I am one of the most effective writers and media messaging strategists in the country. And I can prove it. I understand communications in both crisis situations and in the most challenging of circumstances. I continue to write Opinion-Editorial columns (as a columnist and no longer as a journalist or reporter). I am vigilant in separating my media consulting services from my column writing, except in rare circumstances and always with full disclosure.
BACKGROUND:
I began in journalism in 1976 covering Chicago City Hall, politics, education, neighborhood events and general assignments. I quickly moved in 1978 to become the City Hall reporter and began writing a twice weekly column for the Southtown Economist (now the Southtown/Star newspapers). In 1985, I moved to the Chicago Sun-Times where I worked as a columnist and political writer for PAGE TEN. In 1987, I returned to cover Chicago City Hall. I worked at City Hall a total of 16 years covering every mayoral administration from "Daley to Daley."
In 1992, I launched Urban Strategies Group, providing professional media and communications services to government agencies, political candidates and organizations in the public and private sectors. I have managed and provided media relations and media strategy services to more than 50 candidates for public office. (I also ran for office in 1992 myself so I could experience campaigning firsthand in order to widen my experience and knowledge). I have also provided crisis communications and media consulting services to many Fortune 250 Corporation clients including Bechtel and AON Risk Management.
COLUMN COMMENTARY:
Many media consultants can talk about the media as observers. I can share with you my direct hands-on experience in the media. I continue to engage the news media as a columnist and political analyst. I write political analysis and opinion columns addressing mainstream American political issues and topics in the news that offer insight into the controversial arena of the Middle East conflict. Newspapers running my columns include publications in the United States, such as the Southwest News-Herald and the Lawndale News newspapers. My columns appear internationally including in the Middle East where I write for the prestigious Jerusalem Post Newspaper each week. My columns seek to define the Moderate American Arab voice and they are distributed by Creators Syndicate.
RADIO TALKSHOW HOST:
I co-host the highly popular Friday morning Middle East radio talk show, "Radio Baladi," which is simulcast in Chicago, Detroit, Ohio, and in Windsor Canada every Friday at 7 am Central (8 am Eastern). The show tackles the tough Middle East issues and seeks to educate American audiences on the intricacies of the Middle East while offering a better understanding of the American Arab and Muslim communities. Part of my media services include targeting American Arab and Muslim communities and audiences.
I also host a mainstream Radio Show previously on WLS AM and recently on WJJG radio. Watch for information on my new show coming soon.
MEDIA RELATIONS:
I manage communications for a very select list of political and non-political clients; I vigilantly separate both my writing and my media clients to maintain a clear ethical line. If I write about a topic that may overlap a client interest, I make full disclosure so that readers know exactly what my ties are to the topic or subjects and the origins of my views and experience.
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS:
I am the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club "Lisagor" Awards for column writing. The Chicago Headline Club is the largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2010, I received the National Sigma Delta Chi Award for Column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. In November, 2006, I was named Best Ethnic Columnist in America by the New America Media. I was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 by the Chicago Sun-Times for my series on life in the West Bank during the first Palestinian Intifada.
PHILOSOPHY:
In today's "new media," the line between media relations and opinion commentary is much thinner. But separating the two and being open and honest about my work allows me to tap both sides of journalism and professional communications to offer the public, readers of my column and my radio and Cable TV audiences a unique and full perspective on all events whether they are in Chicago's suburbs, Washington D.C. or in the Middle East. There are very few media consultants who have frontline professional journalism experience who also understand the working mainstream news media, a knowledge that can be used ot the advantage of clients.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE:
I have a deep and personal commitment to work for peace in the Middle East, bringing Palestinians and Arabs, and Jews and Israelis together. I continue to perform standup comedy with the Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour and with Punchlines for Peace. I oppose violence, condemn terrorism and strive to advocate for peaceful expressions of differing opinions in the contentious Middle East conflict.
MILITARY SERVICE:
I am proud to have served Active Duty in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1972 and serving until August 1975 at a Vietnam Support F-111 Air Force Base in Idaho working in the medical field and base hospital. After receiving my Honorable Discharge, I served more than 10 years in the Illinois Air National Guard and am a proud member of the Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in the Military.
ASSOCIATIONS:
Graduate, member FBI Citizens Academy, Chicago
National Society of Newspaper Columnists
National American Arab Journalists Association
Chicago Headline Club SPJ
You can explore more about my background and work on the following web sites:
www.TheMediaOasis.com
www.IPComedyTour.com
www.YallaPeace.com
www.RadioBaladi.com
Client Web Pages/Blogs
www.SenatorLandek.com
Sen. Landek Facebook Fan Page
www.TheTownofCicero.com
Cicero News Wire (English)
Cicero News Wire (Spanish)
www.OrlandFire.org
Orland Fire Protection District Blog
www.JimHickeyforAmerica.com
Jim Hickey for America Facebook Fan Page
Click to Read