Shaping Public Opinion Is Task Of Strategic Communications

October 20, 1999 1:20 PM, EDT

Experts with a wealth of experience in journalism and public relations are heading up efforts by American Trucking Associations to use the media to advance trucking’s image and agenda.

	Michael James - Transport Topics
	Regina Blakely
	Michael James - Transport Topics
	Mike Russell

TA’s Office of Strategic Communications is taking a multi-pronged approach to shaping public opinion through the media, said Regina Blakely, ATA’s senior vice president for strategic and litigation communications and a former CBS News White House correspondent.

“ATA’s strategic plan, adopted by its members, calls for ATA to be ‘best in class’ in legislative, regulatory, legal and media advocacy,” Blakely said. “Legislation, regulation and litigation are often shaped by public opinion, which is driven by how the media portrays an issue. We want to make sure that ATA’s media programs complement and advance trucking’s overall policy agenda.”

Also on board is Mike Russell, a former television reporter who has handled public relations for Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress. Russell also worked as press secretary to Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders, for Vice President Al Gore’s National Performance Review program and most recently as director of public and consumer affairs for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For the full story, see the Oct. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.