CommaKazi Speek Show #27: Gary Weitman, Tribune Company

In a 16-minute interview a few days prior to leading an IABC/Chicago lunch seminar, Tribune Company communication executive Gary Weitman spoke with Tom Keefe about journalism, public relations and the changing landscape for communicators and media companies.

If you are in the Chicago area on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, attend the IABC/Chicago event to join in a frank and revealing discussion with Gary. Here is information about the event.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Crisis Communication in a Changing Media Environment — A Conversation with Tribune Company"

Public relations and communications veteran Gary Weitman, SVP/Corporate Relations at Tribune Company, will guide you through a series of crisis events and communication solutions implemented over his tenure at Tribune. Sharing his war stories will provide you with tools to combat your next communication crisis. You've heard about it in the news, now consider what you would do if faced with:

• Selling the company and taking it private,
• Chapter 11,
• Selling the Chicago Cubs and
• PR/communications when you own the media.

Gary will explain how his team handled these situations and how a constantly changing media environment applies to real world communications.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Maggiano's Little Italy

516 N Clark St (at Grand)

Chicago

Register Now

Even if you cannot attend the presentation and discussion, enjoy this interview. I also will post a link to a video interview of Gary that will be recorded on the day of his presentation in Chicago.

00:00 Intro and Opening Comment
01:00 Gary Weitman's professional background
01:45 Advice to students considering a journalism career
04:15 Students getting practical experience
06:00 Understanding content generation
07:15 Journalism skills transfer to many professions
09:00 Importance of context and the world around you
10:00 What trend encourages Gary when he thinks of the future of public relations?
12:00 Challenges of managing internal communications in a media company
13:30 The evolution of Tribune Company
15:00 Come with no preconceived notions about Tribune Company

 

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe  is available from the PodSafe Music Network. 

Gary Weitman
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations
Tribune Company