VNR'S - S. 967 - Update

Last Thursday PRSA President Judith T. Phair testified in front of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation on "issues surrounding the production of VNRs by government entities or with federal funds" specifically S.967 known as the "Truth in Broadcasting Act."

Here is an excerpt from Phair's testimony:

Our Society recognizes that, in strategic communications planning, video news releases can be valuable tools promoting the free flow of information. Just as “print” news releases follow the style of print journalism, VNRs utilize a format that is most adaptable to electronic media. Both print and video news releases present information in a way that is preferred by these respective media and that meets public information needs and interests.

But we also believe that VNRs should be produced and disseminated with the highest levels of transparency, candor and honesty. To provide open communication that fosters informed decision, we must do more than simply funnel information through the media to the public. We must reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented and disclose all financial interests related to the VNR. We believe that most of our members and the 120,000 men and women practicing public relations in the United States today hold that view.

Therefore, we see no issue regarding the codification of a practice that government communications professionals and their contracted agents should already be doing.

Get the rest of Phair's testimony from PRSA.org.

Watch the full committee hearing here.

What do you think, who is responsible for disclosing video news release (VNR) sources? Take Minnesota PRSA's poll here.

Read the full bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 here.

Fake News Is Hazardous to Your Health - May 16, 2005

I am interested in hearing what you think, take a minute and post your comments below.