Comments on: Cohen: Flacks Follow-Up
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- The chorus of protests I see here from PR professionals makes it obvious they are applying the tactics they have honed to make a living. The fact is their industry is only self-policed. You can shout to the heavens about adhering to a code of ethics but without any inspection and enforcement system, it is a hollow claim. We have codes for bridges and tall buildings too but they are worthless without an inspection system to certify the structures are in compliance.
PR professionals have a mercenary interest to serve their client, not the truth, not the public. Whereas reporters are also unlicensed, they do not operate with a clear conflict of interest since they can be presumed to serve the interest of the public''s need to know and their version of a story can be challenged and set straight by their peers. - Reply to this comment
- I fear that even the PR industry - which according to Cohen specializes in making turkeys appear to be eagles -- could do as much for him.
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- Wow, Mr Cohen, aren''t you cute? Yeah , ya live in a glass house and ya threw a stone and ya really don''t care about who you offend -- your "apology" was so far from the truth about what you really think but, hey it''s the American Way! I defend your right to spin yourself as all-knowing and truthful and a real journalist just out to give the public accurate information about the public relations profession. Wow, what a "Scoop"! I guess your status as "journalist" lets you off the responsibility hook for what you put in print. I guess you are not one of the scores of "journalists" doing some serious self-evaluations of your work? No need, right? You told us the "truth" about ourselves and we''re just supposed to hang our heads and believe that what your "opinion" about our profession is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God?
Here''s some truth to ponder: Now that you''ve pissed off every PR professional around the world, try getting some help with the next real hard "news" story you need to put together outside of your own world of -- dare I offend -- ignorant generalized self-serving opinionated "essays." I wouldn''t TRUST my company''s reputation and ACCURATE information (which I have NEVER NEEDED to LIE ABOUT, SPIN or BURNISH ) in your hands as a "journalist" -- EVER.
My guess (and my hope) is that no one else will either. - Reply to this comment
- While not wanting to belabor conversation about the essay Sunday, I would be remiss in not pointing out that everyone seems to be missing a basic premise with respect to the issue. Answer the following question:
What professions fall under the classification of Public Relations?
A. Public Information Officer
B. Public Affairs Officer
C. Director of Communications
D. Crisis Communications Officer
E. All of the above
F. None of the above
Answer: F, none of the above.
PR professionals, members of the media, and the general public tend to classify each position as one in the same - interchangeable. Speaking of truth, such a view would be the farthest from the truth. Each is a unique discipline.
The President%u2019s Director of Communications should not be viewed as a PR specialist. He is, in fact, the communicator of the President''s message, right or wrong, true or false, skewed or otherwise.
How could anyone assume the director of communications for a politician would be bound by any standard to tell the truth?
It''s a matter of specialization, really. Lawyers, doctors, accountants and reporters specialize in subject matters. Just as well, communicators specialize in certain areas or types of communication. Most of those areas rely on honesty to accomplish their duties. Sadly, a political spokesperson is neither burdened nor hampered by that standard. - Reply to this comment
- sure stirred up a hornets nest eh. to paraphrase mr. Shakespere Me thinks they protest too much. As a pretty much average person the perception that Cohen presents seems very accurate to me(thus most?). I have been reading comments on many articles and never have I seen so many Professionals jump in to defend themselves over a OPINION. A little defensive there are we?
PR= patently ridiculous - Reply to this comment
- Mr. Cohen:
I won''t disparage your character or credentials--that would be unethical. I won''t call all lawyers liars--that would be inaccurate. I wish you had adhered to those same standards in your original commentary. What Scott McClellan did was bad for the public relations field on many levels. If he knew the truth behind the lies he propagated, then he was unethical. If he didn''t know the truth, then he was out of the "managerial" loop at the White House. Either way, he does not represent either the ideals or the reality of the public relations profession as it is practiced my most professionals. Your commentary only exacerbates inaccurate stereotypes of the profession. I could not, in good conscience, have been a PR educator for 20 years if your characterization was even half right.
Michael Smith
La Salle University, Philadelphia
Public Relations Student Society of America faculty advisor
Vice-chair, National Communication Association PR Division - Reply to this comment
- I was a news producer and executive producer at various television stations for ten years. I began my career in public relations about five years ago. I have experienced both sides of the communications industry. I can honestly say that I have NEVER lied in my public relations career. I have NEVER been asked to lie, or worse yet, told to lie.
I respect both journalists and public relations professionals as communicators. We need to work together. It''s sad that someone like you doesn''t recognize that. - Reply to this comment
- Two words Cohen - YELLOW JOURNALISM.
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- I am not a PR professional, but in the communications field and like to stay on top of all news. For those of you who are commenting and getting fired up over this commentary, please keep in mind the following: Andrew Cohen is NOT a journalist. He is not required to do his research, he is not required to be fair and unbiased. Andrew Cohen is no different than Bill O''Reilly, or quite simply, Dr. Phil. He simply has a big mouth and got lucky that CBS hired him (probably for ratings sake - look it made you tune in) and not for the sake of journalism. Shame on you CBS. So as you read his opinions, please keep all of this in mind. I hold CBS and the editors responsible for pawning off such uneducated opinion as news. I for one will be moving CBS to the bottom of my list and will continue to watch, read and listen to the fair, well-researched, unbiased reporting that so many journalists with integrity can offer.
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- More proof why Bush, Cheney, Rice and McCain should be removed from the power they hold.
I support: The Impeach Bush Movement!
We need a change in Washington. NOW! - Reply to this comment
