Abdoo, Helen Terry: Files, 1983-1986

The Office of Media Relations handled all press contacts with the White House other than the actual White House press corps. It was created in the fall of 1981 from the Office of Media Liaison in the Press Office and the Television Office from the Office of Communication. The office had various names throughout the administration including: Media Liaison; Office of Media Relations and Planning; Office of Media Relations and Broadcasting; Office of Media and Broadcasting Relations). Their staff, physical location in the White House and general functions remained exactly the same during these various name changes. For ease of use and to reflect their organizational unity the Library is naming this office: Office of Media Relations.

Helen Terry Abdoo joined the White House Office of Media Relations in November 1983 as an Administrative Assistant in the Speakers Bureau. In May 1984 she became a Staff Assistant in Media Relations and was the project leader for starting the White House News. Once the White House News was functional, she edited the News. Abdoo worked directly for Merrie Spaeth and then Sue Mathis-Richard in the Office of Media Relations. She left the office of Media Relations in May of 1986 to work in Public Liaison as a press liaison and research assistant. There is a very small (single folder) collection for Ms. Abdoo within the Office of Public Liaison.