'Rather Have a Spokesman or a Fireman?' Both

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By: Doug Bedell

In all the disarray occurring in the virtually bankrupt city of Harrisburg, Pa., the state's capital, this question sums up the confusion: "Would you rather have a fireman or a spokesman?" asks City Councilman Brad Koplinski. The right answer, clearly, is "Both." Setting Mayor Linda Thompson's communication director against police and firemen — information vs. safety — is a false dichotomy. Both skillsets are necessary for a city to function effectively. Municipal PR directors everywhere (and firemen and policemen, too) should be rallying to Harrisburg spokesman Robert Philbin, who's continuing to work without pay.

A good PR director — we're not rating Philbin here, but neither did City Council in rejecting the mayor's budget — spots issues, clarifies options, spikes misinformation, enables communication to clarify priorities, functions as a point person with the media, takes heat and helps a city function effectively. He or she doesn't simply keep the news media happy, though that's part of effectiveness.

Can you imagine a city without a spokesperson? Might as well imagine a fire engine without gas in its tank.

Photo: Harrisburg spokesperson Robert Philbin.

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About the Author

Doug Bedell has a background in journalism and PR and is the proprietor of Resource Relations in Central PA, which focuses on organizational communication, crisis communication, and social media. His blog, “Beetles Beat,” can be found at www.ResourceRelations.net. On Twitter, he’s DougBeetle.

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