ZDNet published an interesting piece about the changing nature of product reporting and acceptance of public relations product releases as news, suggesting this is happening more readily these days. I do remember the days when pitching a product story was very tough. I respect that as a former journalist and public relations agent. Another point made is that public relations is gaining over advertising because it is indeed more powerful. It creates credibility. Advertising is important as well when repeated, well placed and well timed in conjunction with public relations.
See more in ZDNet’s article: “Public relations firms and the rise of ‘product journalism'”
