> But I also think that this station needs to know in no uncertain terms
that
> they have insulted a large group of local people with whom they have a
> mutually dependent relationship. Or at least WE like to think that's the
> relationship. I have had some eye-opening conversations with a public
> affairs pro who is a former print journalist. He assures me that the
feeling
> in the newsroom is not one of mutual dependence but that their service to
> the public could be easily accomplished without us "spin doctors."
As bubble-popping as it is, I can tell you this is *exactly* the feeling of
a lot of journalists. Maybe not all, but a lot. Again, just an observation
from people I've worked with and known. (In fact, a lot feel like PR reps
stand in their way and hinder more than they help.)
I think the feeling arises because a good journalist will work very hard to
get information in addition to what is supplied by PR people, and sometimes
takes for granted what a *good* PR person actually supplies as the base for
research. (And, let's be honest, there are "spin doctors" just as there are
"yellow journalists" out there -- which only means there are people
practicing in both professions who're less than faithful to the ethics of
each respective profession. No good journalist wants to be tarred with the
"yellow" brush, any more than a good PR professional probably wants to be
called a "spin doctor.")
But this doesn't answer your question and I don't have any better an answer
than I did awhile ago. Go forth into the world and do your worst. <G>
Ann
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