Texas PR Legend

Journalism alumna Judy Maggio interviews media icon Julian Read

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On Nov. 22, 1963, Julian Read became eye witness to one of America’s biggest tragedies and one of the pivotal events of the 20th century.

As the national media representative for Texas Governor John B. Connally, Read traveled in the motorcade that escorted President John F. Kennedy through Dallas the day of Kennedy’s assassination.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Read was a key figure in responding to the media, becoming the first person to provide an eye-witness account.

In this exclusive interview with School of Journalism alumna and broadcast journalist Judy Maggio (B.J. ’81), Read provides an insider account of the chaos and how leaders responded to the crisis.

Read—whom the Moody College of Communication honors with The Julian Read Excellence Fund in Public Relations—provides lessons from his five decades in politics and image management, including founding the public relations firm Read-Poland Associates and navigating the changing media landscape.  

Jump to video sections:
PR and Politics: 15 min, 12 sec
Professional Relationships: 27 min, 31 sec 
JFK Assassination: 35 min, 30 sec 
Advice to Young People: 1 hr, 17 min, 26 sec

Marc Speir
Senior Content Producer