City Series: Public Relations Industry Booming in the Silicon Hills of Austin

When one thinks of the state of Texas, images of cowboy boots, “Friday Night Lights,” and the best brisket you’ve ever tasted come to mind. While Austin does have all of the above, it has become the Boomingest Big City of all, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With events such as South by Southwest (SXSW), “Austin City Limits” (ACL), […]

City Series: Examining the Bustling Public Relations Industry of Nashville

Dynamic. Robust. Diverse. This is the public relations industry in Nashville, Tennessee. The city is well deserving of its nickname, “Music City,” inspired by its recording industry and the bounty of live music performances all around town every night. Nashville is music and so much more, and its public relations industry reflects this. It’s also a foodie city and known […]

Celebrate Public Relations with the Plank Center

Ten years ago, the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations was established and named after the “first lady of public relations,” Betsy Plank. The board of trustees at The University of Alabama established the Plank Center on February 4, 2005, to develop research, scholarships and forums that advance the ethical practice of public relations. The Plank Center has become […]

Attempted CNBC Bribe Reveals Honesty’s Importance in Public Relations

Recently, CNBC revealed a public relations agent’s disturbing attempt to bribe a CNBC employee. The pitch went something like this: I would be asking you to include our clients in stories you’re working on (assuming there’s a natural fit), or pitch your editors on new stories that include discussion of our clients. We’re not looking for you to promote or […]

Blind PRSSA Member Discusses Her Journey, Challenges in the Public Relations Industry

When many hear the term diversity, they jump straight to the category of race or other cultural identifiers. However, many times we don’t think about those affected by physical disabilities. I was fortunate to meet and spend an afternoon with Sena Pottackle, while I was volunteering at the PRSSA 2014 National Conference in Washington, D.C. Pottackle is a senior public […]

Agency vs. In-House Public Relations [National Conference Session Recap]

Session: Choosing Your Path: Agency or In-House PR Presenters: Brandi Boatner, Digital Experience Manager at IBM; Ryan McShane, Account Supervisor at Taylor Recap: Brandi Boatner, a digital experience manager at IBM, and Ryan McShane, an account supervisor at Taylor, led a “he said, she said” professional development session entitled “Choosing Your Path: Agency or In-House PR.” Interestingly enough, Boatner and McShane […]