What do travel journalist think of PR.

This week in class I summarized a journal article.  The title is "Travel journalists' attitudes toward public relations: Findings From a Representative Survey," by Folker Hanusch. The article is based on findings from a survey of Australian travel journalis.

Hanusch used a survey as his method.
- There were 85 participants, although 94 were asked to participate.
- A random sample was used.
- The participants were Australian travel journalists.
- The data were collected by telephone.

Results:
The largest group of travel journalists had positive feedback for PR, saying practitioners provided necessary information. Part of a PR practitioner's job is to get the word out. Travel journalists are unsure of PR and are critical of their influence, although three or four journalist said a good working relationship with PR practitioners is important for their jobs. Press kits shouldn't be given out unannounced because it overwhelms them.

Limitations:
The author said the limitations he faced were generalization about the findings, meaning he generalized rather than having solid facts. Also there is a difference between what journalist think and what they actually do. There needed to be more methods used such as observational studies to get more depth. A focus group would have been helpful. Another useful study of PR practitioners' view on travel journalists and to see how each group see each other.

Travel journalists overall are skeptical of PR practitioners and think they have too much material. They are grateful for them, however, for saving them time and suggestions. This article shows us that it is important for practitioners to improve their relationships with travel journalists.