Jason Salzman began working on the Greenpeace campaign against Rocky Flats in August 1989, shortly after the FBI raid and before the plant was closed for safety violations. As an activist, he used creative PR tactics to ensure that Rocky Flats{u2019} operations would not resume. In this interview, Jason talks about his background, the lead up to the Flats{u2019} shutdown, specific strategies that focused public attention, the end of Rocky Flats production, and the repercussions of that success. Jason also discusses his ongoing work: scrutinizing the media, pushing for better public information, and promoting media attention to activist issues.
Greenpeace campaign against Rocky Flats (role, name recognition, PR expertise, PR tactics)
Greenpeace billboards (acquiring billboards, artist Craig Freeman, message, controversy, citizen opposition)
Personal background (upbringing in Denver, college, early activism, Nuclear Freeze campaign, joining Greenpeace)
Stopping the rebuilding and restarting of Rocky Flats
Lead up to shutdown of Rocky Flats (economic context, structural/physical context, political context, environmental and safety concerns, FBI raid)
End of production at Rocky Flats (State of the Union Address, activist response, workers response)
Symbols and imagery in media communication (messages, meaning, implications, efficacy, impact)
Living with success at Rocky Flats (repercussions of cleanup, potential health threats, environmental threats, mixed messages)
Ongoing work and activities (Rocky Mountain Media Watch, Cause Communications, "Making the News: A Guide for Activists and Nonprofits")
Causes of Rocky Flats{u2019} shutdown (end of Cold War, activists work)
Role of media in providing information