Sometimes the best way to perfect your craft is to look at it from a different perspective. Public relations is used by various industries and this week we’ll delve a little deeper into a few of them. Join us as we look at PR in the coal, law and health care industries. 
The coal industry’s desperate PR efforts: old, lame, and ineffective
Grist
Public attacks on the coal industry’s clean air standards take many forms, from lobbying to public relations efforts. Another major tactic for these efforts has been, and remains, well-funded advertising campaigns. The same pattern of PR and advertising tactics has been used by the coal industry to try and limit regulation since the 1970s. This article speculates whether or not these tired tactics are actually effective. What are your thoughts on these efforts? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Bad News, Good PR: Law Firm Airs Its Own Dirty Laundry
The PR Verdict
As exemplified by legal firm Weil Gotschal & Manges, difficult issues must be addressed head on. The firm released an internal memo announcing 60 junior-level and 110 staff layoffs. While the layoffs seemed to present a case for crisis management, the firm’s reputation remains unscathed. See how executive partner and chairman Barry Wolf’s PR decision managed to transform a possible reputation blow, into a celebration of the firm’s transparency.
Digital Dilemma: How to Stay Professional Online
MPR
It’s evident that many industries should acknowledge emerging social technology for their PR efforts. This article illustrates how the health care industry’s landscape has changed patient-physician relationships. See how physicians are taking a proactive approach to managing their digital identity.
Understanding the complications and advancements of public relations in other industries can help you better define your public relations strategy. Thanks for wrapping up your week with us. Have a comment on what you read? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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Kaitlin Roth is an intern for WordWrite Communications.
