Lisa Wuennemann of Beloit, Wisconsin writes: “When a reporter reviews our new product and prints a review in the newspaper or voices it on air, can we legally use a quote from the review in materials that we send promoting the product as long as we source it? Do we need to obtain written approval… Read More
Don’t offer exclusivity for special event photos
If the situation warrants it, some Publicity Hounds like to give a particular story to their favorite media that reaches a large audience. If a certain newspaper or magazine knows they will get the story first, they will be more inclined to cover you–as long as it’s a good story. With photos, however, that isn’t… Read More
End-of-summer story ideas
The calendar says spring is here, but if you’re pitching to national magazines, particularly those that work several months out, you should be thinking of end-of-summer stories. They include: –Anything that can tie into Labor Day which we celebrate on September 5 this year. –Back-to-School stories, particulary trends in things such as fashions –Tips from… Read More
Follow the clues
When you listen to your favorite radio talk show, do you listen with only one ear, oblivious to all the little clues the hosts or the drive-time deejays are dropping about their likes and dislikes, hobbies, friends and family members, and other topics that will catch their attention in your pitch letters and phone calls?… Read More
Press releases becoming a thing of the past
In this week’s issue of The Business Journal in Milwaukee, publisher Mark Sabljak says in his weekly column that “Press releases, frankly, are old news.” In most cases, he said, the media are looking for exclusive news, not the same old stuff that’s offered to all the other media. That’s particularly true with The Business… Read More
Pitch “Before you go” info boxes
If you’re publicizing an event, consider providing the media with a small summary of key information that can be included in a “Before You Go” box to accompany the main article reporters are writing. Editors love using these boxes, which can include information such as how to order tickets, how to get to the event,… Read More
Crisis training for public information officers
Public information officers for government agencies and nonprofits are often the first people the media contact when disaster strikes. Even though many have formal training on how to respond, PIOs representing numerous agencies in the same community sometimes never meet each other. When there’s a major disaster, the PIOs are on their own. Misinformation can… Read More
Keep track of who’s using your articles
If you write articles for print or online publications, here are three reasons why you should keep track of who’s using them. –You want to thank the editors and start establishing a relationship with them. –You want to add their names to your media database and continue submitting articles as often as you can. –You… Read More
Newsletter shows you what to do before crisis hits
“Crisis Manager,” the free international email newsletter about crisis management, has a complementary website, Crisis Manager University. The goal of the site is the same as that of the newsletter–it brings crisis management education to those who don’t work in this field, or even necessarily in PR. “People are crisis managers, whether they want to… Read More
Small business news is red hot
If you own a small business, you needn’t feel like the tiny David up against the giant Goliath when it comes to being covered by the media. Small business news is red hot right now because a huge segment of the economy is fueled by small businesses hiring. Check out the tips I offer on… Read More