Coexistence of PR Pros and Reporters: Natural Enemies or Unholy Alliance?
Is news controlled by outside forces? How, exactly, do public relations professionals influence (or do they?) what the public reads and views? How would news media look without the “help” of PR people? Newsers and spinners: who disses whom”
These are some of the questions to be explored at the June 13 meeting of Professionals in Media (PIM) during a no-holds-barred panel discussion starting at 7 p.m. at the Ethical Culture building at 516 Prospect Avenue in Maplewood, NJ 07040.
Panelists will share their insights into the relationship between the journalists who report news, and the PR people who “suggest” news topics to them. Public relations people support their clients’ views while the news media strive to provide unbiased reporting, a delicate seesaw ecology, indeed.
In addition to current PIM members, the public and prospective members are invited to listen, join the proceedings, and ask tough questions. Please bring a beverage of your choice to share at the casual reception preceding the presentation. A donation of $10 is requested.
PIM was established by South Orange residents Jacqueline Herships and Michelle Hollow in 2007 to provide an informal and entertaining networking forum for journalists, novelists, fine artists, PR practitioners, photographers, actors, directors, etc.
Natural enemies or allies?
According to organizer – and PR panelist – Joel Levin of South Orange, neither “side” could survive without the other. He says, in fact, that “Although a there is a prevalent belief that publicists and journalists are natural enemies, many insiders feel that they are allies. The June 13 meeting will be an eye-opener resulting in some opinion shifting.”
Levin, who represents PR clients and also writes for New Jersey Newspaper Group, further explains, “I’ve seen PR men and women abused by writers and broadcasters, but I’ve also seen media who want to gouge the eyes of pushy PR people. Bottom line is that media make public relations reps possible, but without PR people to provide information for media, our newspapers, Web sites, and radio and television news outlets would be half the size that they are.”
Speakers
Aliyah Baruchin
Aliyah Baruchin is a freelance reporter on health and medicine, a Kaiser Foundation Fellow in Health Media and winner of an AHCJ Award for Excellence in Health Care Journalism.
Joel Levin
Joel Levin represents PR clients and also writes for New Jersey Newspaper Group.
Elaine Durbach
Elaine Durbach is central bureau chief and staff writer for New Jersey Jewish News.
Shanta Bryant Gyan
Shanta Bryant Gyan is managing director of SBG Communications, is experienced in media outreach and editorial work in international advocacy and humanitarian and development affairs.
Maureen Bennett
Maureen Bennett is a multi-award-winning marketing and media relations specialist, video producer, and editor-in-chief of Summit Medical Group's three newsletters.
Michele C. Hollow (Moderator)
South Orange resident Michele C. Hollow is author of the popular animal welfare blog, "Pet News and Views."
Tickets
Coexistence of PR Pros and Reporters: Natural Enemies or Unholy Alliance?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm
June 13 program of PR war stories offers glimpse into symbiotic relationship of strange bedfellows.
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Cost: A donation of $10 is requested.
This Event Has Ended
RSVP to Jacqueline Herships, jacqueline@jacquelineherships.com, (973) 763-7555. Please bring a beverage of your choice to share at the casual reception preceding the presentation.
Location
The Ethical Culture Society
516 Prospect St. at Parker Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
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