Giuliani's Comm. Director Under Fire
Usually, comm. professionals who work for elected officials have to answer for their bosses' conduct. Now the tables have turned a bit for New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's communications director, Cristyne Lategano. In the past few weeks, she's been pelted by the press with allegations that she's having an affair with the mayor. The mayor's Press Secretary Colleen Roche told PR NEWS last week that the comment from the mayor's office was "We wouldn't waste any paper on it." We're just wondering, who does Lategano turn to now for PR advice to rectify her reputation?
China: Lacking in Worldly PR?
Members of Pinnacle Worldwide, an international corporation of independently owned PR organizations, gave China a "C" for its PR efforts on the handover of Hong Kong to China. Pinnacle members from 27 countries responded to a survey about whether or not China won the public-opinion battle as it reclaimed sovereignty over Hong Kong.
According to Pinnacle, 40 percent of respondents thought that China handled publicity surrounding the event well - but 60 percent thought China didn't fare well in the PR arena.
China, which also isn't faring well in recent trade negotiations with the U.S., might have to brush up on its government relations efforts as it makes inroads into the global marketplace. (Pinnacle, 312/372-7090)
Tools for the Trade
Online Survey Probes Integrated Communications
Mark your calendar for early November - that's when R.E. Launs Inc., Southfield, Mich., plans on releasing the findings of its first integrated marketing communications survey on its recently launched Web site, http://www.launs.com.
For online voyeurs or for those who want to get in their two-cents-worth, we're suggesting that you check out the study. Among the questions it poses is this gem: Does your corporation or company attempt to have all marketing communication disciplines aligned to impart the same corporate theme? - which we think should provide you with some food for thought when it comes to determining how communications impacts your bottom line. (R.E. Launs, 248/352-0400)
Acquisitions & Partnerships
New PR Firm
In Seattle, a public affairs and PR agency, Reis Endicott Peterson Inc., was created by its three principals: Lex Reis, David Endicott and Erik Peterson.
The firm will provide media and government relations, issues management, crisis management and marketing communications services to senior-level execs. (Reis Endicott Peterson, 206/301-0220)