(This week, PR News editors Phil Hall and Courtney Barnes part company as Courtney heads off for a new career in, of all things, the public relations industry.)
PHIL: I have some sad news to share with the fans of this column - half of this editorial team is leaving. And if that's not bad enough, it is the smarter and
prettier half, too! Yes, my colleague Courtney is leaving PR News. So tell us, Courtney: Where in the world are you off to?
COURTNEY: Believe it or not, I'm joining the "dark side" as we have jokingly called it in the past - the "dark side," in this case, being a PR agency. But in all
seriousness, my ability to make an entree into the profession is in no small part due to everything I've learned through covering public relations at PR News. When I first
arrived (I am somewhat ashamed to admit), I thought PR execs were those people who were obligated to be nice when I called with an inquiry. I lumped everyone in the industry into
the dreaded "publicist" category, failing to understand the complexities and nuances of the business. But a few days here set me straight - that's for certain. And now I'll have
the opportunity to practice everything we've preached here. I just hope I won't be the brunt of a crisis communications example of "what not to do" in the future.
PHIL: You are actually following in my footsteps. I began my career as a journalist, then I went over to the PR world for a lengthy spell. It was a natural fit, since
journalists are the ones who are on the receiving end of PR pitches and campaigns and thus they know what works best and what doesn't. In fact, many of the best PR people I've
come across were originally journalists before switching sides. I am surprised that more PR agencies aren't actively raiding the newsrooms in search of new blood to fuel their
efforts.
COURTNEY: True, especially from PR publication newsrooms; after all, we're the "accidental experts." And we have one skill the industry is desperate for: We can write
(or at least we think we can). But as you've proven with your move from journalism to PR and back to journalism, chances are I'll be back. If I can return with a repertoire of
stories half as unique as yours, I'll consider it time well spent. Until then...
PHIL: Until then...we will continue to continue. Thank you, Courtney, for helping to make PR News the industry's must-read publication! You will be missed!