Many journalists and others despair of what PR does and how it works. But there are times when its skills and practices can be more than useful.

The quickest way to identify who might have placed a particular story or viewpoint in a media outlet – and why they are doing it – is simply to ask the old question: cui bono?

The frightening thing about the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s current efforts is that they apparently spent about $60 million while ignoring almost every lesson about how to undertake consultation.

For an organisation which prides itself on its millennia-long view of the world, heaven and all things in between, the Vatican certainly spends a lot of time focussed on day to day public relations.

The more detailed online media monitoring statistics become, the greater sense of perspective we get about what people see as important.

Tony Abbott's brave offer to go on patrol in Afghanistan was doomed.

One of the PR industry’s most problematic activities is dreaming up justifications for toxic workplace practices imposed by psychopathic managers.

The old tactics of Opposition governments might have some advantages for modern Oppositions.

One of the great achievements of the post-World War Two consensus – the moderation of political language – is starting to unravel a little bit.

Most governments in political trouble immediately reach for a pot of populism and the pumps which spread the money around. The Queensland Government seems to be trying to test the contrary assumption.