Comments on: Why journalism school is the right place for PR students

By: Mike Keliher

Mike Keliher — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:27:06 +0000

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. “Pink and red are so similar in color that when put together they just clash” is a brilliant observation in this context.

Journalism, as a broad discipline, does run into issues of bias, real or perceived. PR, rather understandably, runs into at least as much, if not more. But just like people dislike “politicians” but love their own elected representatives, it’s up to each of us to build our own reputations and, by extension, the reputations of our clients.

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:20:30 +0000

I am currently a journalism student and staff writer for my university’s newspaper. Not only do I love writing, I value journalism ethics and enjoy the reporting process.

I do, however, realize that the uncertain future of print journalism has a definite impact on my career path. So, I’m considering entering the PR field after graduation.

Right now, I am enrolled in a PR course and multiple journalism courses. In addition to my sports journalism experience at the newspaper, I also volunteer at the PR department of the university’s athletic department. I can honestly say EVERY DAY that I go to the SAME locations, press conferences etc. with both jobs. The jobs are in direct relation to each other. I see more similarities than differences between the two. That’s why there is such hostility between the two industries. Pink and red are so similar in color that when put together they just clash. Majors don’t have to be identical to be in the same college.

My mother, a dedicated journalist since college, was laid off this year when the newspaper cut her section. A couple months later she was hired by the PR department of a well-respected organization.

The senior associate at the PR department immediately rejected an internship application for one reason: the person applying was a business major. He said he wouldn’t even consider the candidate because the person wouldn’t be able to write well.

With all this talk of PR taking over journalism’s role in providing information, it’s gotta’ make you consider what the public will think: If they think journalism is biased, what will they think of the PR dept. being the only provider of their company’s information?

And isn’t the purpose of PR to present MUTUALLY beneficial relations to the PUBLIC?

By: Should PR be in the journalism school? « PR Campaigns - The blog

Should PR be in the journalism school? « PR Campaigns - The blog — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:05:02 +0000

[...] Mike Keliher wrote a blog to counter Conrad’s argument. As a part of his post, he writes, “The future of PR is a return to what should have always been our focus: telling stories effectively, communicating and interacting with people. It’s not a business function; it’s a human function.” [...]

By: ellenm53

ellenm53 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:39:33 +0000

Twitter Comment by @ellenm53 (Ellen Mrja)

Mike Keliher on why Journalism Schools Should Keep PR: [link to post] @mjkeliher

– http://twitter.com/ellenm53/statuses/1100836393

– Posted using Chat Catcher

By: Michael J

Michael J — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:26:50 +0000

My trick is to keep the computer on the kitchen table. In between making dinner and watching the tube, it’s a great way to maintain an interesting conversation.

Whenever you’re ready, c’mon over my house….
http://sellingprint.blogspot.com/2009/01/journalism-or-public-relations.html

By: Bill Sledzik

Bill Sledzik — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:08:59 +0000

That’s the beauty of the medium, isn’t it? Just wish I had all day to do this. Hmm. Come to think of it, I did spend all day online. No work ’til next week!

By: Mike Keliher

Mike Keliher — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:04:17 +0000

Hijack away, guys. Or don’t. But if you pick up the conversation elsewhere, let me know when and where.

Thanks for continuing to make the comments section of this post a far better read than the original post ever was.

By: Bill Sledzik

Bill Sledzik — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:43:30 +0000

We probably shouldn’t hijack Mike’s blog this way, but I’m unlikely to get to an original post on this real soon. Lots in the queue right now. But if you post, I’ll join in. Prompt me, OK? I’m not the best at checking the feeds.

By: Michael J

Michael J — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:40:28 +0000

Bill,
You have me with the day job vs no paying client. That makes sense.

The other points you raise need a longer discussion about what is the real difference is between what we have called “PR” and what we have called “journalism.”

If you are interested in continuing, it could be your blog, or mine, or right here. I have your blog and this one on my RSS.

In any case, I have a feeling there is something to learn by trying to make clear the real distinctions and similarities between the two professions.

By: Michael J

Michael J — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:36:52 +0000

Bill,

You have me with the day job with a paying client vs a day job that the real client – the reader – doesn’t pay the bill. That makes sense.

The other points you raise need a longer discussion about what is the real difference is between what we have called “PR” and what we have called “journalism.”

If you are interested in continuing, it could be your blog, or mine, or right here. I have your blog and this one on my RSS.

In any case, I have a feeling there is something to learn by trying to make clear the real distinctions and similarities between the two professions.