With the economy hanging by a thread, this could be one of the grimmest retail holiday seasons in decades. That means editors of consumer gift guides will be on the lookout for press releases and photos featuring inexpensive gifts such as calendars, picture frames, jewelry, CDs, books, scrapbooks and even kitchen utensils. (Who in the world would feature… Read More
Print Media
Include special-interest weeklies in national publicity campaigns
In yesterday’s ezine, The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week, I wrote about how Publicity Hounds should rely on weekly newspapers more than ever, now that several dailies are eliminating their zoned editions because of mounting financial pressures. It wasn’t until today that I remembered a fabulous article in the May/June 2000 issue of The… Read More
Write a letter to the editor to promote your expertise
When you can’t think of a story idea to pitch, and you’re dying to get into a certain online or print publication, write a letter to the editor. That’s what I did just now after reading the August issue of Independent, the excellent newsletter (it’s more like a magazine) published by the Independent Book Publishers Association. An article… Read More
Newspaper food sections shrinking, so pitch wisely
If you’re pitching food editors and reporters at daily or weekly newspapers, your job is more difficult than ever. As newspapers continue to cut staff, lifestyle-related sections are among the first on the chopping block. Also, at many papers, sections such as food, travel and entertainment are no longer stand-alone sections. They’re combined under one… Read More
Health system needs ideas to pitch to local business journal
Lisa Cupolo of Ballston Spa, New York writes: “I handle public relations and marketing for Northwoods Health System, four rehabilitation and nursing home facilities that offer pediatric through geriatric care. “I’m looking for story ideas that I can pitch to the local business journal. The newspaper only focuses on hard business stories as opposed to… Read More
Pitch stand-alone photos ideas to weekly newspapers
When Tom Holubowicz wanted publicity recently for his custard stand in Grafton, Wisconsin, he donned an ape costume and visited the local Pick ‘n Save supermarket to buy bananas for Monkey Pox, his “flavor of the day.” The recipe calls for bananas, custard and chocolate-covered peanuts. Before he left, he called The News Graphic, his… Read More
Spanish-language newspapers buck industry’s dismal trend
While many other newspapers are marching toward the graveyard, Spanish-language daily and weekly newspapers are seeing circulation and advertising revenue soar. The April 7 issue of PRWeek says La Opinion, a Hispanic newspaper, saw its circulation grow by 3.7 percent in September, the largest increase of any newspaper—in any language—in the United States. The readership of… Read More
Media bias helped Spitzer’s rise to power
I wish journalists everywhere would read the column headlined “Spitzer’s Media Enablers” in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. It was written by Kimberley A. Strassel, who covered the well-publicized investigations of Eliot Spitzer, the former New York prosecutor and governor who fell from grace this week after hiring high-priced call girls. Strassel writes the Journal’s Potomac Watch column… Read More
Ethics dispute blurs line between editorial, advertising
When I worked a newspaper editor 20 years ago, I would have been shocked to hear about a deal like this one between a hospital and a TV station. Today, however, it’s of little surprise. That’s because the line between editorial and advertising is blurred, and it’s getting fuzzier by the minute. WEAU TV-13 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin tried to… Read More
Whole Foods magazine will feature only its own products
If your product is for sale at Whole Foods Market, go ahead and pitch a story idea to the editor of Whole Foods magazine. But don’t waste your time pitching if your product isn’t sold there or if you think a story in the magazine can help get your product onto store shelves. That’s the advice… Read More