Academic expert defends PM's Letterman appearance

Public relations academic Joseph Peart believes when it comes to getting wide publicity in the United States, New Zealand has to punch above its weight.

Peart who heads the public relations programme at AUT University’s School of Communication Studies says, “John Key's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman is an excellent example of the impact and credibility of public relations.

“A prime minister’s activities are news. Mr Key's visit to America was no exception. But in New Zealand's case, we are a small country and need to try harder to be noticed by the American public. It was a great public relations opportunity for Tourism New Zealand and they made the most of it.”