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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, July 25, 2008

Wanted: Morning Call Reporter

After this weekend, some Morning Call reporters are going to be looking for a job. I know where they can get one, too.

According to a news release from the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Communications Officer Joe McDermott is leaving after little more than a year to take a job in the private sector. McDermott and CEO Phil Mitman both have prepared statements expressing their undying devotion to each other and other little lies.

The spot's open! I'm sure it pays oodles more that you'll ever get in Zell Hell. People who go into public relations must first sell their soul, but Morning Call employees seem already to be working for the devil.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why don't you apply, I hear they are looking for a starving blogger to fill the gig

Anonymous said...

Bernie-

Your comment about those of us who work in public relations shows some serious ignorance and stereotyping. Many organizations do not have the means necessary to get their message out there, whatever that message may be. Sure, there are some in our profession who will do anyone's bidding for the right price, but many of us work at non-profit organizations that need exposure. Organizations at every level and in every field of work employ public relations professionals to spread the word about their cause. Besides, if a tree falls in the woods, does anyone hear it?

As a regular reader of your blog I was dissapointed to see such ignorance, and that you chose to take a cheap shot at a group of individuals to take another jab at the MC. We all know it doesnt take that to highlight the MC's deficiencies.

Jeff

Bernie O'Hare said...

Jeff,

First, public relations people are NOT professionals. That word should be used to descrine the professions - doctors, lawyers, teachers and clerics. We all use the word "professional" to describe other jobs, but we're wrong to do so.

Second, I took a shot at MC's management, which is letting reporters stew until this weekend until we know who goes and who stays. Who can justify that?

Third, as you yourself acknowledge, there are those in your "profession" whoi will do anyone's bidding for the right price.

Actually, I think a lot of it is propaganda. I also believe this vieew is widely held. I'm sorry that it hurts you. I know public information officers who do very good work, like Gloria McVeighh in LC.

Anonymous said...

The layoffs at TMC are to be done OVER THE TELEPHONE this weekend. What a bunch of freakin' panty wastes their execs are. Gutless, absolutley gutless.

Every business goes through tough economic times, but the reason things are SO bad there is because they have people running the show who conduct business like this. Make it as easy on themselves as possible at the expense of those who do the work.

Anonymous said...

The definition of professional includes those who do something learned or trained for - for their living. Your comments regarding who should be called professional are not surprising from a former lawyer who's conduct was unprofessional.

Anonymous said...

the morning call has reporters?

Anonymous said...

Alright, Bernie, so you made my point. I don't quite get your point about "professionals." I'm sorry the majority of hard-working individuals out there do not make your cut.

I was agreeing with you about your comments regarding the MC. My issue was why you chose to belittle a portion of the population to try and take a swipe at MC.

And yes, as I said and I'm glad you agree, there are many public relations PROFESSIONALS who do good work.

Jeff

Bernie O'Hare said...

Your comments regarding who should be called professional are not surprising from a former lawyer who's conduct was unprofessional.

When you lecture me on the proper use of the word "professional," it's best that you also learn the difference between "whose" and "who's." Your misuse of "who's" in the above sentence renders it meaningless. In short, it was not written professionally. It was, however, written maliciously with the ususal ad hominem. That's just another way in which you diminish yourself.

Professional are people who have a social contract with the public. They do have great learning and are bound by a code of ethics. They ususally advance the public good. Historically, that applies to doctors, lawyers, teachers and clerics. Today, it may also include police, nurses and a number of other jobs.

When I think of a PR person, the word "professional" is not what comes to my mind.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Jeff, As you can see, we do disagree about placing PR in the same category as other professionals. But these days, I think the word is used mainly to refer to people with white collar jobs or people who do jobs so well it is "professional." I do it myself.

Bill Villa said...

"The layoffs at TMC are to be done OVER THE TELEPHONE this weekend. What a bunch of freakin' panty wastes their execs are. Gutless, absolutley gutless."

I'm surprised the layoff-ees are even getting a phone call. More in keeping with The Morning Call top brass M.O. I'm familiar with would be for them to just stop paying people, i.e., no paycheck next week = you've been terminated. Nice & Clean & with no personal involvement.

Don't be surprised if this weekend's terminating phone calls are RoboCalls from Dave Erdman.