PRWeek UK reported on a campaign recently launched by Realwire chief executive Adam Parker and supported by Borkowski founder Mark Borkwoski, Speed Communications MD Stephen Waddington and Umpf founder Adrian Johnson. The campaign is designed to reduce the copious amounts of “spam,” or untargeted email pitches and press releases, sent to reporters by public relations practitioners. Offered up are a “Bill of Rights,” proposing such things as enabling reporters to pre-approve content being sent to them or mandating that PR pros read all publications first. In theory, this should help foster give and take relationships with the press and remove a lot of the negative stigma associated with our industry. In concept the idea is valid and the idea are great, but is it really realistic to believe this is an executable program?
The Inconvenient PR Truth campaign focuses on the belief that media relations should be rooted in relationships and targeted, appropriate outreach. While completely true, this isn’t a groundbreaking revelation. PR people and journalists have been promoting this type of interaction for decades. Hopefully PR people who continue to toss spam at reporters will seal their own fates. As an industry, we can and should promote and demand positive media relations habits and work hard to educate our peers on the long term benefits of knowing how and when to pitch a story. My question; however, is whether or not putting a Bill of Rights in writing is continuing to throw our industry under the bus. Do we continue to promote the bad seeds, fueling the sour taste for PR, rather than showcase the successes we drive on a daily basis? Who becomes the PR police in enforcing these rules? Is this really executable? I’d love to hear from PR people and journalists on their thoughts in the comments below.
I want to preface this post by saying it has nothing to do with my political leanings, which is something I typically keep personal. Like many others I was surprised at the news this week that 19 year-old Bristol Palin, Sarah Palin’s daughter, has started a PR firm. To little surprise the announcement caused an uproar, notably among PR people who questioned what experience Bristol boasts to be able to offer strategic public relations counsel to companies and organizations. As PR people we know there are a lot of facets to our jobs outside of publicity, including crisis communication, investor relations, special events, tradeshows, messaging architecture, consumer relations and on and on. Some practitioners voiced in both blog comments and through social media that the move actually discredits our profession and the amount of demonstrated experience that goes into being a skilled PR person. Some people simply blew off the move as a savvy tax strategy. Other’s still, a publicity stunt.
Enter Bristol’s first crisis communications challenge – the negative reactions to her own company. Although the story appears to have broken two days ago, it appears we haven’t heard a word from BSMP LLC., other than a fairly cryptic response from her lawyer confirming the company exists. It’s still unclear whether she has created an agency in the “traditional” sense of the word, where she will take on clients and execute plans. The Twitterverse has been abuzz and The Huffington Post’s story has received more than 2,000 comments. I’m sure Bristol’s camp is monitoring “her brand,” but so far they’ve chosen not to respond, which is an atypical strategy from a PR firm.
In my opinion, it’s time to calm the waters with a clear explanation of the intent of the company and the motivation behind a career in public relations. As with any uproar, the more transparent and informative you can be, the less inclined people will be to come to their own conclusions. What do you think? What do you recommend Bristol do in response to all the buzz?
Photo credit: O6scura
CNN.com made it front page material, along with TMZ, gossip bloggers, sports reporters and thousands of other media-types. Social media sites like Twitter are buzzing, with Tiger Woods taking a spot in its trending topics for two days now. So what’s all the talk about? Well right now, it’s about the mystery swirling around car accidents, domestic abuse and a lot of he said, she said. With the exception of a brief statement from the pro-golfer’s publicist, fans everywhere are left scratching their heads. What really happened and why is Tiger in hiding?
When we take clients through media training, one of the first rules we teach is to never say “no comment.” The idea is that “no comment” is essentially an admission of guilt. Whether or not it really is, “no comment” can leave people feeling like they are uninformed, misinformed or that a concern is being disregarded. As the investigation into the accident heats up, what was concern for Tiger seems to be shifting to a feeling of what is Tiger not telling us?
What do you think? Is it time Tiger comes clean about the specific details of that night? Do you think he owes his fans an explanation? Do you feel his silence is an admission of guilt? Do you think he is making the situation worse by not speaking up? Or do you believe he’s taking the right approach by staying mum, and that the situation will diffuse faster that way?
Photo credit: CRASH:Candy
In an effort to see how Web site visits compare to monthly circulation statistics, I’ve taken the 10 ten print magazines and the top ten daily newspapers in terms of circulation according to CisionPoint and estimated monthly U.S. visitors for their Web sites accordingly using Quantcast. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the resources, but I think the numbers make an interesting snapshot. What do you think? What inferences do you make from this data, if any?
Newspapers
1. The Wall Street Journal
• Circulation – 2,024,269
• Web site traffic – 4,200,000
2. USA Today
• Circulation – 1,900,116
• Web site traffic – 5,500,000
3. The New York Times
• Circulation – 927,851
• Web site traffic – 14,200,000
4. Los Angeles Times
• Circulation — 657,467
• Web site traffic – 6,900,000
5. The Washington Post
• Circulation – 582,844
• Web site traffic – 5,800,000
6. Daily News
• Circulation – 544,167
• Web site traffic – 6,300,000
7. New York Post
• Circulation – 508,042
• Web site traffic – 2,900,000
8. Chicago Tribune
• Circulation – 465,892
• Web site traffic – 2,600,000
9. Toronto Star
• Circulation – 418,966
• Web site traffic – 670,800
10. Houston Chronicle
• Circulation – 384,419
• Web site traffic – 3,000,000
Magazines
1. AARP Bulletin Today
• Circulation – 24,305,715
• Web site traffic – 1,000,000
2. AARP the Magazine
• Circulation – 24,554,819
• Web site traffic – 248,400
3. Best Read Guides Inc.
• Circulation – 17,000,000
• Web site traffic – Not available
4. The Costco Connection
• Circulation – 8,217,263
• Web site traffic – 70,100
5. Reader’s Digest
• Circulation – 8,158,652
• Web site traffic – 771,200
6. Better Homes & Gardens
• Circulation – 7,634,197
• Web site traffic – 11,000,000
7. Weekly Reader
• Circulation – 7,000,000
• Web site traffic – 12,400
8. Kraft Food & Family
• Circulation – 6,625,000
• Web site traffic – 2,400,000 (Kraft Web site, magazine does not have dedicated site)
9. Hustler
• Circulation – 5,000,000
• Web site traffic – 921,000
10. National Geographic Magazine
• Circulation – 4,708,307
• Web site traffic – 5,900,000
Photo credit: Macrophile
Last week I attended the PRSA International Conference and had the opportunity to listen to some great seminars on the state of our industry, particularly how we as PR practitioners can leverage social media in our communication efforts.
One seminar in particular, People are the Killer APP: How to Grow Word-Of Mouth Movements With Your Brand Fans, was led by Geno Church, WOM Inspiration Officer for Brains on Fire. During the session, Church walked us through a case study of Fiskars scissors. The company sought to ingratiate themselves with the growing number of scrapbookers, a passionate and community-minded group of craftsladies (and men), who are eager to embrace the latest and greatest tools to make their memory books, well, memorable. I’m not a scrapbooker myself (my craftiest moments result in doodles during long conference calls) but I can certainly appreciate not only the creativity, but the camaraderie, that goes into the loved creations.
I was skeptical. Scissors? How is it possible to get a group so jazzed over a non-descript pair of scissors?
I, like most of the audience, was blown away at the picture of brand ambassadorship that unfolded before me. The effort seemed to have created a significant amount of infatuation for something normally shoved in the back of your gift wrap drawer. It’s not often you see such a surge of community spirit, with brand advocates providing priceless endorsement. The effort was, no doubt, incredible. When Church opened the floor to questions, one attendee asked the question I believe was on all of our minds – what kind of budget should you allot for a campaign of this magnitude? Church obviously couldn’t give client-specific numbers, but said it makes sense to assume $300,000 to half a million big ones for a effort of such magnitude.
Cue record scratch.
Many of us work with brands that simply can’t, especially in this economic climate, afford to invest that kind of money in any marketing effort. I wasn’t deflated, and marketers and PR agencies shouldn’t be either. There are many ways companies can propel off and online WOM with very little expense. I’ve put together a short list, and I welcome your creative minds to add your ideas and success stories.
• Start Talking – Joining the online conversation really doesn’t cost anything and can be a very powerful way to humanize your brand with influencers and customers. We “overheard” a blog conversation (using SocialMention) that included a client. We alerted the client who commented with a thank you and clarification of some questions. The blogger was very appreciative and responded by enabling our client to post a coupon, writing another post and including the product in her weekly newsletter with a kind endorsement. Score!
• Unofficial Official – Empower your consumers to play a role in product development and direction, and they’ll feel a sense of ownership and help you spread the word. We helped create a program inviting consumers of a natural foods company to name the next flavor of an existing product. The response was overwhelming, as entrants became immersed in the brand experience and engaged in online conversation about the contest. For another product, the company was preparing to launch a brand new product, so we helped solicit an elite team of beta testers to get the first taste and share their feedback, again, creating passionate brand ownership.
• Refer a Friend – I hate to spam my friends, but when Bluefly gives me another chance at a Chloe bag just for telling a couple friends, I’m a sellout. Incentivizing consumers to “Tell two more” can be a great way to earn a peer-to-peer endorsement.
• Team Player – When employees feel loyalty about a company, they can become both internal and external cheerleaders for your goals and mission. Kashi, a leader in the natural food space, is a perfect example of admiration built upon sheer brand passion. Employees are featured in ad campaigns and walk the streets sporting their company pride in logo shirts, as well as very honestly touting their Kashi-love on social networks and to friends and peers. It’s infectious.
What other ways can company generate word-of mouth without the big bucks. Is it necessary or smart to break the bank?
In the age of social media, formalized communication often takes a backseat to more brief, streamlined messaging. This isn’t a bad thing, except when the lines between respectful correspondence vs. too casual communication become blurred, and the “social media besties” mentality starts to take over. While it can be considered a problem -people becoming too chummy before gauging a person’s comfort level – I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight some don’ts for PR pros eager to connect with the movers and shakers to which they may not have had such liberal access before Twitter.
• R.E.S.P.E.C.T – While we all have great contacts with journalists and bloggers alike, the way we built those relationships was by showing an element of respect for and knowledge of their content, pitching style and by taking note of what makes them tick. Twitter’s 140 characters doesn’t mean we throw that approach out the window. I’ve noticed a number of rogue PR folks hounding press with invites to their next events, prodding them to cover their news stories or generally assuming a too familiar tone. That’s the wrong way to get media to notice you and can get you a one-way ticket to the blacklist. How to get noticed in a positive way? Read and retweet their blog posts, comment on their tweets in a personalized but not over-familiar way or even ask them questions about subjects in which they offer an expertise. Tread lightly until you have a good understanding of their comfort levels.
• The Name Drop – I’m sorry, but we’re on to you. We know that the Twitter convo you’ve been carrying on with Alyssa Milano is just a one –way dialogue. I know you’re both Dodger fans and both love pink (actually I don’t know if she likes pink) but girl has 300,000 followers and I’m guessing she might not be as quick as you to schedule that slumber party. You never know when something you tweet might resonate with a celebrity – it’s happened – but there’s a fine line between responding to a tweet and battering anyone, celebrity or non, with umpteen tweets to which you get radio silence (and might be perceived as stalking). I’m sorry, but she’s just not that into you. While Twitter enables us to connect with press, celebrities, and colleagues, remember that one of the best ways to build your community is by sharing ideas with peers, not trying to ingratiate yourself only with the uppercrust.
• It Must be Some Terrible Mistake, But I Forgive You – Visions of sad puppy dogs dance in my head when I see “I tried to DM you but you aren’t following me 
.” Calling a media person out publicly for not following you unless they have requested a direct message is just plain tacky. That’s the beauty of Twitter, we have the opportunity to follow the tweet streams of those we find of interest. As PR people we have an important reason for following press, celebrities, politicians etc… They probably do not see the same value in following us unless we’ve built a relationship. Putting someone on the spot will just create an awkward moment.
Does this sound familiar? Do you think the loudest voice in the room gets the most attention, or do you think it’s best to test the waters on Twitter first? I’d love to hear some examples.
Photo credit: CarbonNYC
As a proud San Diego-based PR practitioner, I’m excited that PRSA has chosen America’s Finest City as the destination for its 2009 International Conference. Like most attendees, I’m hopeful this year’s program will offer informative sessions to help us grow in what might be the most volatile yet exciting period for PR pros in decades. I’ve asked PRSA San Diego Chapter President Chris Wahl to provide some insight into what this year’s event will hold.
In addition to serving as our chapter president, Wahl is also president of Southwest Strategies, a top public affairs and public relations firm in San Diego. Wahl specializes in helping clients secure complex land-use and regulatory approvals for controversial projects and issues. Wahl and Southwest Strategies have won numerous awards, including three prestigious silver anvils.
The way public relations professionals work, think and plan for their futures is in flux. No matter how many years of experience are under your belt, the industry is turning the page on an exciting new chapter in its evolution and, as such, I’d personally like to invite you to attend the 2009 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) International Conference. This is your best chance this year to network with the best and brightest industry thought leaders, gain important insights, and learn fresh ideas that you can apply to your work.
This year’s event will be held November 7-10 at the Marriott Hotel & Marina in the heart of San Diego. In addition to sunshine and warm temperatures, the forecast for this event is exclusive access to the top minds in the field and engaging discussions of the major issues impacting our industry. Participants can choose from more than 80 professional development sessions that focus on innovative strategies, effective tactics and techniques, specialization and practice areas or business/management for public relations. 
Knowing how much effort goes into planning this event, I can attest that it will be worth your while. Guests will have the chance to hear from media personalities who are helping to shape our industry and world, including: Arianna Huffington, founder and driving force behind TheHuffington Post, one of the most successful and powerful news and opinion sites; Wendell Potter, health insurance whistleblower and former VP of communications at Cigna; Bob Garfield, columnist, critic, essayist, international lecturer and broadcast personality; and, Todd Buchholz, former White House director of economic policy and commentator on American Public Media’s “Marketplace.”
In addition, our new “Meet the Experts” session is your opportunity to speak one-on-one with industry leaders. It’s a full hour of face-to-face networking with those who have
the inside track on social media, brand building and other hot topics. Career counselors will also be on hand to answer questions and offer job search tips.
Nowhere else in the world will you find perfect weather, unbeatable networking opportunities and high-caliber seminars — plus a red carpet kick-off event on the historic U.S.S. Midway. And with the San Diego Chapter of PRSA celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, you can expect an extra dose of hospitality and excitement. Everything you need to know to accelerate your career in public relations is happening all in one place, over just four days.
I guarantee that each person who makes the trip to this year’s conference will leave with a fresh outlook on the public relations industry. There’s no better time or place to join thousands of communications professionals from across the country. So… sign up online, book a flight, pack your bags and make your way to the “can’t miss” public relations event of the year. For more details on event costs and registration information, visit the PRSA Conference Web site. Questions? I invite you to contact me personally by email, cwahl@swspr.com or 858-541-7800.
Recording star Miley Cyrus, who had a couple million followers on Twitter, decided she’d had enough of the 140 character updates that kept her fans, friends and paparazzi updated on her comings and goings, and completely shut down her account this week.
She didn’t go quietly, creating a decently produced rap video explaining her decision. The gossip sites weren’t the only ones making this breaking news – even the social media hounds at Mashable reported on the diss, creating lots of media buzz for the young songstress. Even her dad, country music star Billy Ray Cyrus hoped (publicly) that she would change her mind. While Ashton Kutcher drove tons of press for his Twitter antics, Miley got an equally passionate reception for her break-up with Twitter.
Miley isn’t the first person to make waves with a change in Twitter strategy. Web celebrity and renowned tech blogger Robert Scoble unfollowed thousands of followers and also received significant press coverage from the event.
So is a drastic Twitter overhaul the newest PR 2.0 stunt? Do the long term benefits outweigh the short term attention?
Rachel Kay
I’ve always been enthralled with broadcast journalism, taking a story and through writing, editing and well thought out commentary a production team can tell a tale with a depth that sometimes the written word can’t portray. It’s hard work.
Several years ago I worked with producer Arlene Wilkinson, who was producing a show for the John Walsh show, “Prescription for Addiction,” that would feature one of my clients (her team won a PRISM award for the piece).
Even on my end the show was no easy feat, but I clearly remember calling Arlene at what would be midnight her time to leave a message, and she answered the phone. I would have expected her to be annoyed and exhausted, and she may have been a little bit of both, but she was very clear when I expressed my surprise that she was in the office at midnight that these hours were the nature of her job and she was excited about the show they were creating. We’ve stayed in touch ever since.
Arlene has an incredible wealth of experience on the talk show circuit. She began her 10 year television career as an intern and production assistant for the “Ricki Lake” show. In 2000, she was part of the production team that launched Oscar nominated actress Queen Latifah’s foray into daytime television the “Queen Latifah” show. Arlene has been a valued member in many start-ups and pilots such as NBC Universal’s “John Walsh” show and “Jane Pauley” show, Emmy-nominated “Dr. Phil” and Emmy winning “Tyra Banks” show.
Arlene has worked on pilots for comedian Paul Mooney and Lisa Nichols of “The Secret” fame. In 2007, Arlene produced for two seasons at the NAACP nominated “Judge Mathis” court show. Recently, she jumped in to the word of casting working on the BBC Worldwide Production/SOAPNET ’s new reality series “Bank of Mom and Dad” which premiered in Fall 2009. Her experience has enabled her her to work with celebrities, newsmakers, and everyday people to bring compelling stories to television.
In the fall of 2009, Arlene launched her own production company – Funny Chick Productions! – in which she will produce and create her own original television projects, which currently include a game show, a web-site, and a reality project.
RK: You’ve had an exciting career in broadcast journalism. What drove you to work behind the camera as opposed to print?
AW: I’d like to say there was some master plan but my career in television was a compete fluke. I have a degree in corporate communications and I would have probably gone into PR but I needed an internship to graduate. I applied everywhere and received an offer to intern at a the one and only Ricki Lake show (Go Ricki!, Go Ricki!). I loved it. This combined my love of television, dealing with people and making things happen. Working in television production is a tough gig but it’s in my blood! I can’t really see myself doing anything else.
Working for talk shows that delve into some very serious topics, I imagine (and know from working with you) that being sensitive to emotional situations can be draining. How do manage the challenge of developing a great show while being sensitive to vulnerable guests?
I’ve worked with many hosts (Jane Pauley, John Walsh, and Dr. Phil) that deal with topics ranging from physical abuse, drug addiction, infidelity, murder, rape, etc. I try to be upfront and honest with the guests. I’m very clear about the topic of the show. It’s a tough juggling act! With sensitive issues I treat the guests with respect and hand hold them through the process. I’m clear about what a potential guests role or place is in the show.
If we speak with someone on the phone about the show and they aren’t comfortable with everything involved – I won’t book them. I see the guests as a peer expert to the audience. The guest’s life experiences (good or bad) will help someone watching them at home. As hard as it can be I’ve also learned to leave the job at the office. It hard but I learned to compartmentalize and never take the office home with me. That can be hard to do…there are guests whose stories and faces I will never forget.
Do you have any favorite stories that you worked on that you’d like to share?
There are too many to share for many different reasons. However, during my time at Tyra working on her “So what” size acceptance show was not only challenging but empowering. It was a simple phrase and concept but it helped a lot of women deal with their self esteem and learn to love themselves. However, there have been so many faces and stories that have either made me laugh or cry depending on the day. I always hope that bringing that particular guest or story to the general audience helps people in some way.
Have social media tools like Twitter and Facebook impacted television production for you?
It’s a great aid in doing my job. If I need an additional guest I can put the word out on these sites and friends and family can help me get booked. I’ve searched for and booked guests off of Facebook, Twitter and Myspace (the granddaddy of social networking sites). Recently while working in casting for a reality show my co-workers were able to start trending topics on the subject of the show we are working on. Even just tweeting a link to our casting email or Web page is great! Facebook I’ve been using since it was just for college kids. Now, my friends grandmother’s have Facebook pages. It’s amazing, can you believe that Oprah and Barbara Walters are now tweeting!
What qualities/traits do you value when working with a publicist? What attributes have deterred you from working with a PR practitioner?
I love it when a PR person is understanding and can compromise! I love when the publicist understands that I’m trying to help them promote their client or product. Sometimes I’ll have to call multiple times with different requests that my bosses might have to make them happy. Trust me if I can get a product or person that you are pitching onto the show I’m working on it makes my job easier. What deters me from working with someone if they are too pushy. You may have a great client and/or product but if it doesn’t work for the format of my show – it doesn’t work! Nothing will turn me off more if you consistently call and push the same client on me when I’ve told you why it won’t work!
What can a PR person do to help producers obtain the information they need for a good story?
A PR person should know the format and type of show I’m working on. Do your homework!!!! Research whether the person and/or product you are pitching me would fit the demographic of my show. It always amazed me when I produced for Dr. Phil who 99% of the time deals with serious issues. I would get pitched a beauty product! When I worked with the great Rachel Kay J. You did your research! A good PR professional has to think like a television producer! Come to the table with some thoughts about how your client can be a viable part of my show. Lay out what guests, video, pictures and/or audio would be available to me.
What should PR people know about you before sending you a pitch? If I called you on the phone with a story idea, what would you tell me?
Many times, when I receive a call from a PR professional I’m in a time crunch for completing another show and /or segment. I always appreciate a PR professional ability to understand that. I would tell you that I’m on deadline and would like an email from you with the press release attached. In the email let me know how you see your client fitting in with my show. So, that during our next conversation we can cut to the chase and kick around ideas both of us may have about whether or not I can use your client in the show.
Rachel Kay
New York’s Fox 5 evening news anchor Ernie Anastos became an Internet sensation this week – not because of his compelling newscasts but because of an on-air gaffe that quickly made headlines both on and offline. The veteran anchor responded to the stations weatherman during a live broadcast “keep F****** that chicken” during some banter back and forth.
The comment baffled both viewers and his co-anchor, not just for the obvious use of profanity but because no one was quite sure what the comment meant.
Anastos apologized but his words have already left their mark via the Web. A Google search of the journalist yields almost an entire first page of search dedicated to news and blog coverage, as well as the video evidence itself. It’s a good reminder that viewers, readers and friends might forget an accident, but the Internet is extremely unforgiving.
In this day and age it’s critical to check and recheck everything you put out for public consumption, whether to the news media, or on blog comments or posts. If a potential client, employer or other audience were to Google you (take this opportunity to Google yourself now), what will they find?
Do you engage in healthy discussion and debate that showcases your expertise? Or do you argue for the sake of being heard? What happens when you search images? Or a blog search, Twitter search or video?
There’s no such thing as “off the record” anymore. Do you feel good about what a search brings up about you?
Rachel Kay
