"Fenton Communications is promoting Venezuela's discounted oil program for disadvantaged families in Massachusetts, New York and maybe Maine," reports O'Dwyer's. The left-leaning PR firm "promoted the Nov.

"Involvement in relief efforts for recent disasters has helped the reputation of corporations and nonprofits," writes PR Week. Wal-Mart was the big winner, earning the top spot in Delahaye's Media Index of Corporate Reputation.

"The public's ability to participate in the rule-making process was undermined" when the administration of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger produced video news releases (VNRs) promoting controversial proposals, ruled Sacramento Superior Court judge Lloyd Connelly.