How to Make your Television Interview a success

Media orientation should be given to the person who is attending the interview in TV studio to make it a success. Following tips may help give his / her best

Ø Don’t be nervous or show fear on your face as each emotion will reflect your feeling

Ø Be active and friendly, bring zest and power in your talk

Ø Make face to face and eye contact with the interviewer

Ø Don’t try to see camera or walls or divert attention on something else

Ø Bring your thought into a small gist and deliver the answer briefly

Ø Anticipate possible tough questions and practice accordingly

Ø Please prepare to answer the questions in easy to understand language for common audience to grab it

Ø Don’t use many technical words which common audience can’t understand if it is mandatory try to explain what exactly it means

Ø Try to avoid speculative questions and tell the interview openly I can’t guess / speculate

Ø Interviewer may ask tricky questions / negative queries …answer them steadily and don’t repeat answers again once you are done. Try to add positive statement with negative answer

Ø Your outlook should be neat and fresh in the sense..Be neatly shaved,be like a professional,wear coat and tie,remove the name plate from your coat,Don’t wear chains,rings as they shine a lot in the light.Please put the microphone to tie and ensure it is not visible before camera

Ø Don’t ever wear shining / fancy clothes while going to TV Studio.Generally white, light sky blue clothes are suggested

Ø Please switch off the camera and don’t keep anything in your shirt pocket (i.e mobile, money etc)

Public Speaking Skill:

A good CEO can be a best speaker in public? Should we require gauging the performance of an MD basing on his public speaking skills? Can all CEOs / MDs / VPs are good Public Speakers? My answer is NO. As per some reports the big challenge and hidden fear of the senior management professionals is none other than speaking in public and larger crowds. But some Professionals are blessed by birth with the art of speaking in public and once they enter the arena and take up the tone, there won’t be no quavers, trills or shivers but volley of words that hit the hearts and touch the minds smoothly. They turn the entire crowds towards their speech with the words that entice all.

Why we are failing to deliver the right messages to the target audiences in public meetings or huge gatherings?

Some feel inferiority complex while others fears that audiences may scan their speech and catch hold on their gestures to make fun of the speakers. Few more have public speaking phobia because of their introvert attitude and having shrinked from social gatherings.

Tips to become good public speakers:

Group Discussions:

We need to be little social and extrovert and try to actively participate in group discussions, staff meetings, Q & A etc.which generally throws away the public fear and help you become good communicators and public speakers there after.

Public Speaking course:

Join and undergo public speaking courses training if any to wipe out public speaking phobia. Course trainers give tips and help you become good speakers.

Speak often in Public:

Try and participate in social gathering and speak before small crowds when ever there is a chance comes your way.

Rehearse:

Practice makes things better. Rehearse the speech as many times you feel you are a fit.

Don’t eat up words:

While delivering a speech / lecture / Presentation don’t ever quaver or shiver and eat up words at the end of each conversation. Speak loudly, clearly and pay attention to each individual.

Don’t be like super fast express:

Speak ….pause…relax then start again. Don’t look at sky / Walls/ outside hall while delivering the lecture. Please look at each individual in the meeting and make them actively / interestingly participate in your speech.

Don’t read the speech:

Reading the speech makes audiences feel bore and they try to get their attention divert.

Topic of interest:

Have a deep knowledge on the topic you want to deliver a lecture or speech. Involve the audience in your speech and use your sense humour if required.

Whom to send and inform about your event:

Each event / PC has its own importance. Some events are of local importance while the others are in business interest. Please make sure you are contacting the right person for your event.

Print Media:

If the event is of local importance: Contact the city desk in charge / City Editor / City Bureau Chief and keep the beat Journalist in the Loop. (Beats….i.e. life style, Realty, Education, Health etc.)

If the event is of Business importance: Contact Business Editor / COB and keep the beat Business Correspondent in loop.

TV Channels:

If the event is of local importance: For PC / Events news Coverage please be in touch with City Editor / City News Desk In charge/ News Coordinator / News / Events assignment editor / COB and keep the Beat Journalist in the loop

If the event is of Business importance: Contact Business Editor / COB and keep the beat Business Correspondent in loop.

For talk Shows / Debates / Discussion: Please be in touch with Show’s Producer / Input / out put Editor.

Beat Journalists: Please don’t forget to keep in loop the beat Journalist who writes for Supplements ….i.e Realty, Health, Education, Personal Finance etc. if your event falls in those categories.

Mutually Beneficial joint Publicity Plans:

A plan that enhances the brand image of both the organizations.Generally combined publicity plans happens with mutual understanding and tie-ups with Media organizations. Media plays publicity role while the organization works as a advisor / Guide / Counsellor to their readers / Target audiences.
Eg.Education fairs: Where in media amasses students to the fair and its partner organization takes the role of advisor / Guide / Counsellor to their readers / Target audiences.
More Examples:
Media Organization – Hospital: can take up many awareness’ programmes combinely i.e. No Smoking, Cardiac problems, Obesity,
Ø Mock drills on Emergency services
Ø World Aids day
Ø World No Smoking day etc.
Ø Health awareness Camps
Media Organization – Educational Institute:
Ø Education Fairs
Ø Campus Programmes
Ø Student orientation / Work shops on various topics
Ø Celebrities / VIPs old students meets
Ø Career Counseling
Ø Award functions / Quiz / Elocution / Creativity programmes
More Examples:
Ø Tourism show
Ø Auto Show
Ø Real Estate Show
Ø Charity Show
Ø Food Festivals
Ø Jewellery Show
Ø Trade Shows

Create a photo opportunity:
Invite a celebrity / VVIP to your facility. Media will rush to the place to take a click.
Conduct a Programme / debate / Seminar on Current Issue: Debates / Seminars / Programmes on current topics generally draw the attention of media.
Ø Eg. Global Warming --- A debate / Seminar can be worked out for good media publicity. It can also be a part of CSR activity.
Ø Eg.Swineflu Pandemic: Awareness Programmes can be a good idea. Reach out railway stations, Bus Stations, Airports, arterial roads offer them hand outs of swineflu.It can be a good media Photo Opportunity. Media will pick up the news immediately.
Ø In the same way we can do various other programmes i.e World No Smoking day etc.
Ø Eg. Keep your city clean & Green: Elocution / Essay Writing / Painting Competitions fetch maximum mileage out of it. Don’t forget to rope in kids, College going girls in the event for good media Photo Opportunity.

Tips to identify the news peg:

A perfect PR person is the one who does clever promotions with the ideas that work out best to draw media attention. It is not a rocket science as all the ideas coming his way simply going unnoticeable. If he / She pays little attention on their clients / companies key messages….it won’t be a big deal to find one.

News pegs are generated through:

Ø Sharing ideas with media
Ø Current topics / Issues
Ø Breaking news
Ø Features / Media stories
Ø Events
Ø Incidents
Ø Important Days of the year
Ø Global trends on Local markets
Ø Regular TV / Print / Online News Watch
Ø Programmes that media show interest
Ø Series / Regular events / incidents
Ø Government announcements / Policy Decisions
Ø Industry issues
Ø Old stories generates new ideas
Ø In depth study / research on previous / old stories
Ø Community programmes / Festivals
Ø National / International issues with Local angle

Press Conference Arrangements

Arrangements at the Press Conference Venue are very important to catch the attention of media personnel as they may asses the professionalism of the Corporate Communication Team / PR Professionals of the company and gauge their attitude towards media. Corporate Communication Team / PR Professionals must ensure Journos feel comfortable and meet their Professional requirements.

About the Venue:

Selection of Venue is equally important to draw the attention of the Journalists to get good media turnout. Venue should be ideally suitable and convenient for journos to meet their transportation requirements as many media personnel miss out the PC on the pretext of remote venue or traffic hurdles, hectic schedules, out number of events etc.Venue selection must be done with in a radius of 8-10km distance from media offices.

Seating Style:

Generally media people prefer Theatre style seating arrangements.Theatre style is convenient for both Print / Electronic Media. Round table / “U” Style arrangements can be done in some cases where electronic media presence is not required. Round table / “U” Style seating arrangements are a bit inconvenient to electronic media in particular as hardly they find space to take the shots of speakers / Guests on the stage.

Number of Seats:

Depending upon the importance of PC, number may go up from 10 - 15 to 30 – 40.Please do adequate media seating arrangements depending on the confirmations you received from the media during the follow up process.

Ideal Day & Time for a PC / Event:

Monday:

Some what ok but media follow up is a bit difficult.i.e Saturday media naturally will be in party mood as it is a weekend. Sunday of course majority media people will be on weekly off. So we have chance to do media follow up on Friday which 2days before the PC.There are chances that media people may forget about our PC with hectic schedule.

Tuesday:

More ok .We will have a day’s time to do little follow up with media to get good turn out.

Wednesday:

Absolutely ok.It is the more preferable day for media events i.e PC / Events. We will have ample time for media follow ups.

Thursday:

Absolutely ok.It is one more preferable day for media events i.e PC / Events. We will have ample time for media follow ups.

Friday:

More ok .We will have a enough time to do little follow up with media to get good turn out.

Saturday:

Absolutely not O.K . No media person shows much importance to attend a P.C / event as they will be in party mood.Media coverage will be a tough task as it has to be published on Sunday issue and Sunday issues are flooded with ads and hardly find space for news articles. Ultimately we are losing a good media opportunity

Sunday:

Absolutely not O.K. Majority media people will be on weekly off. Media turnout will be a problem.

Ideal Time:

Ideal time for conducting a PC would be 11am till 3pm any day. Media will have ample time to go to their office to file the news. Time is an excuse for those events which have to happen in the evening / Night time for sure.

Stage:

Generally there should be a raised platform / Stage for media briefing which gives media a chance to have a look at the speakers / guests and click the photographs for publication.

Stage backdrop:

Prefer a good stage backdrop rather keeping standees. Backdrop flexi must be covered with company logo which gives a good photo opportunity for media publication.

Media Photo opportunities.

A single picture talks more than thousand words. When an announcement is being made and the same is not much newsworthy, Photo opportunity is the best option to convey the right message to your target audience. For example your organization has decided to offer its recourse to the flood / cyclone victims, let your senior management including CEO,Chairman etc come out donning jacket / shirt with your company logo and Flood relief being written on it. Media has little to write about the event but enough scope for Photo publication of the event. Electronic media may also have pick the news and air it.

In fact photo journalists are always in search of catchy images to attract its readers. They love to click the images of celebrities, and their emotions, gestures.At the same time the like to flash the images of beautiful nature, animals,kids,School going children, college going attractive girls, rare pictures, unusual images, natural calamities and relief and rescue operations etc.

Name Plates:

We do excellent arrangements on the stage but remain oblivious to display name plates on the stage Table. It may be a minute thing but crucial one for media to write down the names of the guests on the stage and can’t be ignored. Media may not know all the guests who sit on the stage. Name plates with their designation help media write and cover the same in their news.

Start Media Briefing on time:

With out number of events in hand media people are a bit busy to attend the all the PCs.They are in hurry to move out. So don’t keep them in waiting and ensure the PC start on time. Being behave like professional and sticking to time will fetch you honour from Journalist community.

Podium /Audio / Visual arrangements:

Check electrical outlets in the Press Conference hall and ensure enough outlets are available to plug in audiovisual equipment and media cameras. Test check the wireless mike and podium mike are working properly.

Invitation to media:
PC information should reach media offices well in advance and prevent instant messaging the media personnel. Media Invitation should reach all media offices a week before or at least 2-3 days well in advance. Media invite must brief the gist of the Press Conference. Venue, day, time and guests of the PC must be mentioned without fail. Do media follow up a day before to get the confirmations which enable you assess the total media turn out. Calling the media people will enhance the chances of getting good turn out which ultimately increase the interest in the event also.

How to sell a story peg

In Public Relations all of us are well known professionals who have excellent rapport with media top brass to influence them with our story pegs. But very few of us know how to grasp the attention of the Journo with the story hook. Quite often story hooks lose the attention of the journos if the stories are misinterpreted due to lack of knowledge on the story peg or pitch note is imperfect or untimely pitch

PR is all about exchange of information and the process involve no money matters like advertisements. Media can’t publish anything / everything unless story / news is informative to its readers. Media picks up only those story pegs which are newsworthy. Journalists use their discretion while writing any article and use only those quotes of the company which the story demands. Think well, draft a pitch note to draw the attention of the journalist. Pay a personal visit to media offices to discuss more on the story. Please don’t rush to media offices for regular media releases unless it is very important.

Best story pegs to sell:
Ø Human Interest Stories
Ø Business deals of national importance
Ø Partnership deals
Ø Mergers
Ø New Acquisitions
Ø Budget quotes / Stories (Pre and Post Budget)
Ø Business Expansions
Ø Mou Signing with foreign Companies
Ø MoU Signing with Governments
Ø CSR Activities
Ø New Inventions
Ø Research announcements
Ø Surveys
Ø Mile stones crossed
Ø Celebrities visits / events
Ø Current hot topics & Company participation (Eg.Floods CSR activity)
Ø Important days of the year (Eg.Internationa Women’s Day,World Aids Day,No Smoking day etc)
Ø Prestigious Awards (Eg.Nobel Prize)
Ø Entrepreneurial ship
Ø Big Donations / Charities

Media Junket

Media Junket and Media tour…..Do you see any difference in these two terms. Many of us feel a media tour is the one where in media people are invited to our facility to have a look at the happenings i.e event etc.But we are wrong. Media tour is the one which is meant to reach out the media offices to greet and meet the Journalists to address / sell our story version.Media Junket is the one where in we invite the media to our facility bearing all expenses of logistics incurred to rush them to the venue. In simple words say it is a paid trip arranged to media personnel. A media junket may not be an attempt to offer paid trip highlight the event in the publications. Some times it may be knowledge sharing event or an orientation / lecture on a specific topic to create awareness among the Journalists. Generally certain beat journalists i.e health care, Life style, infra,realty are offered these types of media Junkets. We need to keep the content matter ready with us to share it with media. A media kit containing publicity literature, Brochures, Profiles of the CEO/MD, Profile of the company, Fact sheet, Photos will be given to media

Media Tour

Media tour is one of the important PR tools to sell the story. Each story has its own importance to sell. One speaks the volumes of the organizational deeds while the other tells milestones it surpassed. Generally we use various PR tools to communicate the same to media People i.e Phone, Email etc. While in some crucial stories we use media tour as an alternate option to reach out media which can’t be disseminated via Phone or Email. The gist of successful PR is to use the right method of communication to convey the massage to target media.

Media tour is an attempt to meet the target media professional to discuss story topic / Organizational issues if any to clear the air. Media tours not only help us build relations with the media but also for good story pitching. Media tour is an effect PR tool during crisis management. Media may go on many speculative stories on the organization during crisis. We can’t stop media write negative news but yes…we can mitigate it not to escalate further. Media tours arranged during / after crisis will help patch up the damage done and rebuild the image.

Responsibility of the PR person during Media Tour:

Spokesperson / Executive of the Company must undergo media orientation while going out for a media tour. Especially during crisis spokesperson should be very alert with each question Journalist may ask. He should be prepared for the same. Media observes each gesture of the spokesperson during crisis. Media tours carried out during tough situations will definitely help us influence media top brass for balanced view / opinion on the story / news they publish. Media is one of the important key audiences of any organization and familiarization / bridge building meetings with editorial board will help us build relations with the Press People. Companies which are mired in controversies or under attack often by media may utilize this opportunity to clear the air.

Take prior appointment:

Simply don’t rush to media offices with spokesperson. Please follow protocol to meet them up. They may not sit free for us unless we inform them well in advance to discuss the topic. Prior appointment with key media people like COB, Editors help us utilize their time to brief the topic.

The more you spend the time in PR the better will be the outreach of the media. The more active / aggressive tours are carried out the better will be the media acceptance on the news story.

How to Create a Media-Friendly Web Site

A Corporate Website is a single authoritative source of information centre online on behalf of the Company which dilates entire activities of the organization at one place. Website works as a communication center to convey the right message of the company to all. Be it the stake holders, Customers or media people every body rely on website what it briefs about and they look / surf for information of the company website online.

A Media friendly website is the one which does wonders in flow of communication to reach the right person in right time.

Corporates allocate lots of funds for image enhancement / reputation management as these are the key pillars on which an organization runs / stands. To stand out in the tough competition Corporates must count each campaign / activity that works for brand building as an important PR tool as the reputation becomes the decisive factors for customers to choose it. But many corporates pay less attention to the online communication that the flow the information through the “The Corporate Website”. Many Corporate websites lack proper maintenance giving an indication of the poor performance of the company.

Journalists have certain deadlines to meet and they like to search for relevant information online. While few of them don’t want to speak to the company people but like to take the info online from website. Few more show interest to search the same night time or in odd hours when a spokesperson may not available or Corporate Communication people won’t be working over night to contact. In situations like these Website replaces a Spokes Person and works as a PR person to pass on the right message to Media. If the Website is media friendly with all updates journo never takes a chance to divert his attention for more research.

Corporate Website – A Perfect PR tool:

It disseminates the information to its Stake Holders, Customers, Journalists, Employees etc.

It helps build Media Relations

Does Name of the website Matters: Yes it matters a lot. If some one needs to visit the website he will type in the name in web address and clicks it failing which he will open the google and do the search of company.If the Company name is XYZ and website address is ABC, hardly you get information online. So your website address must be your company and ensure your company key business initiatives must be covered in Home page.Use website url in all places where ever an official communication goes out.i.e Email Signatures etc.

PR Requirements:

Media Kit / Press Information: Must Contain

Ø Images of Spokesperson with good resolution
Ø Images of CEO / MD / Chairman with good resolution
Ø Images of products with good resolution
Ø Updates Press Release
Ø Case Studies
Ø Awards
Ø Media Clippings
Ø Media Registration Column
Ø Story Ideas for Media
Ø Corp Comm team Head Name /Email ID / Contact No.
Ø Profile of the Organization
Ø Profiles of CEO / MD / Chairman
Ø Event Calender / Up Coming Events
Ø White papers

PR Industry is expected to grow to Rs.15,000 Cr by the end of 2010?

PR Industry is expected to grow to Rs.15,000 Cr by the end of 2010 with more and more Corpoarets opting to chose PR Services for their image enhancement process now a days, as per the reports. Tough competition among Corporates for their brand salience and sales target set for the marketing teams prompting them choose a PR agency. It is a good indication to all the PR Professionals who want to build a career in PR.There is an increasing demand for skilled PR Professionals whose skills are worth enough to meet the desired expectations of the corporates.There are as many as some 50,000 PR Professionals working for various PR agency across nation as per Assocham and industry growth may pave way to new entrants to explore opportunities in the field. How ever the PR Industry is reeling under certain issues like employees demand for fat pays, consultants lacking in depth knowledge, quick Job shifts for better opportunity, poor Communication skills, looking for corporate exposure, no proper training for new entrants etc.PR Agencies sign the contract with Corporates amassing all its efforts but lose the same at the earliest with depletion i.e lack of Man power, Skilled Consultants, No proper PR Strategy Etc.Hence their retention rate is low. A consultant is the one who guides and shapes / enhance the corporate image with his PR Campaign / Strategy. He is the one who makes the client meet the targets. But many agencies lack the right PR persons resulting in deliver poor PR services thus losing the clients at a faster pace. Of course Client’s long pending dues can also be cited as one such cause for poor retention. Let us wish the industry develop at a faster pace in healthy environment providing opportunities to more and more in the days to come

Really is it a Movie Mafia or Monopoly of 4 Big producers?

Now it is the verbal war between Big and Small producers in tollywood (Telugu Film Industry) who are at loggerheads with each other over theaters availability In Andhra Pradesh for their movie screening. Small budget movies are being suppressed by big Producers with the influence / understanding they have with the Theatres owners / Distributors says the Tollywood Actor Raja who enacted a real life drama of suicide having consumed sleeping pills and went for hospital for a stomach wash as per Deccan Chronicle News Paper report. Raja alleges that big producers like Allu Aravind,Suresh,Dil Raju,Ramoji rao have gain control over 80% of theatres in A.P.They pay a monthly rental of 1-2lakh rupess to theatre owners and keep them in their control. How come a small budget producer afford to pay huge sums to Theatre owners? There are over 2,400 theares in A.P and we are struggling to get theatres for our movie as wrong message being conveyed to the distributors not to purchase the movie and theatre owners are told not to entertain us, says Raja.
DO you feel is it a Movie Mafia or Monopoly of 4 Big producers? What steps government must take to keep the small budget movies live? Share your views on the same please?????

Are we prepared to address a crisis of the client?

All organizations irrespective of its name and fame, image and reputation are vulnerable for crisis at one time or the other. A crisis can’t be avoided if it has to happen. Take an example of Reliance Industries Limited, a name of fame for a big Corporate in India has been thrown in to peril overnight with rumors of conspiracy allegedly hatched by its big wigs to eliminate A.P CM This is an unexpected and shocking thing Reliance people never would have expected to happen. But the same has been boiled down now with strategy adopted by reliance not react to the attributions of the politicians a lot. In the crisis management, the tough situation faced by Reliance Industries fall in the category of “Crisis of Rumours”. Same is the case with ICICI Bank last year which had adopted a perfect crisis plan to stabilize the organization back its position.EMRI crisis is another example.Infact EMRI has faced various types of crises with the debacle of Satyam Computers.The main crises were “ Crisis of Management Irregularities” and “ Crisis of Rumours”.We at Blue lotus were crucial to address the “Crisis of rumours” preveting EMRI from excessive media glare for negative articles and subsequently and gaining back its credibility in the media.

“Crisis at work place”

Crises are of various types and impact of each crisis is differing from the other. Crisis at work place generally happen with the termination of services of senior management personnel, irregularities in the business deals, Strikes etc. Some are known crises while the other happen overnight unexpectedly. Strikes are a known “crisis at work place” unlike the other. Unfortunately, with most crisis situations you rarely have time to react in an orderly or thoughtful manner.

Plan for an anticipated crisis at work place

In this case you have ample time to prepare a perfect plan for your crisis. Prepare a crisis managing plan accordingly with anticipated impact on the organization. You are in a Pre-incident stage, which involves identification of potential crisis situations and developing contingency plans for responding to each of them. Please avoid any media glare well in advance. Prepare for senior staff being ambushed by Journos.Train them how react to media queries. If ambushed by media ask them be patient and not to be rude. If they pour in the questions, ask media for a legitimate excuse hinting at providing all info at a PC.The media must not be ignored during a crisis. TV is the most important medium. Set up a communication process with the media as quickly as possible. The most senior staff must take charge and be seen as company spokes person. Focus on your feelings about the situation, and how it will be prevented from happening again. Become the single most authoritative source of information about the crisis. Keep a close eye on media coverage, and take every opportunity to correct inaccurate reporting. Give the reporter a legitimate excuse

Tollywood ban all Film Shoots in OZ

The sorry out come of Australians racial attacks on Indians has forced Tollywood (Telugu Film Industry) take the decision to ban all shootings in oz from now onwards. Better late than never goes the adage with tollywood coming openly in support of the Indian students toeing the line of Amitabh Bachan in the wake of unceasing attacks on Indians.Bollywood legend Amitabh has earlier renounced a doctorate degree from OZ university raising his voice against the attacks showing solidarity towards Indian Students.Tollywood has now requested its film fraternity to ban all shooting schedules in OZ opt for Europe instead. In the current scenario Australia is no more a safe country for film shootings. At one point or the other Film crew may also be attacked but already it is too late to shield our selves from the racists, they opine.Infact the decision must be welcomed by all and other organizations must take the cue from Tollywood.It is high time they took note of it and banned all activities in Australia.

Do you feel Bollywood and other regional film industries must take the cue from Tollywood?

Do you justify the decision of Tollywood & appeal to stay away from film shoots in OZ?

Above review is based on news published in a regional daily. Click the link below.http://www.udayavani.com/showstory.asp?news=0&contentid=660610&lang=1

Core Values / Code Provisions of Public Relations

Public relations have a deep penetration in the society even during the 19th Century with different work forms which are similar to the PR functions of today’s world. But the definition of PR was unclear. In 1950 Public relations Society of America (PRSA) a recognized body has enacted the first professional standards for the practice of Public relations. The same has been last revised in the year of 2000 and six core values and code of provisions have been added to Practice the Public relations in a professional way. In 1988 PRSA governing body has formally adopted a definition of Public Relations as “PR helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each othger.The definition has been accepted widely by many across the globe.

PRSA SETS six core values for the practice of PR

Ø Advocacy
Ø Honesty
Ø Expertise
Ø Independence
Ø Loyalty
Ø Fairness

PRSA SETS six code Provisions for the practice of PR

Ø Free Flow of Information
Ø Competition
Ø Disclosure of Information
Ø Safeguarding Confidences
Ø Conflicts of Interest
Ø Enhancing the Profession

PR industry remained springy and Digital PR showed remarkable growth in Recession.

Recession has gone from bad to worse affecting world countries a lot ever since it kick started in the month of sept 2008.Organizations of various industries have been affected by the down turn and some of them had to shut the doors for ever. While recession left many industry sectors in tatters what is the effect it on PR industry? Even though some surveys expound recession has little effect on PR industry and it remained springy, of course not cheerful, but reasonably optimistic. The recession has forced public relations and corporate communication professionals work longer hours, deal with added responsibilities and stress, and perform within reduced budgets.
Thanks to the down turn which made an alarming difference in perceptions between PR agencies and Corp Corm Professionals regarding the working relationship between them. Meeting deadlines, Good Client Services, centralized focus on client needs, importance of crisis management, greater consumer activism, and working on tighter budgets with maximum mileage were explored.
Big corporates used to work with more than one PR agencies for their different products have shown way to the one which is incompetent and have entrusted the responsibilities to one agency as part of their cost cutting major. Work load has been divided between only the most sought after agencies.
Luckily there are certain areas in the PR industry which have seen expansion in recession too. The greatest growth we can see in digital PR, followed by reputation management, crisis management and strategic planning as per a survey conducted in USA and the areas that have seen decline and perhaps a great threat were sponsorship, event management and branding and marketing.
The survey did bring some good news for consultancies both in terms of business stability and client new growth. In the past year, some 33 per cent of consultants have retained more than 10 regular clients and some 60 per cent have added between two and five new clients.

Is Freedom of Press……..aberrating from its path?

Yes Media has freedom to air their views / Organize a debate / Discussion….on any topic and bring the truth to the notice of all……yes they must bring the grievances of the people to the notice of Government for a solution…….at the same time they must be very cautious with certain events / incidents coverage which may have immediate impact on the people / viewers. They need to anticipate the reaction from the viewers and sensitivity of the topic of discussion which may disturb the peace and create commotion. The topic of discussion must be verified to find out authenticity and veracity of the information and pros and cons of the issue before being aired. A Programme on the death of Former Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy is a perfect example of the sensitivity and the developments aftermath of the discussions being carried out by TV5 television Channel.……..TV Channels now a days have in great demand for instant news coverage. People get instant information with in no time of an hour or two. Electronic media has mass media presence. Even minor fault may reflect with unheard of response from its viewers. As many as 16 Telugu TV channels are in fray in A.P. for 24X 7 news coverage. Breaking news is very important to all TV channels to increase their TRPs.

On media Perspective:

Media has freedom to discuss and debate on any issue to bring the truth to the notice of public. TV 5 Channel did the same .The news was in the interest of A.P people and the topic is about the beloved leader of A.P.The discussion was based on a news article published in an online portal called exiledonline.com which is a Russia based news portal and the news was published after the death of YSR saying a conspiracy being hatched by Reliance group to eliminate him. Because there is no headway in the investigation alleged by TV 5 News channel, They took up the news and organized a debate / discussion on it highlighting the dilution in the process. TV channel has freedom to conduct a debate on it as it is in the interest of 8crores people of A.P.The arrest of the editors of the News Channel must be condemned by all.

On Government Perspective:

Government has great responsibility to keep the law and order in control and maintain peace in the state. Sensitive issues that disturb the peace must be avoided. At the same time they need to bring the investigation reports to the notice of all to maintain transparency on its end.

On Society Perspective……..

Are the TV channels leaving their ethics / responsibilities to the wind to increasing their TRPs? Being organizations of great repute Electronic media organizations have no responsibility for the society?

Breaking news on no proper information is fair? Don’t they know the great momentum of a single line scroll even? Are they ready to own up the responsibility of each story they telecast on various issues which have no authenticity.

A news story on the death of Former Chief Minister of A.P.Late.Y.S.R is an example of their rat race for top slot than the responsibility towards the society. TV 5 Channel has aired a news story basing on the information published 4months back in a Russian website on the death of former Chief Minister YSR.It was almost 2 hour long discussion on the TV channel where in they have portrayed the big wigs of Reliance Group are responsible for the death of YSR.They have cited one Russian website news story as the proof of conspiracy being hatched by Corporate Company.

What is the authenticity of the website? How renowned Channels simply rely on some news story published somewhere in the world as the source for their hours long news story.Is it a news portal of great repute in world Countries? NO

The Impact of Story:

The corporate Company shops / Offices across A.P have been vandalized and its year’s long image has been damaged overnight with the news stories that have no authenticity. Do the TV channels fetch the image back to the corporate? If CBI submits the details on it, will the channel gets the diluted image back to the corporate? No.

A.P is in volatile situation a lot with TELANGANA issue. It’s been two months ever since movement for separate state kick started and state has been thrown into fickle.News stories like this will definitely aggravates the situation. TV Channels must exercise their discretion and stay away from airing such stories.

Want to live longer? Maintain Stable marital Relationship

Health is wealth goes the adage……… tells how important the health is? In the olden days complains of health problems are fewer as compared to now inspite of having no proper medical facilities.The only reason is enough body exercise and pollution free environment.It doesn’t mean every body in olden days were performing YOGA.The search for food and lively hood made their body move strnously which ultimately have provided them enough body exercise.We are juggling in a world where in we pay no attention to our health until some disease grips us showing its effects on the body. Till we realize the fact it’s too late to shield ourselves from the ailment.We don’t do much exercise and healthy practices are at a bleak which ultimately strip away valuable years reducing our life span. Good health is for longer life and bad addictions reduce the life span.

See the facts Dr Trisha Macnair penned in her book 'The Long Life Equation'

Suggestions for long life:

Ø Washing your hands adds two years to your life

Ø Good Dental Hygiene can add six more years in your life.

Ø Regular exercise also adds as much as two or more years to your life

A 2006 study from University of California in Los Angeles showed that men and women live healthier, wealthier, happier and longer lives when they are in a stable partnership

Ø A stable partnership can actually add on seven years to life. Regular exercise also adds as much as two or more years to your life.
Ø A divorce can also strip away 3 years from your life, as it takes longer-lasting, emotional and physical toll on former spouses than virtually any other life stress.

Bad Habits strip away valuable years

Ø Smoking, fast food, no exercise and a stressful life can strip away 20 years

Ø Cigarette smoking can actually reduce 8 years from your life

Are we planning the Media or Media Planning ?

Are we planning the Media or Media Planning ?

Media Planning ……A word very frequently used in PR agencies as they deal with many events to organize successfully to get good mileage out of it in media and win acclaim of their clients. But many of us are not aware that the word “Media Planning” has different meaning in the corporate world.

We are working in PR agencies not to do Media Planning. We are here to prepare exact plan for media. Still we may have doubts what is the difference between Media Planning and Plan for Media or Planning Media. Yes there is a lot of difference between two words. The former talks about the idea of media buying while the latter gives the idea of how media can be mobilized for the event.

Generally we think Inviting Media to the event, Sending Releases / Invites to the media offices, Co-ordinating with the clients to organize the events etc are falling in Media Planning. Yes your PR plan is right but the word you are using for such a PR plan as “Media Planning” is incorrect. You can say it planning the media or PR plan for Media or PR strategy for Media. Then what is the exact definition of “Media Planning”? The answer is… “Media Planning” is one which gives the outline of how advertising space in various media will be booked in advance to achieve the marketing objectives of the company. Media Planning is a word used in an Advertising Agency /Corp Comm department where in a Corp Comm / Advertising person has to deal with ad space buying and preparing budgetary plan for the Company. Media planning is that which helps the planner choose right media for their product campaign and buy space for it and PR agencies has nothing to do with ads / space buying but focus on good mileage for the event in the media

When a client asks the PR person to give outline of their PR strategy for the event. Then PR Person has his own ideas to showcase and will do good presentation of it but unaware the exact meaning of it, he / she often speaks / write media planning for …….event and lose sheen before the client as unprofessional. While working with corporates even minor things matter a lot. We may take it easy but PR hirer may not compromise with minute faults even. He expects everything happen in a professional way.

Kindly share your ideas on the same and have your say…..

“acts of violence” occur in big Cities?

World countries must unite and raise their voice against racism to pull up the breeds.

It is amazing to read a news report of Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia justifying the attacks on Indians saying “acts of violence” occur in big cities like Melbourne. Her statement not only adds more muscle to the assailants but also give a chance for more assaults. If the acts of violence occurs across the globe in big cities as per Gillard’s, why the reports are not coming out from any part of other countries. She says OZ is a safe place. How?

It is surprising to learn that Australia & Canada have been placed in the top slots as the safest countries in the world to live in according to a survey. The astonishing fact is that Australia has been ranked at 21st place as the safest country in the world with the onslaught on Indians still on and many feel it is a vulnerable place one should not opt for. Canada being vulnerable for racial attacks since years with fresh attacks on Indians adding to it recently in Vancour has been given 6th rank. Two Sikhs were attacked and killed by two racists 5 years back in Vancour. Racial attacks on Indians continued on and off since many years in Australia & Canada as per reports.

What is the basis for a survey to certify some countries as safest while others worst. Do they take terrorist attacks as the parameter to endorse it as the worst.Ofcourse Terrorism is the greatest challenge that breaks the relations among world countries. But I feel racism must equally be attested as the terrorism does. Racism is one such practice which really breaks the world peace sowing seeds of colour differences among all which ultimately spoils the fraternity and peace.

Martin Luther king, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela are some renowned names whom we need to salute for their attempts to uproot the racism from the society and creating brotherhood among all. Their struggle and sacrifices made us stand tall and move equally among all.

But the incidents in Australia prove that racial breeds are still alive showing their ugly face with the serial attacks on Indian students. It is high time world countries must unite and raise their voice against racism to pull up the breeds.

Do you feel OZ is a safest place to live in?

Kindly put in your valuable comments please……….

Link of the news:http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20100106/1248/twl-oz-justifies-attacks-says-violence-o.html