Category Archives: Ethics

IABC International Conference – Tuesday morning sessions

Tudor WilliamsI thought the 7:15 start to Monday was tough. Today, we’re going at it 15 minutes earlier. But at least a continental breakfast is included. I’m planning on joining Tudor Williams’ breakfast discussion of Blogs, wikis and podcasts – what’s next?

Stephen LewisWell, Stephen Lewis is next. The United Nations’ Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and the Commissioner for the World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, Lewis will address “the role of corporate social responsibility in addressing global problems and the communication professional’s role in elevating these priorities and encouraging the instinctive compassion of individuals.” Serious topic. Passionate speaker.

FedExI’ll close out my morning with Jody Humble’s presentation on How the ancient art of narrative can inspire culture change. Jody is the communication manager who worked with FedEx Canada’s President Rajesh Subramaniam on his Excel Award-winning communications initiatives.   

 

Blogger relations & transparency: A must-listen/read for PR practitioners

PR practitioners should not miss Shel Holtz’s and Neville Hobson’s discussion of the issues raised in the Edelman/Wal-Mart blogger relations controversy.

Shel and Neville kicked off a spirited discussion in the For Immediate Release Podcast 118. Many listeners (including me) kept the conversation going with comments on the FIR blog.

Shel Holtz posted on his own blog, a shel of my former self, a response to those who question the legitimacy of companies presenting their viewpoint to bloggers. In fact, Shel asserts, “Organizations have every right to engage in the conversation.”

For his part, Neville posted several times , arguing for full disclosure and transparency. One of Neville’s posts drew 29 comments.

Finally, Neville and Shel closed the circle with an update on For Immediate Release 119.

Shel and Neville, thanks for the great discussion. You’ve provided a gathering point for many of us to come together to consider the important underlying issues. This is what social media is supposed to be about!

Quacks like a duck. Walks like a duck…

This courtesy of CBC news.

John Reynolds, the man who co-chaired the Conservative national election campaign, is now offering advice to some of Canada’s largest companies on how to access the government.

…

“If I wanted to be a lobbyist – and I had lots of offers to go with some of the major firms in Canada – I would have done that. What we’re doing here is different,” he said.

Reynolds said a lot of his job will involve giving companies what seems like simple advice – approach your MP if you need to get your point across to cabinet. And although Reynolds may have the prime minister’s private number on speed-dial, he said he won’t use it.

“If a CEO of a company listens to my advice, he’ll be able to get that done, without me having to make a phone call.”

Read the full text of Lang Michener’s release .