Breaking News: Microsoft PR Changes May Result in Loss of Shandwick
Microsoft's relationship with its agency Shandwick International PR may be on the decline and its ties to Edelman PR Worldwide on th e upcline, PR NEWS has learned. It's no surprise that Microsoft would continue to strengthen its relationship with Edelman, since last spring the firm created a PR proposal meant to help the software giant rally grassroots support.
Although the role of Shandwick is unclear, Mike Smith, VP with Edelman, says his firm's role will be increasing with Microsoft, as will its staff members working on marketing, community affairs and grass-roots support.
Caryl Svendsen, senior VP with Shandwick, says, "nothing has changed and its business as usual," with regards to the firm's relationship with Microsoft. But other sources at Shandwick say that by the end of the year Shandwick, which has about 40 staffers working on interactive media for Microsoft in Seattle, will step aside.
However, Doug van Aman, managing director for Shandwick, says the relationship is changing, not discontinuing, and will be doing more online work for Microsoft in the coming year due to the "growing arena" of online activities.
Edelman was unavailable for comment. (Smith, 202/371-0200; Svendsen, 212/679-2947; van Aman, 435/452-5400)
On the Radar Screen: Edelman Creates Web Site For EB in Reponse to Dateline
The players are keeping close to the vest how many hits they're getting, but Edelman out of San Francisco put together a Web site to respond to "Dateline NBC's" Sept. 2 program on Eddie Bauer. The report addressed "disparate treatment of customers by race," with resurfaced news about a lawsuit the company faced.
Edelman used its dark-site "Crises Preparedness Response" software and system, which allows a client to prepare a crisis response via the Web so the site is ready to go when needed. Edelman launched the information area at the corporation's home site, eddiebauer.com, the same night the program aired after EB received inklings that the story wasn't going to be favorable. (Edelman, 415/968-4033)
On the Radar Screen: "Correspondent" - Overview of Technology Coupled with PA
Although its promotional purposes are obvious, we felt that Capitol Hill Software, Lanham, Md., has stumbled on a way of reaching those grumbling about public affairs as it links to manageability. (This discipline requires a command of change management since policy makers are among the most active of constituent groups.)
Through its just-hatched newsletter "Correspondent," (the first issue hit this summer) CHS seizes the moment to profile products designed to make the PA aficionado's life a bit easier. Through GRoffice, users can access lists of legislators, staff, committees and case histories enabled through an Internet connection. The program starts at $10,000. (Capitol Hill Software, 301/459-2590)
Online: PRSA Counselors Academy Launches Web Site
You've heard of dial-a-doctor. Well, now you can "Ask-A-Counselor" at the new Internet resources cache, prsa-counselors.org, for the Public Relations Society of America's Counselors Academy. The site's a work in progress, with new content and features being added as members generate new links and submit new virtual food for thought. (Counselors Academy, 212/460-1450)
Online: Want to Impress Journalists? Follow Business Wire Formula
Those tracking trade shows should harness the savvy of Business Wire's http://www.tradeshownews.com, a site devoted to conference news from exhibitors and event organizers.
One of the most soporiferous tasks a reporter can take on is keeping abreast of what trade shows are in the offing. It's no revelation that they should be in-the-loop when it comes to the mainstay events, but the age of alliances has spurred a wave of new workshops. (Business Wire, 212/752-9600)
Awards
For the first time in 22 years, the PRSA Hoosier Chapter scores a win with chapter member the American Camping Association, racking up a Silver Anvil Award to communicate the value of summer camp.
The program contributed to a 27 percent increase in summer camp enrollment nationwide. (American Camping Association, 765/342-8456)
Entries for The Mercury Awards, which spotlight the best in PR, corporate communications and public affairs, are accepted until Oct. 10, 1998. Entry information is available at http://www.mercommawards.com. (MerComm, 914/923-9400)