At the end of the year, I'd like to thank some of the clients and Media and PR companies who have been extraordinarily helpful to our brand. I have known Diane Blackman Founder of BR Public Relations, for 15+ years, around the same time we launched DOWNTOWN Magazine, so it may even be a few years longer. She is a consummate professional. We've collaborated with her on several brands, including hiring her to create buzz for our special edition during COVID-19, which highlighted the efforts of essential workers--hospitals, police officers, doctors, nurses, MTA workers, and those who cared for New York City while the rest of us stayed safe indoors. Not only did she assist us with the press release, but she also secured two news stations to come out and video interview me and my photographer, Andrew Matusik, during our outdoor masked photo shoot for New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. We have also worked with her on the incredible and unforgettable Dinner Au Blanc, where her professionalism was, as always, second to none. Diane is exceptionally kind and has attended many events we have hosted, consistently offering excellent suggestions. The most recent event we collaborated on was our annual BarkToberFest held at Chelsea Piers, which was extremely well attended. As always, she was a leader who ensured everything ran smoothly and stepped in to help whenever there was a challenge. She was there as both a judge and a friend. I believe she is one of the best PR professionals we have worked with over the past nearly 20 years. Diane is patient, kind, and understanding, yet she can also be demanding in a way that helps us elevate our brand and achieve the goals she sets for our company and her clients. I have met several of her clients, interviewed them, and featured them in our magazine, and they have all given us nothing but positive feedback about Diane Blackman's work. In summary, I give her a 10-star rating for her exceptional contributions, and I believe she deserves a heartfelt thank you from our magazine and team. " read more

B R Public Relations - Current Cover DOWNTOWN Magazine - Public Relations Near Me - New York, New York

Diana is verbally abusive and exploitative. She refuses to hire staff and instead relies on the free labor of unpaid interns, whom she treats horribly. She provides no compensation, no meals, and no transportation assistance, yet expects interns to endure her abuse. She misleads interns--only for them to discover that the "internship" is run out of her apartment living room, which she shares with her boyfriend. The unprofessionalism is staggering. Her behavior is cruel and demeaning. She yells, belittles, and uses foul, abusive language, creating a toxic and fear-driven environment. Rather than fostering growth, she seems to take pleasure in intimidating her interns. Two interns quit in Spring 2024 alone due to her mistreatment, and she constantly recruits more unpaid labor year-round to replace those who leave. This was the worst internship experience. If you're considering an internship here, run in the opposite direction--you will not gain valuable experience, just stress, mistreatment, and a waste of your time. read more

Interning at BR Public Relations was a genuinely great experience. Diane, who runs the firm and was my supervisor, is not only super professional but also incredibly kind. Throughout my time there, she always treated me with respect and took the time to guide me, answer my questions, and offer helpful feedback. Honestly, she often felt more like a mentor--or even a friend--than a typical boss. I also learned a lot. My research skills definitely improved, and I came away with a much better understanding of what public relations work looks like daily. Watching how Diane worked with her clients showed me what it means to be thoughtful, strategic, and committed to doing good work. I saw some older reviews (from the same person) talking about a toxic or fear-based environment, which really surprised me. That wasn't my experience at all. I always felt supported and encouraged to learn and grow. I'm really thankful I got the chance to intern here, and I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone curious about PR or looking to get hands-on experience in a small, fast-paced agency. read more

My experience interning with Diane was very beneficial. I received a lot of positive feedback and gained a lot of experience in the PR field. It was a nurturing environment and a rewarding experience. I would not have the skills I have now without Diane's guidance. Diane acted as a mentor during my time with her and continues to be supportive in my job search. Diane is very dedicated to the success of her clients. She is in constant communication with them to make sure they are happy with all steps being taken, and the clients' success is a clear tell into the hard work Diane puts into each of them! read more

Barbara Newman Mannix; A Dignified Life LLC Family advocate and transition expert in elder care and end of life. March 4, 2015, Barbara Newman was Diane's client "I have worked with Diane on numerous projects together over the years, but none more important than my own start-up. The mold has been broken for PR professionals like Diane Blackman. Diane internalizes and exemplifies your mission and message. She is an impressive researcher. Before she starts pitching, she has analyzed your market, your competition and validated your edge. Her media relationships are impressive and long lasting. Simply put, she can put you on the public's radar and keep you there by identifying and placing you in the right publications, interview venues, while maintaining a creative social media presence. I never would have received this exposure from anyone else." read more

Diane and her team were integral in getting me publicity for my company in the form all 4 major television stations in NY and 2 national television programs. Also, through her efforts, she was able to get me on the front page of the Sun Sentinel in FL. I would not hesitate to utilize her services in the future read more

I have been working with Diane and team for 30 years, I keep coming back. Three businesses later, I always go back to BR PR for guidance and execution of our PR strategies. Professional, on time, transparent, and results!!! read more

Negotiating the needs of the artistic sensibility is not for the faint of heart and no one does it better than Diane Blackman. Years in the trenches have neither diminished Diane's enthusiasm nor diluted her passion. When Diane agreed to represent our show, "That's Not Tango--Astor Piazzolla, A Life in Music," I felt an immediate sense of calm. I knew we were in the best possible hands. Diane anticipates aspirations, decodes unspoken hopes with great skill. Her persistence and devotion to her clients is matched only by her creativity. Impossible isn't in her vocabulary. Diane is a gift to anyone whose work she champions. read more

BRPR... totally the best PR firm I ever hired. They're creative, focused and driven. Did I mention professional? Being in the commercial real estate business, they found angles I never thought of - and delivered. read more