In and About This Issue

Public Relations Quarterly, 2009 by Newman, Elaine F

According to Edd Applegate, the commitment of the journalist to fair and unbiased reporting is contingent on the relationship between objective reporting and the presentation of all aspects of the story. He describes the differences between the two, and how both are essential to impartial accounts of the presentation.

There has been an increase in practitioners entering the academic world to teach public relations. The change could proceed smoothly by adhering to Nancy Somerick's strategies, which outline step-by-step procedures to expedite the transition.

J. Sean McCleneghan recognized the difference between the PR Counselor and the PR Executive, and his studies indicate that the two share numerous skills needed in PR work. Critical thinking seems to be the most significant variable for the independent PR counselor.

Social media, when understood by public relations professionals, is as important a dynamic as traditional media, especially when they are combined. Contributing Editor Andy Marken provides a comprehensive explanation of the ever-growing new media. In addition, Andy gives some insight into the provocative area of public relations in 2010.

Mark Van Dyke, Carmen Haynes, and Jennifer Ferguson-Mitchell explore intergenerational communication as it pertains to public relations. Their study included participants from ages 19 to 84, and the results demonstrate the relevance to PR practice.

Wes Pedersen continues to take us back to the early days of public relations. His accounts are interesting and informative, as well as intriguing.

"Jack the Ripper's Public Relations" the winning article for this year's Bernays Cup, is written by the collaboration of three students, Shanon Guess, Devon Armijo, and Jacquelyn Jinzo from the University of New Mexico. They are students of Prof. Dirk Gibson, a long time contributor to PRQ. The award was established in honor of Edward L. Bernays on the occasion of his 100th birthday, and is presented annually to a student, or in this case, students, who exemplify good writing.

Contributing Editor Ron Levy delves into a timely topic: recession PR opportunities. He details examples, illustrating the methods of well-known companies.