The Public Relations Journalist

So, what do you think of the term? I saw it a few weeks back in a Twitter post. Sorry to say that I lost its owner. (Please claim if it’s yours.) It spoke to me. One day, I’m a PR counselor, the next day a journalist. And, on the third day, I’m both, writing journalistic copy for a client.

I’ve written before about this mini identity crisis. Am I not an authentic journalist if I also do PR? I’ve moved on. I’m claiming the title. Good communication, whether it’s for editorial or PR, is all about finding a good story, conducting solid research, following ethical guidelines and convincing an audience why they should care.

My goal as a writer isn’t to fit a category, but to excel regardless of the format. Here are some resources and experts that are helping me become a better communicator. Thought you might find them helpful, too:

Poynter News University – Online journalism and media training center

• http://www.newsu.org/ (courses, seminars, blog, newsletter, daily tip)

Mindy McAdams – Professor of online journalism at the University of Florida

• Blog: http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/
• Reporter’s guide to multimedia proficiency: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/faculty/mmcadams/PDFs/RGMPbook.pdf

Society of Pofessional Journalists Digital Media Handbook – First part published in March, second half by year-end: http://bit.ly/9CsIv8

Mashable.com

• 8 must-have traits of tomorrow’s journalist: http://mashable.com/2009/12/09/future-journalist/
  • 10 ways journalism schools are teach social media: http://mashable.com/2009/06/19/teaching-social-media/

 Ann Wylie – Writing and business communications expert

• http://www.wyliecomm.com/
• Writing tips newsletter: http://www.wyliecomm.com/resources/wylies-writing-tips/

Andy Goodman – Expert in public interest communications

• Newsletter: http://www.agoodmanonline.com/newsletter/index.html

Public Relations Society of America

• Free webinars – http://www.prsa.org/Learning/FreeWebinars/
• PR QuickStart online training – http://www.prquickstart.org/

AgChat Foundation – Site to educate the ag sector re: social media tools, www.agchat.org