A Business that Thrives on Relations

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Discuss the relationship between PR Practitioners and the media.

The relationship between PR Practitioners and the media is a necessary one. Each field helps the other in turn. PR Practitioners have many different duties to uphold. Career Planner lists thirteen. Two of the duties that deal directly with the media include “preparing or editing organizational publications for internal and external audiences” and “responding to requests for information from the media.” PR Practitioners would find it difficult to serve as a liaison between their agency/ organization and the public without the help of the media. The media would find it difficult to release a story without first receiving information from a PR Practitioner. Unfortunately, boundary lines have been crossed in the past. There is a way to have a positive relationship. I have uploaded a video, courtesy of Youtube, that explains one way to manage effective PR and media relationships.

 

Comments on Mass Media

To EAGLETHIRTEEN:

I agree with Sex and the City bringing awareness to the field. A lot of people don’t know that PR is a predominately female field. Also, I didn’t even think about PR’s portrayal on live tv. Nicely added.

http://eaglethirteen.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/pr-in-the-mass-media/#comment-40

 

To KELLYWINKLER:

TV is very influential. I remember watching “A Different World” and expecting college to be the same. *sigh…* Crushed hopes. LoL! I depend a lot more on Youtube now.

http://kellywinkler.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/public-relations-in-the-mass-media/#comment-32

TV’s Role in PR

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Discuss the portrayal of public relations in mass media. Are the images helpful or hurtful to the field? Can/should these images be changed? How?

My Professor referenced Mad Men, Scandal, and Sex in the City as examples of PR in mass media. Unfortunately, I’ve never watched any of these. (Gasp! I know.) However, luckily for me (and anyone else who is fortunate to have access to the internet), I have Google. I’ll focus on the newest series.

Reviews on Scandal:

 “Scandal is about as realistic as Mamie Eisenhower Witch Hunter but it has so much headlong energy, you may not care.”- People Weekly (Tom Gliatto. Mar 30, 2012)

 

“Scandal certainly may draw its inspiration from reality, but it also pushes its story lines aggressively into the kind of hyperbole that is likely to draw viewers and keep them on their couches.”- Red Banyan Group (Spotlight on Scandal- A High-Stakes and Crisis PR Firm’s Perspective)

 

“It’s the first time a television show focuses on an aspect of public relations beyond the traditional event planners and publicists (ie. Kell on Earth, My Fair Wedding, PR Girls, etc.).”- PRactical Issues (“Scandal”: Is it good for public relations education?)

From the information I’ve gathered, I would say that it’s almost a coin toss. There are both positive and negative aspects about this show. From a positive standpoint, Scandal gives people an idea of what role a non-traditional PR practitioner might play. Some fan of Scandal now knows that crisis management is a part of PR. The idea being pushed may very well be exaggerated, however it’s expected. This is a TV show for crying out loud. It’s entertainment. Ironically enough, many look at the entertainment aspect of the show in a negative light. Some viewers, like People Weekly, believe Scandal is a misrepresentation of those in the PR field. Red Banyan Group stated that Scandal was “over the top.” While that may be true, I do not believe this show is harmful to the field. If anything, I would think that those interested in the show would want to learn more about the field. TV is a great way to reach out to prospects. The individual just needs to be able to decipher reality from entertainment. CSI was my favorite show throughout high school. The show peaked my interest enough for me to take a Forensic Science class. Needless to say, the class made me aware of the field’s misconceptions, and, ultimately, my interest in the subject declined. This just goes to show that all TV shows bend the truth at some point.

The Topic of Inspiration: My Comments

http://tarletonwest.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/inspirational/#comment-271

“Its great that you recognize and respect both of your parents’ efforts. You’re really lucky. Solid families are hard to come by nowadays. Also, I sure you’ll inspire someone in your life. Don’t worry about disappointing anyone. People can’t believe in you unless you believe in yourself first. ”

 

http://oliviaclements.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/be-an-inspiration/#comment-33

“This is a really heartfelt post. I can tell from your passion how much your grandmother impacted your life.”

Aspire to Inspire

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: There are people in our lives  that inspire us. Perhaps it’s for their leadership skills or for making it through a hard time. Who, in your life, inspires you? What is it about them that make them an inspiration? Do you inspire others? If so, how?

My initial thought after reading this post was to comment how my parents inspire me. However, I feel as if parents are supposed to be an inspiration for their child/ children, so I decided to go a different route. I decided to look towards my peers, and, surprisingly, I found one.

My best friend has grown to be an inspiration for me. She was someone who quietly suffered growing up. From the outside looking in, you would think that her life was fine, something to be envied, even. She didn’t like showing signs of weakness. She put on a facade to avoid getting asked questions she didn’t want to answer. Yet, her reality was different than what everyone assumed it to be.
One day she decided to change her circumstances. She went to college for a year to help her find her place in the world. Considering she still hasn’t returned to this day, I think its safe to assume that her “place” was not at college. However, this didn’t stop her drive. She joined the military during what would have been her sophomore year a of college. It was there that she found strength and direction. She has been on an uphill climb ever since.
She is now an ordained Minister of the Church, and her story reminds me that with prayer and determination, nothing stands to be lost.
As for me, I would like to assume that I inspire at least someone, however the fact of the matter is that I don’t know. All I can do is remain hopeful.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK (PRCA 3330): Discuss the concept of news. What makes information newsworthy? 

All news has a purpose. Whether the purpose is to inform, entertain, or persuade is up to the author. Regardless of the reason, one must always remember that the news is for the audience. Do not bore your audience with information that they do not need. Write about something that people care about. Always make sure the news that you release is newsworthy. Maybe you’re having trouble determining what makes a story newsworthy. Well, let’s break that word down. The term “newsworthy,” as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is news “interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting.” There are a few very popular factors that writers consider when developing a news story. Some of these factors include timing (when was the information discovered vs. when the information was actually released), proximity (the location where the event occured vs. the location of the audience to whom the news was relayed), significance (the number of people the news affected), and more.

For more clarification on what makes a story newsworthy, check out “Factors in Newsworthiness” and “What Makes a Story Newsworthy?“

Comments I’ve Made: Blog 3

“Social Media”- nataliemaffett

A lot of what you learn about social media is self-taught. You are right to say that knowing this information makes it easier for the employer. They want you prepared. Nice post!

“Social Career”- brittanyforrester

Social media is taking over! I have 3 Twitter accounts that I manage, a Facebook account, a blog, and a Linkedin account (and that needs updating). OAN: I’m glad I’m taking this class too!

Social Media: The Takeover

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: How do you think social media is going to drive the career market? Do you think more jobs will become available for students with backgrounds in social media? Do you think you are at a disadvantage if you do not have all forms of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Four Square, etc.)? Is it possible to know every social media program that exists?

We are a technology-based generation. There is a strong correlation between understanding social media and being a successful within your career field. Especially in the field of Public Relations. If you are not tech-savy by the time you graduate college, you are already behind in the race. In order to progress, you must at least have the basics covered; Microsoft Office products, E-mail, browsing the web, etc. Even assistant/ intern positions require you to have access to e-mail. These are entry level basics, and even that is changing. I was takenaback because I witnessed a kindergartener use an iPad successfully. Increase your skills. Now, keep in mind that some things will not be considered a necessity. Knowing how to build a website is a perk. It is not needed. IT personels exist for a reason. Also, I do not believe that a person is at a disadvantage for not having an account with all forms of social media. HOWEVER, I DO believe that a person can be at a disadvantage if they do not at least know how to work these social media sites. You need to be able to communicate with the people who care about what your company has to offer. Regardless of whether or not your company uses Facebook, Twitter or something else, their consumers need feedback. An effective presentation of customer service is at the highest level of importance. If you are in a communication field, and you have no idea how to communicate to your company’s target audience, you might be out of a job soon. While it may be impossible to know every social media program that exists, it is still beneficial to know of the programs that work best for your company. Do your research.

Writing Pains

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: For your next blog post, discuss the need to have a uniform system of citation and writing by different professionals. Why is it important to have this uniformity? For example: Journalists use AP Style, Researchers use MLA or APA, and Attorneys use a uniform system for court documents and legal briefs.

Writing is a highly used form of communication. We use it everyday; whether its casual or formal. Some where between high school and college, I developed skills to differentiate the two. I learned different formats of writing; AP Style, MLA, APA, etc. I’ll be honest: I loathed learning these. I hated learning the technicalities. I hated having to write out the number nine (9) because it was a number less than 10 (which, coincidentally, doesn’t have to be typed out). I realized later that growing irritated with these formats wasted my time. It was pointless. Acceptance won out in the end, and with acceptance came growth. I came to understand the importance of writing’s uniform system.

Think of the different writing formats as separate laws. When knowing the law, you know what it permits. You want to be in accordance with that specific law. Its the same with these formats. Understand how to differentiate the formats. If you specialize in a field that uses AP style and you choose not to abide to the laws of AP style then you will be held accountable. Readers will not understand your message to its fullest potential. You will be considered an ineffective writer. You might get dropped from that field. Ignorance is not an excuse. You “break the law” of the writing style, and you risk suffering the consequences.

I hope you enjoyed the post! Until next time…

Comments I’ve Made: #2

Managing my time: Planners are not my friend. – asiaanderson

“Yes, cellphones win again. Time management is such a struggle for me. I have a new phone, so I still learning about the different apps it has. However, I did depend on my old phone a lot to inform me of my tasks. I also talked about Google Calendar in my post. It’s such an amazing tool….and it’s FREE! A college student’s favorite word: Free! LoL”

http://asiaanderson.wordpress.com/2012/09/05/managing-my-time-planners-are-not-my-friend/#comment-32

 

“Time Lost is Never Found Again”- Benjamin Franklin – brophyblog

“I actually learned something reading your post. Thank you for educating me! I have never heard of the Lily Planner until now, but judging from your post as well as the two comments above mine, I’d say that it is one heck of an investment. I will consider purchasing one in the future. Thank you for your post!”

http://brophyblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/time-lost-is-never-found-again-benjamin-franklin/#comment-36