Winning with the News Media: A Self-Defense Manual When You're the Story, 2005 (8th Edition)

I must admit, as a Public Information professional I at first found Jones' writing style and key points for working with the media rather simplistic. But as I continued reading, I found myself marking and underlining passage after passage. As a spokeman and media relations officer within NATO, and having just returned as a spokesman for NATO operations in Macedonia during a major deployment of troops, I wished I had read this book before I went there. I was doing as many as 20 interviews per day ranging from live stand-ups with CNN and BBC, to radio call-ins and newspaper interviews representing media world-wide. This book reinforced everything I learned leading up to and during that experience, stating clearly what's important and why, as well as many tips and techiques that seem rather minor but are really quite important when push comes to shove and you find yourself face-to-face with a reporter. I will use many points from this book to further refine my own training program for senior leaders within NATO and to prepare them for interviews. A great resource that has found a prominent place among my professional books.

Now in it's 2001 edition, this continues to be the best book ever written on media relations. Clarence Jones, an award-winning investigative reporter in both print and television, has again updated and enhanced what for many of us has become the definitive text on the subject. In clear, conversational, and easy-to-read prose, Jones explains the inner workings of the news business and offers sage, commonsense advice on how to build positive relations with the news media, get your organization's activities covered, and manage the inevitable "bad news" situation that can befall any institution.The world of media relations is constantly changing and, as befits the "Bible" of this field, Jones has again updated his book with analysis of current trends, court decisions, and case studies. As mass communications has entered the Age of the Internet, so too does this book offer "up to the minute" guidance on communicating in the 21st Century.As a PR practitioner with 22 years experience in local government, law enforcement and emergency services, I haven't found a text that comes close to providing the practical, up to date advice found here. If I were reduced to having only one media relations tect on my bookshelf, this would be it.Best of all, in a time when America has became cynical and jaded about "spin doctoring," Clarence Jones makes clear, well-supported arguments for practicing the craft of PR in an honest and ethical manner. The words I wrote about the last edition continue to hold true...whether you're a corporate PR staffer, a community activist trying to write your first news release, or someone trying to cope with the 15 minutes of fame Andy Warhol promised each of us, you'll want to read this book and keep it on your shelf as a ready reference.

Clarence Jones has a real winner here and has for years. My only regret is that I only recently became aware of his publication. It is easily the most comprehensive, yet practical guide to dealing with the media that I have run across on the market. Jones' work is very readable and well organized so that you can quickly find information relevant to your particular need. Of equal importance, he has kept the book current over the years. He has successfully adapted to the constantly changing dynamics and practices of the industry. Quite simply, I believe that this book is a "must read" for anyone who interacts with the media on a regular basis. Having recently aquired an MA in communication studies, I have read my share of books on similar topics; "Winning with the News Media" simply has no peer.

It is the most practical, informative and user friendly book on the news media I have come across. The format is excellent and the style is conversational and direct - very refreshing! Clarence Jones just gives the reader firm practical advice on understanding the news media. Whether you are a scientist, engineer or a seasoned human dimentions/public relations specialist, this book has superb advice and help for you. The information is pertinent and to the point. Clarence Jones justifiably sounds like a true authority on the topic.

Whether you're a public relations professional, a journalism junkie, or simply someone who wants to learn more about how news is made, you'll want to read this book. Clarence Jones, an award-winning investigative reporter in both print and television, has created this latest edition of what has become a classic text. In clear, easy-to-read prose, Jones explains the inner workings of the news business and offers sage, commonsense advice on how to build relations with the news media, get your organization's activities covered, and manage the inevitable "bad news" situations that can happen to any institution.This is the latest edition of a book that many folks consider the "Bible" of media relations, and one of its strongest features is the author's "up to the minute" analysis of media trends, court decisions, and case studies.After 19 years of experience in media relations in local government, law enforcement, and emergency services, I still learned a lot from this book (and I've read previous editions).Best of all, in a time when many of us have grown jaded and cynical by the machinations of lawyers and "spin doctors," Jones makes clear, well-supported arguments for telling the truth and doing the right thing...restoring honor and decency in an arena that needs it.Whether you're a corporate PR staffer, a community activist trying to write your first news release, or someone on the verge of experiencing the 15 minutes of fame Andy Warhol promised everyone, you'll want to read this book...then keep it on your shelf as a ready reference.