In the “old days” there was advertising and there was PR. Advertising was communication that we created about ourselves and we paid for. PR was communication that we earned through creating relationships and clever pitches to the media gatekeepers who would then share information about us on our behalf. Social media represents a new communication option that has had, and will continue to have, a marked impact on both advertising and PR. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘media relations’
Oops! Mistakes That Matter – But How Much?
Wednesday, May 30th, 2012We all make mistakes, but those of us in communication roles are likely to be more subject to those mistakes being spotted than those in other professions. Usually, the mistakes are embarrassing, but inconsequential. We’re not, typically, dealing with issues of life and death after all.
But sometimes even seemingly small mistakes can have big consequences. Yesterday, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign received some probably unwanted attention for misspelling America in its new iPhone app – “A Better Amercia.” Oops. Ugh… (more…)
Is The News Release Dead? Not Necessarily.
Thursday, May 10th, 2012Numerous online discussions these days raise questions about the continued effectiveness of the traditional “press release” – or as it is more accurately termed *news* or *media* release (since these communications aren’t intended only for the “press”). The discussions are interesting and raise a number of relevant points about how communicating with the media has changed with the advent of online tools and the proliferation of email vs. traditional “snail mail.” It’s fair to say that the number of traditional print releases *mailed* to news outlets has diminished significantly over the past several years. However, (more…)
If You Won’t Share Your Story, The Media Can’t Tell It! (So Don’t Get Mad When They “Get it Wrong”!)
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012This morning I received a response from a media rep I was working with to connect with a source for a story that has the potential to reflect negatively on the organization–a rather large organization. After working with her for about a week, she sent an email that said: “We’re going to have to pass on commenting. Sorry.”
As someone who has also been in her shoes, on the other side of the great divide between organizations and the media, I’m sure that she is.
I’m sure she knows, just as well as I and other communication professionals do, the problem (more…)
PR/Media Relations – Wearing Two Hats Yields Best Practice Insights
Monday, February 6th, 2012I’ve always considered myself fortunate to have a perspective on both sides of the PR/media relations business. With my “communication consulting hat” on, I work with clients interested in receiving media coverage to help boost their credibility and establish them as thought leaders in various areas of expertise. When doing this work, I’m actively pitching or responding to queries from writers and journalists who are covering certain topics. The goal, of course, is to prompt them to “pick me” – or my client – as a potential source.
I’ve been pretty successful doing this and I think a lot of the reason for this stems from (more…)
Get Media Exposure and Promotion – In Your Own Words
Friday, July 1st, 2011Over the past few years, as many of you certainly know, the economy has had a marked impact on the media industry, particularly for print journalists. Entire organizations have closed or been acquired and many have laid-off staffers, leaving those left standing busier than ever before (and journalists have always been very, very busy and working under tight deadlines). This represents (in an unfortunate sort of way) an opportunity for individuals and companies hoping to get media exposure for their organizations and activities. Why? Because media outlets are more and more open to (more…)
Would You Send a News Release Like This?
Thursday, July 8th, 2010In anticipation of Drew Peterson’s murder trial which was supposed to start today in Joliet, Ill. (which always reminds me of the Blues Brothers, but I digress…), the PR firm representing the Peterson defense team released a media alert/press release that was, I think, rather odd. (more…)
How NOT to Respond to Media Opportunities – Don’t Do These Things!
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010Services like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) are excellent means for journalists and writers to connect with sources. I use the service myself both when writing stories and looking for sources, and when exploring media opportunities for clients. And, hopefully, I’ve learned a lot from receiving some very ineffective pitches. Here are some real examples of what NOT to do when responding to a reporter/writer request: (more…)
7 Tips for Working With the Media
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010It seems that more and more businesses – large and small – are looking to the media (including social media) to generate awareness for their businesses and their products. Makes sense. Media coverage, whether traditional or online, can be a great source of exposure not only because of its cost-effectiveness, but also because (more…)
What Price Fame?
Saturday, October 17th, 2009Richard Heene, father of the little “balloon boy” who captured national attention last week, continues to maintain that allegations that this was a hoax are “extremely pathetic.” Doubts began after little Falcon Heene responded (more…)
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