Dr. Karen Freberg is heading into her 11th year of teaching public relations at the University of Louisville. She also teaches a master’s level course for one of my alma maters … West Virginia University. Dr. Freberg started teaching a new version of public relations as the 2000s were winding down and social media had started to work its way into businesses and brands. She is one of the pioneer comms professors who has redefined what is taught in the classroom about PR. 

And, as one might expect from a leader in the space, Dr. Freberg has written a new text. The book is called Discovering Public Relations and while it is a college textbook, it’s written and designed to be a strong business book as well. In fact, at the end of each chapter, Dr. Freberg outlines which topics are must-knows for taking and passing the Accreditation in Public Relations course. That APR standard is the industry’s designation for, “I know my stuff.”

This book is great for students learning about the craft of PR, and influence marketing from a PR perspective. But it’s also good for business owners and brands who need to understand what public relations in today’s world means. Heck, it’s even a great resource for influencers who want to learn how to leverage PR partners to enhance their content, and their revenue. 

I asked Dr. Freberg to talk about what the book has to offer, but we also find out about her journey from four-time All-American college athlete to teaching college athletes and students all about PR, media relations and, yes, influence marketing.

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