Journalism v public relations

06/06/2008 by admin.

Welcome from the dark side of the moon.

When I left the Manchester Evening News after 30 odd years, my intention was to keep the wold from the door for a few months by writing stories and gradually move into pr.

Almost a year later, I can’t shake off the habit of writing stories - and that is what people don’t understand about journalists. We don’t do it to “sell papers” or, God forbid, make pots of money. We do it because we can’t help it!

So when SKV, run by my old colleague Andrew Spinoza - who made the switich spectacularly - issues a press release about the United City group of businesses declaring their support for Greater Manchester’s  Transport Innovation Fund bid, and I spot three businesses already represented on the “independent” AGMA scrutiny board, I just had to write a story.

Stay with me, this is where it gets strange….

In keeping with the highest standards of journalism, I ask SKV to get a response. After a few hours, they refer me to ANOTHER agency, Connectpoint, for an answer because they have been hired by the PTE to handle the bid.

How many agencies do we need??? Nice work if you can get it, though I could have done both jobs for a hundredth of the cost.

To coin a phrase…..I can do that. Giz a job.

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