of PR" that this reporter outed in 1970, two years after starting the O'Dwyer Newsletter.
Mon., April 22

Media:
NY Post Nears the Finish Line
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
The media did not exactly cover themselves with glory in "reporting" the Boston Marathon bombing story. Much of their reporting was downright wrong.
Fri., April 19 envelope[3]

Public Affairs:
Senate Minority Enables Terrorists, Criminals
foleyBy Kevin Foley
Conservatives like to accuse progressives of being soft on terror and crime. Now we have proof that it's actually the other way around.
Fri., April 19

Public Affairs:
Let the Great Drone Debate Begin
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
NY Times reporter Mark Mazzetti has just published an important book, "The Way of the Knife: The CIA, a Secret Army and a War at the Ends of the Earth," that analyzes the surge in president Obama's targeted assassination campaign via drone that is at the core of his counter-terrorism strategy.
Mon., April 15

Public Relations:
Pew Should Fund Excellence in PR Study
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
Pew, whose annual thrashing of the press and reporters is oddly labeled "The Project for Excellence in Journalism," should fund a companion study called "Project for Excellence in PR" which would cover PR's role in declining press credibility.
Mon., April 15

Public Affairs:
Keystone Pipeline's Tough PR Fight
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
If America had the opportunity to vote on whether or not to approve the Keystone Pipeline, the TransCanada project would go down in defeat.
Fri., April 12

Sports:
NASCAR-NRA PR Marriage Debuts in Texas
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Auto racing giant provides the National Rifle Association a PR coup by agreeing to upgrade the gun lobby sponsorship by renaming a Sprint Cup race on April 13.
Fri., April 12

Crisis Communications:
Full Employment for Crisis Pros
Richard NicolazzoBy Richard Nicolazzo
Bad decision-making at the senior management level at Rutgers, Boeing and JPMorgan Chase shows a disturbing, reoccurring pattern that top inside communications executives and trusted outside counselors are usually not at the decision-making table.
Thu., April 11

Media:
With 'Friends' Like Pew, Papers Don't Need Enemies
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The 2012 newspaper ad revenues, reported Monday by the Newspaper Assn. of America, are bad enough ($22 billion vs. $49B in 2006) without the Pew Charitable Trusts exulting, as usual, over this decline and blaming the "quality" of news reporting.
Wed., April 10

Media:
Jon Stewart for Secretary of State
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Comedy Central host's ridicule of Kim Jong Un's effort to "ratchet up tensions" with the U.S. received a whopping 2.8M views on China's web portal and tens of thousands of supporting comments.
Tue., April 9

Corporate Communications:
Why Apple Must Fire Tim Cook
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Apple Computer is the most shareholder unfriendly company in America and its board is useless. Why has the high-flying company's stock plummeted 40% since CEO Time Cook took the reins? Three words: miserable shareholder relations.
Tue., April 9

Public Affairs:
Policy Group Pushes Conservative Agenda, Says PR Watch
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PR Watch has published "A Reporters' Guide to the "State Policy Network," accusing the non-profit of spreading disinformation, failing to properly report its spending to the IRS, and with promoting the conservative agenda of the American Legislative Exchange Council.
Fri., April 5

Freelance:
Contract Work as Career Path
genovaBy Jane Genova
Technology, globalization and the rising pressure to cut costs spur rise of contract workers.
Thu., April 4

Corporate Communications:
Apple, Tesla CEOs Provide PR Textbook Fodder
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
PR textbook writers, including esteemed O'Dwyer columnist Fraser Seitel, got some rich material this week for future editions of their college textbooks courtesy of Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla Motors boss Elon Musk.
Wed., April 3 envelope

Public Affairs:
Exxon Mobil: The Gift That Keeps on Giving to Enviros
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
A week after the Democratic-controlled Senate approved by a robust 62-37 margin an amendment to support construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, an Exxon Mobil pipeline carrying Canadian crude burst on March 29 near Mayflower, Ark., a speck on the map situated north of Little Rock.
Mon., April 1

PR School:
Lawyers as PR Counselors: A Lousy Idea
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Clinton crisis manager and attorney Lanny Davis, in a new book, suggests PR people neither possess the legal chops nor the statutory "privilege" to ferret out the facts and stand up to the lawyers. Here's why he's wrong...
Mon., April 1

PR Jobs:
20 Reasons to Open NYU-PRSA Career Day to Press
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
PRSA's history of unethical, undemocratic, anti-New York, anti-press and anti-information policies, practices and individual acts demands that its leaders not be allowed to hit on some 300 students at the Career Forum tomorrow at the school's Kimmel Center absent monitoring by the press.
Mon., April 1

PR Jobs:
PR Students Will Get Hosed Unless Sponsors Act
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
More than 300 PR and journalism students are expected to converge on NYU Tuesday for an all-day "PR Career Forum." The program says students are supposed to "learn about the field of PR" but PR publishers are banned and here will be no literature or reading table.
Fri., March 29

Public Affairs:
State of the Union at Spring Break
dilenschneiderBy Robert Dilenschneider
As Congress breaks for it annual spring break, here’s a look at the state of the union and how Americans feel about things.
Thu., March 28 envelope

Public Affairs:
Supreme Court to Take a PR Hit
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
Twenty-five years from now, Americans will look back at today's Supreme Court action in total befuddlement. They'll say, "What were they thinking?"
Wed., March 27

PR Jobs:
NYU Career Fair Long on Pitches, Short on Advice
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The New York chapter of PR Society of America and New York University PRSSA chapter have at last revealed the agenda for the "New York PR Career Forum" April 2 at the Kimmel Center.
Wed., March 27

Public Afairs:
Time to Rethink Economic 'Recovery'
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
How's the economic recovery treating you? I know many PR people who either have been out of work for months or are doing freelance work, but itching to go on a more reliable payroll basis.
Mon., March 25

PR Jobs:
Golf is Door Opener for PR Majors
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
How can a student stand out in the cluster ... of a PR career forum? Have a low golf handicap. Be on the tennis team. Be able to play a musical instrument or perform in some way. Be funny.
Mon., March 25

Public Affairs:
Syria Puts Obama's PR Skills on the Line
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
President Obama is escalating his rhetoric against the Syrian regime in the aftermath of a dubious report of a chemical attack.
Fri., March 22

Career Advice:
Bogus NYU PR Career Forum Must Be Revamped
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
The “Career Forum” set for April 2 at New York University’s Kimmel Center needs heavy alterations if it is to live up to its title.
Fri., March 22

Public Affairs:
Sen. Menendez: When PR Victory Spells Doom
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Beleaguered Jersey Senator Robert Menendez scored a PR victory over phony prostitution smear, but his silence over alleged acceptance of bribes speaks volumes.
Thu., March 21 envelope

Technology:
Do Agencies Still Need a CDO?
linda perry lubeBy Linda Perry-Lube
A study by David Mathison found 40 percent of current chief digital offciers work in agencies and agencies have had CDOs for upwards of ten years. This got me thinking; do PR agencies still need CDOs?
Tue., March 19

Public Affairs:
Contractors 'Celebrate' Iraq Anniversary
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
As the nation "celebrates" the tenth anniversary of George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, a Financial Times analysis reports on the biggest "winners" of the totally unnecessary conflict: military contractors.
Tue., March 19 envelope[4]

PR Jobs:
O'Dwyer's Will Pay $1K for Career Forum
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
An open letter to PRSA/NY president in which we ask whether there will be any limits on the directories, books or other materials that we can exhibit at the Career Forum that the chapter is sponsoring April 2.
Tue., March 19

Public Relations:
PR Crippled By Aversion to F2F with Press
Jack O'DwyerBy Jack O'Dwyer
"Face Time," a column by James Surowiecki in the March 18 New Yorker, notes that researchers have found that "if team members simply met in person before working together they trusted each other more and performed better."
Mon., March 18 envelope[2]

Media:
Walls Between Ad, Editorial Crumble
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
A survey released today by Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism bears out PR's enthusiasm for paid content.
Mon., March 18

Public Relations:
A 'Disruptive' Pontiff
dilenschneiderBy Robert Dilenschneider
Pope Francis has an opportunity to use social media to change his church’s image from a creaky, mumbling 2,000-year-old to one that’s engaged with young people throughout the world.
Thu., March 14 envelope[2]

Media:
Big Government Bashers Gather to Rant
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Anti-Big Government crowd gather in Washington to rant to each other as annual CPAC convention, the Woodstock of the far-right, swings into high gear.
Thu., March 14

Public Affairs:
Ryan is Gift That Keeps on Giving for Democrats
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
There's a kernel of truth to the notion that Republicans lost a very winnable presidential election because of poor PR.
Tue., March 12

Public Affairs:
My, How the World Must See Us Now!
Joe HonickBy Joseph J. Honick
Washington's "sandbox politics" over sequester batters and lack of leadership in Syria squabble batters U.S. image overseas.
Wed., March 6 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Swallowed Spin on Iraq is Hard to Spit Up
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
As the U.S. "celebrates" the tenth anniversary of George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, a report released today that finds two-thirds of the 57 percent of Americans who supported the attack during the war's early stages still believe it was the right thing to do.
Wed., March 6

Media:
NY Times Makes Untimely Cut
kevin mccauleyBy Kevin McCauley
What was the NY Times thinking when it killed its green blog and shuttered its environmental bureau?
Mon., March 4

Media:
TV News At Its Nadir
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Television news has always been overrated, with a few exceptions, but its superficiality reached a new low with the extensive coverage of two recent stories.
Fri., March 1 envelope

Crisis Communications:
Resetting Vatican PR Communications
NicolazzoBy Richard E. Nicolazzo
The new pope will have a major opportunity to reset the Vatican’s PR, which has been a total disaster in the wake of crisis upon crisis.
Thu., Feb. 28

Corporate Communications:
What Yahoo! Said with Its Work-at-Home Reversal
oestreicherBy Paul Oestreicher
What message did Yahoo send its “work at home staffers” when it tells them to get back to the office? Does Yahoo consider them “slackers” or “deadbeats?”
Wed., Feb. 27

Technology:
How Big Data Will Transform Customer Experience
robert reissBy Robert Reiss
Perhaps the greatest difference between the winners and losers of business over the next decade is that the winners will utilize the powerful engine of big data.
Tue., Feb. 26

Public Relations:
Apple's PR Lemon
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Apple, one of the greatest marketing companies of all time, has never been known for good public relations, which is to blame for its tumbling stock.
Mon., Feb. 25

Public Affairs:
Apocalypse LaPierre
foleyBy Kevin Foley
National Rifle Assn. is hard-pressed to maintain its "national grassroots organization" charade as gun-related groups fund more than 30 percent of its budget.
Fri., Feb. 22

Crisis Communications:
A Triumph for PR
Bill HueyBy Bill Huey
When the Carnival Triumph finally docks in Mobile, the entire cruise-ship industry should have a PR triage team in place to meet them.
Thu., Feb. 14 envelope

PR School:
Presentation Management: Cuidado Con El Agua
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Marco Rubio’s response to President Obama’s barn burner State of the Union was passable, but ruined by his now legendary lunge for a bottle of Poland Spring.
Thu., Feb. 14 envelope

Sports:
Pebble Beach 'Salutes' Military, Showcases Economic Disparity
foleyBy Kevin Foley
Pebble Beach golf tourney gets first prize for its naked hypocrisy for its 'salute' to the military as enlisted people, who earn poverty wage, stand at attention while golfers vie for $6.5M prize.
Mon., Feb. 11 envelope[3]

Authenticity:
When Words Aren't Enough for an Apology
oestreicherBy Paul Oestreicher
When responding to a PR crisis, a ‘canned’ apology just doesn’t cut it. San Francisco 49er Chris Culliver fumbles authenticity test.
Fri., Feb. 1

Sports:
Super Bowl PR Fun
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
Are you ready for the Super Bowl? Exhausted sports writers and PR pros are searching for fresh angles as the Big Day draws near.
Thu., Jan. 31

Crisis Management:
Te'o Fumbles the Apology
Fraser Seitel By Fraser P. Seitel
Manti Te'o's and his advisors' fumbling of his ultimate choreographed Katie Couric "apology" is a text book example of what not do when your image takes a hit.
Thu., Jan. 24 envelope[5]

Public Relations:
PR's Canary in the Coal Mine
byron reimusBy Byron Reimus
PR and marketing have fundamentally different objectives, but most corporate PR, now including social media, reports to marketing, following a path forged by IR and government affairs in answering to executives with little or no PR training or experience.
Thu., Jan. 17 envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
The GOP Comeback
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
George Carlin once said, "The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept."  So it seems with the Republican Party, which needs to do what Democrats did to win two-term presidencies for Clinton and Obama: appeal to the entire American society, not just the fringe elements.
Fri., Jan. 18

Public Relations:
PR's Canary in the Coal Mine
byron reimusBy Byron Reimus
PR and marketing have fundamentally different objectives, but most corporate PR, now including social media, reports to marketing, following a path forged by IR and government affairs in answering to executives with little or no PR training or experience.
Thu., Jan. 17

Public Relations:
What Armstrong Must Tell Oprah
Fraser Seitel After two decades of brow-beating teammates, threatening journalists and suing adversaries, Lance Armstrong has one chance this week to set the record straight and begin to win back his reputation. Here's what he ought to do...
Mon., Jan. 14

Public Relations:
2012 PR Bloopers
Arthur SolomonBy Arthur Solomon
There was a feast of PR bloopers in 2012, especially as the presidential campaign loomed large in the media spotlight.
Tue., Jan. 8
envelope[2]

Public Affairs:
Public Safety, Gun Safety Not Mutually Exclusive
foleyBy Kevin Foley
Public safety is the missing element in the national post-Newtown massacre debate over the need to curb gun violence.
Thu., Jan. 3 envelope[2]

Public Relations:
How the NRA 'Set the Agenda'
Fraser SeitelBy Fraser P. Seitel
If you're willing to overlook NRA EVP Wayne LaPierre's indefensible refusal to acknowledge that too many guns are bad for society, the NRA's Top Gun deserves some credit for his public relations strategy, especially his ability to "set the agenda" on the gun debate.
Wed., Jan. 2, 2013 envelope[6]


 

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