Writing for Strategic Communication Industries

Reviewed by Joanne Gula, Assistant Professor/Ph.D, Colordo State University/Pueblo on 2/1/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 4

This textbook covers most areas of journalism and public relations writing and covers the basic introductory principles needed in strategic communication writing . It does not cover the strategic communication skills needed in advertising writing and skills needed to conduct comprehensive and effective strategic campaigns.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content is accurate, hover all of the video examples are from the Ohio State University. Also the references are mostly from the internet and do not include references from the most prominent textbooks that are utilized in the strategic communications industries in public relations and advertising. These main sources are excluded in the textbook. It seems to be very biased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The content is only relevant up to date to 2016. There are many out dated sources used in the references. There should be more social media included as the strategic communication field is constantly changing with the technology and relevance. I believe this text will become obsolete. Also, it is solely based on Ohio State videos and outdated examples . The Malaysia incident happened years ago. Many things are happening now and there needs to be more current.There needs to be more ways to stay current. As I said, this is a basic introductory level for types of writing for journalism and public relations. It is a writing book. Not for advertising at all.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is written very clearly. The chapters are short and concise. It is easy to understand. It is an introductory level. It is very basic and easy to follow.

Consistency rating: 4

The book is consistent. It is something that would be used in a 100 or 200 level. It offers all the basics for an Introductory journalism writing or public relations writing class. I would not use this in an advertising copywriting or campaigns class. The new buzz word for these writing classes is now called strategic communications. However, this is very basic and introductory in nature.

Modularity rating: 3

I would break this into two modules. One clearly for Journalism and one for Public Relations. It does not warrant a third module for advertising. There is not enough information. It merely skims the surface. It does not even give an introductory level of advertising.I am not even sure I would call this book strategic communications writing.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The topics for journalism and public relations are presented in a very clear and organized manner. The chapters flow and have structure. They are presented in a manner that is easy to understand for the beginning student in this field.

Interface rating: 4

This text is simple to follow and use. It is easy to connect to the videos that are used for examples. The videos are clear and short. The reader should not get confused with any examples that are related to the content.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The grammar is correct and basic. The examples given for mistakes are common with most students and clear to follow. The grammar is simple and word choices are easy.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

There are no offensive or insensitive cultural content utilized in the content of this text. It is politically correct and non biassed. There are no stereotypes .All examples are clear and relevant.

The book is clear and easy to follow for an introductory level writing course in journalism and public relations writing.