Long-time Washingtonian David Bass announced the launch of his new public relations and public affairs firm, Raptor Strategies. Raptor's clients include energy, media, insurance and international groups.

Out of the gates with an attitude, the firm's motto is "New Times Demand New Strategies." Specifically, it's about precision in message delivery. Bass told National Journal that he will operate from a deep and abiding respect for traditional journalism with a keen awareness of the utility of 'new' media.

Bass got his start in Washington as a legislative intern in the Senate before moving on to the media world, where he worked at National Journal, The Weekly Standard, Campaigns & Elections, The Hill and The Washington Times.

Before launching his own firm, Bass held top positions at Luntz Maslansky Strategic Research and Qorvis Communications.

"What once took decades [in Washington], can now be solved with a patio table and a few properly chilled beers," jested Bass. Jokes aside, the communications veteran characterized today's policy-based Washington as being in a state of flux with, "every industry scrambling to understand and react."

Expect the announcement of a senior executive at Raptor in the coming weeks, he said.

(Photo courtesy of David Bass)