• On News Media and Media Relations

    A look at the rapidly evolving world of journalism and media relations, two fields whose fundamental truths remain unchanged.

    Finding PR Nirvana in Engagement and Consensus

    by  • November 30, 2012 • On News Media and Media Relations

    As marketing professionals continue to adopt public relations principles to define their practice it might be time to reiterate some fundamental differences between the two crafts. At its root, marketing is based on a transaction. I provide and promote a product or service. You buy it. While marketing uses some public relations concepts to stimulate […]

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    A Legendary Scientist Makes the Case for PR

    by  • August 8, 2012 • On News Media and Media Relations

    One of the most brilliant, thoughtful and personable scientists I met in my many years in the higher education public relations business was Allen Newell, one of the fathers of the field of artificial intelligence. With long-time collaborator and Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon, Newell built the foundation of modern computer science research and was at […]

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    Why Colleges and Universities Pursue National Media Coverage

    by  • December 2, 2011 • On News Media and Media Relations

    Colleges and universities pursue national news media coverage because it: Helps to build an institution’s reputation. Helps to build national awareness. Helps to build name recognition. Lends credibility to a college or university’s claim to be a major national institution. Brings value to key institutional messages by providing third-party endorsement. Can stimulate interest and support […]

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    $1 Million for M&Ms or Research. Which One Gets the Media Attention?

    by  • December 2, 2011 • On News Media and Media Relations

    Classic story about the challenges and frustrations of the publicity business in the April 28, 1997, edition of The Wall Street Journal. Seems the James S. McDonnell Foundation, one of the nation’s leading philanthropic organizations, found it could not compete with M&Ms for press attention. The foundation mailed more than 500 press kits announcing a […]

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    College Professor Urges Students to Ignore U.S. News Rankings

    by  • December 2, 2011 • On News Media and Media Relations

    We always liked this Wall Street Journal op-ed piece by Dickinson (Pa.) College Professor Christopher Francese on the insignificance of the U.S. News & World Report rankings to students seeking the best possible educational experience. In his article, “Rancorous College Rankings,” Francese gave six reasons why students should not care about the rankings. You are […]

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    Suggestions for Researchers on Dealing with News Media

    by  • December 2, 2011 • On News Media and Media Relations

    Don Cardinal, a professor at Chapman College, drew some big-time national attention years back when his research on facilitated communication, a controversial technique used to help people with autism or mental retardation communicate more effectively, got ripped in the media. Programs such as “Frontline” on the Public Broadcasting Service and “60 Minutes” on CBS produced […]

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