On the Radar Screen
PR firms are usually so secretive about their inner-workings, so imagine our surprise when the folks at Bailey/Gardiner Creative Communications, along with their press release about the arrival of new VP of Advertising Francine Crocker, mailed us a rough draft of the release - edits, notes and all.
Just some gimmicky press kit? Nope. Whoever was in charge of envelope stuffing goofed and included some background materials that should have never flown the coop with a 33-cent ticket.
Needless to say, B/GCC execs were horrified when we called to get the scoop. Just a reminder: if an intern or junior takes care of mailing press releases, make sure their desk is clear of anything you don't want leaving the office. (B/GCC, 619/298-9300
Resources
- Free seminar on broadcast PR: Add to your broadcast tool kit by attending a free seminar hosted by DWJ Television on how the entertainment industry can reach new audiences.
Topics will include reaching the Independent Film Industry though satellite media tours, communicating the "counter-point" news story and coordinating T.V., radio, satellite, fiber and videotape goals. The program will be held Feb. 25 from 9-11 a.m. at the Four Seasons Ballroom Foyer, Los Angeles, in conjunction with E! Entertainment Television. RSVPs are appreciated; call 201/445-1711, ext. 244.
- The M Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is offering a free report, "The Vital Link/Intermediary Support Organizations: Connecting Communities with Resources for Improvement," on how six national organizations have provided diverse community-based groups with training and financial support. To get this fodder for your philanthropic files, call 800/645-1766.
Trends
Employees: Contented Joes?
Everyone is talking about employee communications/relations, but it doesn't appear that many are listening.
Findings of a new survey from Wirthlin Worldwide, McLean, Va., examine the work factors that lead to employee commitment in a corporate environment of increasing competition. Findings revealed in the "Americans on the Job: Part 2," available in their entirety at Web site www.wirthlin.com/publicns/library.htm, include:
- Of 665 workers queried, 46 percent say they are very satisfied with their jobs, but 90 percent of that same satisfied pool expect their jobs to be at least a little stressful;
- The residuals of downsizing still linger: 72 percent say they have had to work harder to make up for those who were let go, compared to 57 percent in 1996:
- Just over a third of those who survived downsizing (36 percent) feel very secure in their jobs;
- The telecommuting trend seems to be strengthening employee-employer relationships, with 83 percent pronouncing that these arrangements "are a good thing." (Wirthlin, 801/226-1524)
PSAs: Not Just Lip-service
Do your carefully produced public service announcements mean anything to the broadcasters whose desks they land on? Apparently so, according to News/Broadcast Network, Inc.
Thirty percent of 200-plus radio and T.V. news rooms in the U.S. reported a 30 percent increase in their use of PSAs in the last year (17 percent noted a decline and 51 percent said their use was unchanged).
Notwithstanding a charitable affiliation and relevance to a local market, the survey also revealed that providing a tape ready for broadcast and of professional quality makes a big difference when stations are deciding what to air. (NBN, 800/840-6397)
Quick Bites
- Burson-Marsteller opens a full-service office in San Diego, with Steve Alexander as regional director. (BM, 619/646-3052)
- PRSA President Samuel W. Waltz Jr. becomes chairman and CEO, with COO Ray Gaulke assuming the role of president. PRSA says the changes were made to emphasize the office's role as an "external spokesperson" for the society and the practice of PR.
(PRSA, 212/460-1418)Global high-technology services company with southeastern headquarters seeks Manager, Media Relations. Responsible for planning, developing and administering strategic media programs designed to enhance and protect the corporation's reputation and brand. Manages professional staff with high visibility and responsibility within the organization. Proven national media relations experience, international experience a plus. Minimum 7 years related experience. Strong management and interpersonal skills required.