Do you sweat the small stuff? Based on the several dozen emails I get each week, lots of Publicity Hounds are. Stuff like the size of the margins on a printed news release, or what kind of trinkets to slip inside a media kit. Or whether to address a reporter as Miss, Mrs., Ms. or Sally.… Read More
Public Relations
NewsBios website wants you to nominate your favorite journalist
Have a favorite journalist, or one you’d like to get to know better? NewsBios, the subscription-based service that provides bios of print, broadcast and freelance journalists from around the world, is taking nominations for journalists who are a credit to their profession. Each week, the website will profile one or more journalists “who’ve demonstrated the best the… Read More
The F word: A cop-out for bloggers, writers and speakers
When I read a blog I respect and I come across the F word, or a derivation of the F word, I wince. It happened again yesterday when I was reading the blog of a colleague, another PR expert who I like and respect and whose work I admire. Was it my imagination, or is this particular blogger in love with the F word? Just… Read More
State of the Media Report shows journalists more stressed than ever—good news for PR people
It’s a great day to be a PR person and a bad time to be a journalist. So says the March 20 issue of PR Week, in an article commenting on the third annual State of the Media Report written by the Project for Excellence in Journalism. The report found that the newspaper industry, in… Read More
PR agency websites rank among the lowest
Many PR firms’ websites stink. In fact, they rank among the lowest. The Web Marketing Association, sponsor of the annual international WebAward competition, says its decade-long study of web development trends across more than 80 industries shows that PR agency sites ranked low across all categories. PR firms scored the lowest for—get this, copywriting. William Rice, president of the web… Read More
Fake press passes: If you use them or see them, contact me
I attend a popular trade show each year where several people I know create fake press passes so they don’t have to pay the hefty admission fee. It’s easier than ever, thanks to desktop publishing. But get caught, and you risk looking like a cheapskate. Even worse, you can ruin your reputation within that industry.… Read More
Publicity tips–Want a celebrity at your special event? Follow these tips
Hoping to book a big-name celebrity for your next special event? It’s not as easy as it sounds. One thing must remember is that for celebrities, time is their most precious commodity. That’s one of several tips from Rita Tateel, president of The Celebrity Source in Hollywood,California whose company recruits celebrities for special events. Rita… Read More
Publicity tip—OverTime magazine wants gift bag items for The Billies gala
OverTime Magazine, an elite business and lifestyle publication that serves readers with a household income of $1.5 million, is looking for items to distribute in gift bags for 25 VIP guests and female professional athletes at The Billies dinner benefit gala featuring Sir Elton John. The Billies is scheduled for April 20 at The Beverly… Read More
How to address journalists might phase Miss Manners, but not the journalists
Cheryl Beck, a freelance writer from Ray Township, Michigan writes: “I have been wondering about the proper way to address journalists/editors. When I call and pitch, after a reporter answers, do I address them as they have introduced themselves? If you answered ‘Hello this is Joan’ do I say ‘Hello Joan I am…and calling from…’ or… Read More
Publicity tip: Know when it’s OK to use stock photos in your PR campaign
Ann Van Wagener, design editor at the Poynter Institute, reminds journalists about the many places on the Internet where they can find stock photos when they’re desperate for images. Many can be downloaded for only a few bucks from sites such as Istockphoto, and they’re royalty-free. Her blog item is a good reminder for Publicity Hounds… Read More