Effective Public Relations (8th Edition) Description:

Effective Public Relations (8th Edition) review:
4 stars (Govt communicators should also see Media Relations Handbook) - 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, authorYou can see more about Fitch's book by searching Amazon using the ISBN: 1587330032
2 stars (From a student's perspective...) - 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.
4 stars (Thorough Public Relations Intro) - 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.