Spin: How to Turn the Power of the Press to Your Advantage

by Allan Mayer and Michael S. Sitrick

Book Overview

Mike Wallace calls. What do you do? Put him on hold and call Michael Sitrick. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895264110
• ISBN13: 9780895264114
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing
• Length: 215 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The dean of spin reveals the secrets

Mike Sitrick's "SPIN" reveals the secrets and demonstrates that the media is not something to be "managed," as in the days of JFK. The author's examples are fascinating and provide ample proof to all of Corporate America that public relations is not what they might think it is. It's important to note that to handle a crisis in today's glare of intense media takes planning far in advance of that moment, as Sitrick points out so well. The examples he offers are obviously only the few he can talk about as his career indicates he's handled hundreds of confidential crises. This is an inside look at the work of an expert in a zone of the press people don't even know exists. After you read it you will ask yourself, "How many news stories influenced by experts?" Certainly, as Sitrick's book points out, the most famous bankruptcy in the history of this country, the Orange County Bankruptcy, was effected by the task force of Sitrick's company. There is no higher level of the media than that of "60 Minutes" and its unique primetime domain. This book is essential to a 90's understanding of the press and how it effects everyone. If you're in business, you should read it and then you should read it again. If you're not, read it twice.

A must read to prepare to successfully deal with a crisis.

Sitrick's book is a must read to prepare you to successfully deal with a crisis. Sitrick's book is a common-sense guide to navigating what crisis managers know to be a tricky, hazardous road. In the real world of business, where mistakes impact the survival of companies, reputations and livelihoods, Sirick's methods are dead-on. I found the book entertaining, educational and highly intriguing. Gaining a through understanding of the concepts and approaches presented in Sitrick's book is invaluable. As CEO, I have successfully lead turnarounds of several companies and during a period of crisis being prepared with a well thought out and executable crisis management plan may be the difference between success and failure. My experience has taught me that many people claim to be crisis managers but Mike is the proven master. I strongly recommend the book, its an investment that may provide you and your company with the tools to survive a crisis.

Excellent book!

I read Sitrick's book, as well as Greg W.'s review. Either he is talking about a different book, or this is the worst case of petty jealousy that I have ever seen. The book is great, the cases some of the biggest news stories of the decde, and the thinking and strategy are phenomenal.

A must read to prepare you to deal with crisis management.

To prepare you to properly manage crises or sensitive situations, this book is a must read. Sitrick's book is a common-sense guide to navigating what crisis managers know to be a tricky, hazardous road. In the real world of business, where mistakes impact the survival of companies, reputations and livelihoods, Sitricks methods are dead-on. In summary, I found the book entertaining and highly intriguing. In reading greg.w@hug.co.nz from New Zealand's review of "Spin," it is clear that his view of public relations is different than mine. Gaining a thorough understanding of the concepts and approaches presented in Sitricks book is invaluable. As CEO I have successfully lead turnarounds of serveral companies, during a period of crisis being prepared with an executable crisis management plan may be the difference between success and failure. Many people claim to be crisis managers but I am not aware of any who are in Mike's league. I strongly recommend the ! book.

Destined to be THE TEXTBOOK on strategic public

Michael Sitrick's new book, SPIN, puts the reader front and center in some of this country's most important and interesting financial PR battles. I am a lawyer, who over the past 25 years has seen how valuable public relations can be in a sensitive situation. I have also seen how damaging it can be to a company and a client when it is mishandled. Sitrick and his firm's reputation are borne out by the examples provided in his book. It is a must read for any attorney who anticipates having a case which might attract public attention. In the book, Sitrick provides the reader with fascinating and enjoyable reading, providing insight into the secretive business which pits titans against each other or the government. It is as interesting as a spy novel, but the stories are from the front page of the Wall Street Journal. We're introduced to the recent battle of Food Lion vs ABC's Prime Time Live and the edited film on the cutting room floor which told the true story. Th! e Orange County bankruptcy battle, the largest in Municipal history, is detailed for the reader. The National Medical Enterprise case is a fascinating accounts about what to do when the FBI shows up at your door and carts away your files. Hollywood is not left out as among other cases, Sitrick highlights Kirkorian's battle with Credite Lyonaise. Sitrick is equally adept with a scalpel or a hammer, depending on whether he wants to give his opponent a lobotomy or a mere concussion. This book is destined to be THE TEXTBOOK on strategic public relations.