Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis: A Symbiotic Partnership

Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis dissects crisis communication case studies from both the journalists’ and the public relations professionals’ perspectives. The authors, Andrea Miller, a former journalist, and Jinx Coleman Broussard, a former public relations professional, interviewed dozens of journalists and PR professionals involved in some of the most visible crises of the last few years: Hurricane Katrina, Ebola in America, the Blue Bell Ice Cream recall, Susan G. Komen vs. Planned Parenthood, race relations in Ferguson, Missouri, and at the University of Missouri, the great flood of Baton Rouge in 2016, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Hundreds of press releases and press stories were also reviewed. The authors provide practical strategies for working journalists and public relations practitioners to enhance the flow of information in a crisis so that audiences and stakeholders can make educated, rational decisions to protect their families and livelihoods. The book also acquaints professors and students of PR and journalism with the realities of covering and managing crises, including what works and why, as well as mistakes that occur that could damage their organizations. Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis is unique for its analysis of the communication of cases from both perspectives. At the end of each case are takeaways for both sets of professionals, as well as industry best practice suggestions.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments – Andrea Miller/Jinx Coleman Broussard: Introduction – Andrea Miller: Panic and Outrage: Ebola in America – Jinx Coleman Broussard: Water, Water Everywhere…Again: Hurricane Katrina and the Baton Rouge Great Flood – Andrea Miller: Death and Brand Loyalty: The Sticky Case of Blue Bell Ice Cream – Jinx Coleman Broussard: A Movement in the Heartland, Part I: Ferguson, Missouri – Jinx Coleman Broussard/Shaniece Bickham: A Movement in the Heartland, Part II: Racial Tension at Mizzou – Andrea Miller: Divisive Issue: Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood – Andrea Miller: A National Day of Mourning: Sandy Hook Elementary – Andrea Miller/Jinx Coleman Broussard: Conclusion – Contributor Biography – Index.

About the Author :
Andrea Miller is the Huie-Dellmon Professor at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication. She is a co-author of Oil and Water and News Evolution or Revolution? Prior to receiving her doctorate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Dr. Miller was an award-winning television news producer in Texas. Jinx Coleman Broussard is the Bart R. Swanson Endowed Memorial Professor at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication. She is the author of Giving a Voice to the Voiceless and the national award-winning African American Foreign Correspondents. Dr. Broussard received her doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi and worked for more than three decades in public relations.

Review :
“It’s no secret we’re living in a time in which we’re seeking out more information—and expecting it more in-stantly—than ever before. Crisis events put both journalists and public relations pros to the test, and the authors present rich examples to depict how the work of reporters and spokespeople combine—or collide—when people want reliable information during fast-changing situations. They offer practical lessons from the people who were at the center of some of the biggest news events and crises in recent years. An essential guide for students and practitioners alike.” Elise Hu, NPR Correspondent “Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis is a must-read for journalists, practi-tioners and students—and a fascinating exploration for anyone with interest in a peek behind the curtain at some of our culture’s most pivotal moments. The authors break new ground in bringing together the convergent perspectives of crises from those who experience them, those who man-age them, those who report on them and the social media that engage and sometimes exacerbate them. While crisis prevention, management and mitigation have been the central part of my career and the focus of my writing, presenting and teaching, after just the introduction I came away with a better understanding of crisis and how to best understand and manage them. Far more than just cataloguing elements of a crisis or contrasting the differences among these various inter-ests and perspectives, Miller and Broussard chart a course for a better future for management and coverage of crises. There is no richer text for a unique, thorough, thoughtful study of crisis through differing perspectives and so many recent examples and case studies.” John Deveney, APR, ABC, PRSA Fellow; President and CEO, Deveney Communications “The analysis of actions and interactions on both sides of the aisle (journalism and public rela-tions) in Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis offers an opportunity to learn and grow for both public relations professionals and journalists, in addition to students. As a former journalist who became a press secretary and then an academic, I see the tremendous bene-fit in reading about and understanding these case studies for all three groups. Too often, profes-sionals give short shrift to after-action reviews. Miller and Broussard’s book provides insight into pitfalls to avoid and best practices to implement ahead of the crush of a crisis—the first to exam-ine the issue from both perspectives.” Cleo Joffrion Allen, Ph.D., APR, Dillard University