In tech circles, where neophytes are about as inconspicuous as pimples on a prom queen, the standard line is, "It's not who you know, but what you know." The 1999 PRESStige Awards, announced last week, gave high-tech PR practitioners a chance to recognize those journalists who've mastered more than buzzwords and really know their stuff when it comes to new media. Sponsored by Press Access, Inc., the PRESStige awards recognize high-tech reporters for their merit and influence in 10 categories. Among this year's winners:
- Most Prominent Cyber Writer - Jesse Berst, Ziff-Davis Anchordesk
- Pioneering Columnist - David Coursey, Coursey.com
- Most Visionary Editor-in-Chief - Eric Lundquist, PC Week
- Most Discerning News Reporter - Deni Connor, Network World
- Most Astute Product Reviewer - Joel Shore, Channel Web
- Up-and-Coming Journalist - Jeff Sweat, Information Week
- Most Erudite Features Writer - John Markoff, The New York Times
- CEO's Choice - Walter Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal
- Career Achievement - Michael Miller, PC Magazine
- Most Helpful Editorial Assistant - Rosalia Ferraro, Computer Buyer's Guide and Handbook
Of course if you don't know tech jargon, you can always win points with just desserts. Minneapolis-based Maccabee Group Inc. recently won kudos for "Most Creative News Stunt" from the Minnesota chapter of IABC after sculpting Gov. Jesse Ventura's head out of 5,000 pounds of ice cream (on behalf of client Kemps Ice Cream). Maccabee also garnered an IABC award for "Best Media Relations Campaign" for a multimedia campaign touting "The Gathering: An Exposition for Women of Color," an event sponsored by client Rae Mackenzie of the Mackenzie Group.
Last but not least, there are rewards that come with experience. Industry veteran Harold Burson - thought by many to be the "PR Man of the Century" received the 1999 Alexander Hamilton Medal "for years of exceptional leadership in PR" from the Institute for Public Relations on Nov. 11.
(Press Access, 617/350-3712, http://www.pressaccess.com; Maccabee, 612/337-0087; IPR, 352/392-0280, http://www.instituteforpr.com)