Points out that consumer product recalls are a pervasive phenomenon of enormous consequence: (1) product recalls are quantitatively and qualitatively significant; (2) product recalls vary in effectiveness; (3) numerous variables influence recall effectiveness; and (4) despite the great variance in recall outcome, and the plethora of variables, it…

Argues that the best way to understand many public relations situations is to explore communication. Asserts that successful public relations can be described in terms of one of three primary communication functions (informing, persuading, or refuting). Describes this continuum of communication purposes, and a series of theoretical postulates.…

Recent Supreme Court decisions have fundamentally altered the attorney's right to advertise. This potentially revolutionary revision in prescribed professional communications has paradoxically had ambiguous results. Despite the freedom to advertise, most attorneys forego this opportunity to maximize profits, expand clientele, or merely enhance…

States that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had the most successful media relations program of all government agencies from the 1930s to the 1980s. Uses quantitative analysis to show why those media efforts were successful. Identifies themes that typified the verbal component of FBI publicity and the broad spectrum of mass communication…

Presents an instrument for measuring, comparing, and evaluating public relations internship programs consisting of a series of 10 value judgments as to what is optimal in public relations internships: student autonomy; public relations broadly defined; student responsibility; flexibility; limited faculty involvement; appropriate credit; internship…

Public relations education is frequently criticized as being misdirected and incapable of imparting necessary job skills. This essay argues that contemporary public relations training overemphasizes print journalism at the expense of managerial skills and social science theory. Further, traditional justifications for journalism-based public…

Offers a first-hand account of a faculty internship at a major international public relations firm. Discusses the internship host and the intern's duties; faculty internship advantages and benefits; and faculty internship disadvantages and limitations. Considers 10 experiential realizations stemming from the author's internship experience. (SR)

Explores the response of the CIA to public criticism when caught in the dilemma of having to put forth information to the public about its activities and yet carry out secret intelligence-gathering and covert operations. Concludes that its response, attempted cover-ups and censorship, failed due to this conflict in its position. (JC)