Rating: 
Summary: Govt communicators should also see Media Relations Handbook
Review: Cutlip's book is a classic, but for a newer book written by a Washington pro, see Media Relations Handbook for Agencies, Associations, Nonprofits and Congress. The Handbook is written by Brad Fitch, who spent more than a decade on the Hill, with a Foreword by Mike McCurry.What others have said about Fitch's book (there are more testimonials on the book's web site): "Great advice for beginners and experienced media hands. If you are a media relations professional--either beginner or seasoned veteran--this is the book for you. Brad Fitch, who spent many years fielding reporters' tough questions on Capitol Hill, has written a timely, practical guide to handling media relations that is filled with solid professional advice. What goes into a press release? How do you develop a strategic message? You've got a digital camera and a fax machine, but what else does your office need to effectively handle the media? Before you start talking to a reporter, do you know the difference between 'on the record,' 'off the record,' and 'background'? When there's an immediate crisis in your organization, what are the eight mistakes that you absolutely must avoid? How do you handle your paranoid boss when he or she has to confront the press? You'll find the answers to these and many other everyday problems in this book. Fitch also gives valuable advice on how to set up an effective website and how to use e-mail for optimum communications. Excellent book for professionals who work in federal or state agencies, trade associations, non-profits, state legislatures or Congress. It's the only handbook you'll ever need."
-- Dennis W. Johnson, college professor and former Capitol Hill senior staffer "Provides valuable advice for those who flack for a living."
-- Roll Call "A superb blend of theory and practice, written by someone who uses words like Gallup uses polls."
-- Steve O'Keefe, author "Complete Guide to Internet Publicity" and Adjunct Faculty, Tulane University College "Uncertain how to interest the press in your pressing issue? Having difficulty preparing your media-unfriendly boss for a tough interview? Worried about the next communications crisis and how to handle it? Brad Fitch answers those questions and many more in this crisp, clear and completely useful book."
-- Tucker Carlson, Co-Host CNN Crossfire, author "A seminar from TheCapitol.Net is one of the best ways to learn from the experts about how Washington really works. Now all that insight and information has been packed into this invaluable volume. I suggest you read it, and become your own expert."
-- Steven V. Roberts, syndicated columnist, TV and radio analyst, college professor "Brad Fitch has performed an admirable public service by giving public relations students and professionals alike an indispensable tool. His book provides a road map on both the practicalities and principles of PR, and he shows that honest PR is not an oxymoron. Now it's up to all of us in the media and spin industries to keep our end of the bargain."
-- Ed Henry, Congressional Correspondent, CNN (formerly Senior Editor of Roll Call) "This volume is an invaluable road map to the mean streets of a city where information is power and power is everything. Brad Fitch has written a rich 'how-to' lesson for pros and for novices who must negotiate the competitive landscape of America's new media."
-- Ann Compton, White House Correspondent, ABC News "Media Relations Handbook is to political campaigns what The Art of War is to military campaigns: an essential strategic reference that winners should never be without."
-- James Carville, Co-Host CNN Crossfire, author You can see more about Fitch's book by searching Amazon using the ISBN: 1587330032
Rating: 
Summary: Thorough Public Relations Intro
Review: Every day of my working life I use this watershed book. Public relations is an area where theory,practice, and ethics are so close to the surface that the practitioner weighs them every day with every project. I couldn't survive professionally without this.
Rating:
Summary: The lifeline
Review: Every day of my working life I use this watershed book. Public relations is an area where theory,practice, and ethics are so close to the surface that the practitioner weighs them every day with every project. I couldn't survive professionally without this.
Rating:
Summary: Thorough Public Relations Intro
Review: I must concede to being a fan of Cutlip's and Broom's work. I was deeply interested to see what they would update and change in this seminal work from their previous edition, most notably anything in the area of extremely cost effective public relations, especially as clients are demanding more and better public relations counsel for less money. While the 8th edition does not disappoint, nor does it rise above all expectations. For one who is a neophyte in the area, then I strongly suggest this work, as it provides one of the most comprehensive overviews of our industry that I have ever seen. For myself, I felt the book needed more coverage in the cost effective area. I found that coverage in Michael Levine's Guerrilla PR: Wired, which addresses the burgeoning need of attaining strong coverage without blowing the budget. Overall then, while I recommend this book, I cannot do so without some reservations. Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the 9th Edition.
Rating:
Summary: Govt communicators should also see Media Relations Handbook
Review: Last year, I took an intro to PR class to see if I'd like it. I loved the class, but our text, Effective Public Relations, was another story. As a college student, I read a lot of textbooks. This one certainly is as they claim: a PR bible, full of essential PR knowledge. But dang if it wasn't the most stimulating, interesting read since late night phonebook reading. Even compared to other textbooks, it was a chore to read.
Rating: 
Summary: From a student's perspective...
Review: Last year, I took an intro to PR class to see if I'd like it. I loved the class, but our text, Effective Public Relations, was another story. As a college student, I read a lot of textbooks. This one certainly is as they claim: a PR bible, full of essential PR knowledge. But dang if it wasn't the most stimulating, interesting read since late night phonebook reading. Even compared to other textbooks, it was a chore to read.
Rating:
Summary: Academic and systematic introduction to PR
Review: My titles sums it up. I expected a books that provides me with new insights - nothing like that. It's appeared to me as an analysis of what PR is (or better should), how the job chances, how working day looks like, and so on. For everybody who looks for a practical approach - forget it. But I can recommend the book because of its ton of references.
Rating:
Summary: Effective Public Relations
Review: Now in its eighth edition, Effective Public Relations is very near to its 50th year as possibly the most highly influential text in the field of public relations. Widely recognized and enjoyed by Intro. to PR students all over the country, EPR is the reader's tour throughout the world of PR, including its history, practices, careers, ethics, and countless other components of the field. Public relations continues to struggle to establish its true identity as a necessary and inherently ethical field of practice. The eighth edition of ERP is yet another celebratory tribute to a dynamic field that has had a tremendous effect on humankind for as long as human history can be traced. Effective Public Relations should not only be a prerequisite to further study in the field, but should be required reading for anyone who has the slightest curiosity as to what public relations, in its most true and dynamic sense, really is.
Rating:
Summary: Eat, Drink and Sleep P.R.
Review: Read this hand in hand with Michael Levine's "Guerrilla P.R." and "Guerrilla P.R. Wired", and you will even start to dream like a P.R professional!
Rating:
Summary: Eat, Drink and Sleep P.R.
Review: Read this hand in hand with Michael Levine's "Guerrilla P.R." and "Guerrilla P.R. Wired", and you will even start to dream like a P.R professional!
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