The Changing Media Landscape

There’s no doubt the onset of the digital age and America’s soft economy have changed the role of media.  News consumers are relying largely on newspaper Web sites, Twitter feeds and blogs to deliver news on everything from politics to pantyhose.  This change effects journalists in an obvious way – with abundant layoffs and closures of iconic print outlets, many have lost their jobs or been forced to adapt to the digital realm.

Yet the changing media landscape affects PR practitioners in an equally significant way.  Media relations and pitching strategies can fall out of date daily as reporters relocate, magazines consolidate and newspapers decline.  Such rapid changes can be difficult to explain to clients with little knowledge of the industry.  To help PR practitioners maintain their intelligent reputation during these changing times, many local PR agencies are compiling ongoing records of modifications in print, broadcast and online outlets.  I’ve been keeping a list myself, and would like to share some recent highlights.  For those feeling their way through internships or entry-level employment, it may be helpful to observe these changes and share with senior staff:

Metropolitan Home magazine becomes latest recession victim

1,400 laid off at Gannett

Next season will be Oprah’s last

Comcast pounces for control of NBC Universal

Twitter and LinkedIn announce partnership

Conde Nast to close Gourmet, Cookie and Modern Bride

NBC's Plan to Repurpose Local News

Why so quiet Tiger?

Tiger Woods has been all over the news after last week's mysterious single-car accident outside of his house in California. Since the accident, he has remained very quiet about the whole matter and has made little efforts at commenting. I believe Tiger has failed to efficiently deal with this issue that has caused extensive media coverage.

Many are criticizing Tiger and "his people's" issue management. In the articles, "Woods may be failing 'PR 101', could learn from Kobe, Dave" and "Tiger Woods engulfed in PR storm" the authors explain why Tiger should come clean already.

Tiger needs to make a better statement than he has thus far. He has canceled all police interviews and has made only one statement through his website. If it was just an accident, why the cover-up? Not commenting only makes you look guilty. The media and tabloids will only seek continue to seek answers, which will only generate more unwanted publicity.

I understand privacy, however I think the best solution would be to deal with the issue and tell what really happened so speculation will stop. Put an end to all the rumors of affairs, arguments with his wife, etc.

Tiger Woods is a public figure and role model. Many people look up to him and admire his talent. If something did happen, own up. The public will forgive him and soon forget. If it truly was an accident, make a statement and be done with this whole ordeal.

With all this aside, I still love you Tiger.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/19176-woods-may-be-failing-pr-101-could-learn-from-kobe-dave.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/01/tiger.woods.public.relations/

Black Friday '09

I have worked in retail for three years now, but the holiday season never ceases to amaze me. I was at driving to work at 4:45 am this Black Friday, and although it was pitch black outside, with the amount of traffic around the mall you would have thought it was 4pm on a Saturday evening.

I work at Gap, and this Black Friday our deal was buy one get one free sweater. Pretty good deal I suppose, however... not that good to get me out of bed at 3am. There were people waiting outside our store when I got there! I will never understand.

All day there was a constant flow of people in and out of our store; some were mother daughter couples doing the bonding thing, or wives dragging there husbands from one store to the next. My favorite category however is always (as I like to call them) "the James Bonds" of Black Friday. 3am on Friday is "go time" for them; with purses strung to their backs, mocha frappuchinos and shopping lists strapped to their waists, these women are ready for mission impossible...holiday shopping on a budget.

I have to give them credit for their focus and determination. But it always freaks me out a bit when I hear those horror stories of people getting trampled at Best Buy and Walmart. However good the deals...I mean really, you would think it was Pamplona Spain and the Running of the Bulls when looking at the speed of these people.

This Black Friday, after the couple incidents that happened last year, retail stores have stepped up their game and increased their security and crowd control. Some stores like Best Buy even had practice run throughs with their employees to prepare them for the insanity which would ensue on Black Friday.

I suppose I understand the mother/daughter bonding, or the need to stay on a budget, but waking up at 3am after consuming copious amounts of turkey and potatoes? I'm not sure what kind of deal it would take to get me out of bed (except to go to work to see everyone else that found reasons).

Social MEdia Equals Social Life

Social media is my official way stay in touch, stay informed, and stay educated. Social media is the newest way to keep up with what is going on in the world and what your friends and family members are up to. It is a way to meet new people with whom you can network, and form relationships. It is a way to get information on prospective job opportunities. In our fast pace world, social media has become a very useful tool for companies to use and benefit from.

I personally use Facebook and Twitter. I use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family members, and to see what is going on with certain organizations and companies that I am interested in. I use Twitter to get up-to-the-minute information on news, job opportunities, and, of course, celebrities.

These are just two forms of social media that I use daily. With so much going on in my life, I use both cites frequently. Both forms of social media are available to anyone, and are free— why wouldn’t someone want to utilize these tools? They are easy, and have so much to offer. My advice: if you aren’t using them, it’s time to start!