Protos, Winners Are Defended

I was disappointed to read Gregory Crouch’s article (“Public Relations Firms Not Shy About Awards”; May 20).

The article seemed to criticize local public relations firms for distributing press releases announcing the awards their staff had won at the recent Public Relations Society of America Protos competition. The article implied that the public relations industry should show “humility” and keep announcements of its winners quiet.

That seems an arbitrary restriction upon one industry. Newspapers have no problem tooting their own horns with front page stories when reporters win journalism awards, and to my knowledge, the advertising industry has never been criticized for publicizing its winners.

The Protos are important awards given in honor of individuals--not public relations firms--who work hard and strive for quality. While these awards may not seem as glamorous as an Oscar, they are very important to the people who win them. And these creative and hard-working individuals deserve the spotlight--as do their clients--for making the public relations industry better.

DAVID M. PAINE

President

Paine & Associates Inc.

Costa Mesa