WASHINGTON: Edelman has added two prominent political strategists to its public affairs practice, naming Bob Shrum and Doug Schoen senior counselors effective January 1, confirmed Derek Creevey, agency chief of staff.

WASHINGTON: The US Department of Defense (DoD) pulled communications efforts for its America Supports You (ASY) program in-house after the DoD's Office of the Inspector General released an audit questioning the purpose of ASY and the use of a PR firm, according to Lt. Col. Todd Vician, DoD spokesperson.

WASHINGTON: Organizations around Washington are developing communications plans to prepare for a flood of visitors for the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20

WASHINGTON: As President-elect Barack Obama's team transitions to the White House, a number of groups are building campaigns directed at the new administration and Congress.

SAN FRANCISCO: A reactive, rather than proactive strategy helped to fell gay rights activists in California, PR pros said. In contrast, the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign in California used strong messaging, which played an important role in the proposition's 52% to 47% passing on November 4.

The annual Book of Lists is one of the most fun, and most exhausting, features to work on at PRWeek. It's draining because it requires that the entire editorial staff review the past 12 months very carefully. This can be difficult to do when you're working on a weekly magazine and daily Web site, and are often absorbed in the most current events.

Though 2008 was dominated by a groundbreaking presidential election, there was still plenty of other news. PRWeek's editorial team reviews the year's PR hits and misses

As 2008 ends, PRWeek takes a look back at the year in communications with our annual Book of Lists. It also gives all PR pros a chance to reassess. While firms and corporate PR departments alike wait on 2009 budgets, it's time for a thorough housecleaning.

Ever since Eliot Spitzer hit the skids in the most spectacular fashion, I have been unfettered by expectations that the world will go on as usual.

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBT) launched a new Barack Obama component to its ongoing "Presidential Trails" campaign following his election.