Public Relations and Journalism in Times of Crisis

A Symbiotic Partnership

Andrea Miller, Jinx Coleman Broussard

• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN:
  9781433163524
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781433163364
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Communication Studies
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

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

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction (Andrea Miller / Jinx Coleman Broussard)
• Chapter 1. Panic and Outrage: Ebola in America (Andrea Miller)
• Chapter 2. Water, Water Everywhere…Again: Hurricane Katrina and the Baton Rouge Great Flood (Jinx Coleman Broussard)
• Chapter 3. Death and Brand Loyalty: The Sticky Case of Blue Bell Ice Cream (Andrea Miller)
• Chapter 4. A Movement in the Heartland, Part I: Ferguson, Missouri (Jinx Coleman Broussard)
• Chapter 5. A Movement in the Heartland, Part II: Racial Tension at Mizzou (Jinx Coleman Broussard / Shaniece Bickham)
• Chapter 6. A Divisive Issue: Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood (Andrea Miller)
• Chapter 7. A National Day of Mourning: Sandy Hook Elementary (Andrea Miller)
• Conclusion (Andrea Miller / Jinx Coleman Broussard)
• Contributor Biography
• Index