Saturday, January 12, 2008

The Truth Behind FEMA’s Fake News Conference

The cliché perfect storm is getting real old, but there’s no other way to describe what led up to the so-called fake news conference held by FEMA leaders during the October wild fires in California. And our own Kami Watson-Huyse, APR, gives us the behind the scenes story.

In a first-ever guest interview for the popular podcast, For Immediate Release, Kami talks with John “Pat” Philbin, the now former FEMA director of external affairs, who is quite candid.

It is a tale of overworked and exhausted staff of an agency under fire while responding to a natural disaster. A highly politicized nation’s capitol. Reporters who are either lazy or at least quick to judge. Ethical and tactical mistakes made by junior staff. And a boss with character who takes responsibility rather than pointing fingers – at great personal cost.

You can read the interview on Kami’s blog, Communications Overtones or listen to it at For Immediate Release. You can also join in the discussion on Kami’s blog, where Pat Philbin is participating and willing to answer your questions.

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