Would You Replace the News Release?

     This morning I read an article on PR Daily regarding replacing the news release with a blog. The author, Jeremy Porter, discusses several reasons that he thinks blogs are a better PR move than the news release. Several of these reasons are that blogs are cheaper, you can have an archive, you can track the results, and you can gain reader's feedback.

     A final point that Porter made was that blogs are read more frequently than news releases and thus, would be shared with more people than the news release. Porter suggests companies notifying its audiences that it will be posting all its information on a blog from here on and that they should subscribe to it for updates. This way its audience would receive all its news immediately without waiting on a news release. 


     What do you think about this idea?


     Personally, I think it is an idea that makes sense. Within time, I could certainly see companies moving toward this trend. Most major companies have a blog site already that posts a lot of information regarding the company. A main issue regarding this idea is that some countries do not have easy internet access yet and for international companies with international audiences, this could be an issue. That is where the news release becomes so important because it is so versatile.


8 Reasons to Dump Press Releases for a Blog

By Jaclyn Harris
Associate Manager

Cold Off the Press!

     Today I read an article entitled "For Newspapers, a Less than Daily Future" on the American Journalism Review Website. This article speaks about how Newhouse papers in New Orleans and Alabama are seeing print reductions to save money and appeal to the increasing population of the digital age. 


     Both of these daily publications will begin only printing three times a week starting in September 2012. This is a trend that is becoming more popular throughout the United States. However, even though many are jumping on board with the digital news age, some cities, like New Orleans, are unhappy with the printing reductions. The article stated that there was even a rally in New Orleans this week over the printing reduction, but professionals do not see Newhouse changing its mind. 

     Professionals are interested to see how these changes affect the relationship between the readers and the newspapers. Could this be the beginning of the end of the newspaper as we knew it?


     I personally like newspapers entering the digital age. I think it is so convenient to have the news at your fingertips whenever you want. With smart phones as capable as they are now, there are no limits as to where you can receive the daily headlines and breaking news. Internet access comes at such rapid speed in the United States that, in my opinion, it makes sense to take advantage of that. I can see how big news companies can lose the relationship with its readers by posting all its articles online, but at the same time, companies like CNN and FOX already do this and its publics are still present. 


     I think this is a topic very relevant to public relations practitioners around the world. For instance, our main newspaper in Charlotte, NC,  is the Charlotte Observer; it is online and in print. Since it is online, essentially anyone can see its content. If I wrote a news release and promoted it to the Charlotte Observer, anyone around the world could receive my message. The power of our words are only continuing to grow, giving us even more responsibility.


     What do you think about newspapers becoming "cold" within your smart phone or computer? Do you like the idea of holding a print copy of your newspaper or would you like to see the digital age grow?


     What about in your own country? Are you seeing similar reductions outside the United States? How does this relate to public relations in your country?


For Newspapers, a Less than Daily Future

By Jaclyn Harris
Associate Manager

Networking Tips for the PR Student

     The moment you step into your first public relations class you are taught how important it is to be networking. You will hear it over and over again: it’s all about who you know. But for many young students, it is hard to know where to start. Going to your first PR social event can be quite nerve racking. Standing in a room full of talented PR Practitioners can be intimidating, but you cannot let fear stop you from making professional connections. Here are some tips to help get you started in the not-so-scary world of networking.

• Start out small: Talk to friends or mentors, people in your inner circle. See who they have as connections. Perhaps you can ask for an introduction.
• Look for a familiar face: When you attend social events, take a friend with you or look for someone who have seen at functions before. You might be able to gain some guidance from them.
• Be confident: Remember to be professional and ask questions. Do not cower in the corner; move about and introduce yourself to new people.
• Follow up: Do not appear as a "schmoozer." You want to keep your new connections, right? Be sure to hand out a business card and follow up with an email or a phone call everyone in while to keep in touch. 
• Dealing with Rejection: Do not be afraid of getting rejected. Be open to taking risks and asking about positions.

For more tips on networking, be sure to check out these websites:

How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People

How to Network

How to Network Effectively

By Caity Weiss

Associate Manager