Diana Biette | Sept. 21, 2007
 |
| Photo by Diana Biette |
| Josh Rawtich said any career is "all about relationship building." |
Rawitch is director of public relations and broadcasting for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is responsible for maintaining the perception and reputation of one of the country’s most famous franchises and its players.
Wednesday, Rawitch, B.S. ’98 (kinesiology) returned to IU to speak with Ralph Winslow Visiting Professor Jim Bright’s J428 Public Relations Planning and Research class. Rawitch spoke to students about the current landscape of the sports PR industry, landing jobs and how to make contacts.
He often comes up with ways to tie the organization to typically nontraditional outlets by "Dodger-izing" them. During a recent game, Rawitch walked past the team organist who was knitting during an inning. He saw a connection and was able to pitch her story to a knitting magazine, which ran a profile on the organist.
He said one of the many responsibilities in his job description is organizing media coverage for each Dodger game, which requires him to decide which of the many reporters and media outlets get to fill the small press box.
Over the past five years, the Internet has dramatically changed the scope of the PR industry, Rawitch said. He explained how today anyone easily start up a sports blog that has a large readership. In the past, only major publications covered the teams.
"Now with the Internet, it has changed how we make our decisions on who can come out here," he explained.
He said as a general rule, the Dodgers don’t credential Web sites that do not have a print component because if the franchise were to allow one Web site into the press box, it would open the door for any blogger to plead his or her case for credentials. He anticipates if the Internet keeps growing and evolving at the same pace, the Dodgers may need to look at revising their current policy.
Rawitch also gave students advice on how to succeed in any job, regardless of industry.
"Relationship building is really what it’s all about," he emphasized. In any profession, the relationships and trust people build with others is the foundation of a path to success, he said. He attributes his own success to the good relationships he cultivates with the media, front office and players of the organization. For example, he said he treats every media outlet with the same respect. The Los Angeles Times does not get any more respect than a blog site that is not granted credentials.
Senior Megan Melcic found his advice about developing relationships particularly important. "I not only think this is helpful for a career issue, but also as a life lesson."
Rawitch is one of many speakers Bright plans to bring to his classes this fall.
"Bringing guest speakers into the classroom is one of the most valuable experiences that we can offer students," Bright said. "Speakers give them a sneak peek at the kind of real world challenges and opportunities that students may encounter in the workplace while showing students how to navigate around ‘the pot holes’ of life."
Senior Amy Goetz feels she has directly benefited from having professors bring speakers to classes.
"Bringing in professional speakers such as Josh is really what has shaped my career goals," she said. "Hearing the real world facts and opinions of professionals has given me greater insight into what I want to do."
Questions? Comments? Email the Web editor.
