Industry News - PRNEWS

Business Moves

NetReflector, UK, hopes to make online market research easier through its InstantSurvey, an information collection engine that enables managers to design and conduct online surveys through Web browsers.

Prices begin at $40. Market research has surfaced as one of the buzz words in communications and integrated communications continues to point to the need for ongoing studies that track customer behavior changes as part of measurement methodologies. (NetReflector, 425/558-2007)

California Governor's staff assistant and deputy director of advance Brett Holmes is opening his own PR start-up consultancy, the Kate Backstage Group, Los Angeles, with a unique twist.

Extending his communications counseling skills to cause-related issues, Holmes says his practice will focus on two key issues: fathers seeking joint custody of their children and supporting art-related curriculum in public elementary schools. His wife, Kate Shanahan, is an artist and teacher. (Brett Holmes, 213/763-KATE)

Hill and Knowlton has partnered with UbiComs to combine and extend its new media activities. UbiComs recently merged with Red Dot Interactive, a provider of interactive services nationwide. H&K UbiComs will be based in San Francisco and provide online marcom services, including Web site development and management; intranet development and maintenance; and monitoring, research and evaluation. Jeff Raleigh, H&K's director of client service, will manage the new partnership. Anita Bloch, founder of Red Dot, will direct the venture. (H&KJ, 415/782-2430)

On The Radar Screen:

After the Lewinsky Scandal, New Terms for Interns?

Princeton Partners, an advertising and marcom boutique in Princeton, N.J., has decided to call its summer interns "student associates" because of the stigma the word has received because of the Monica Lewinsky matter.

The firm also killed the term to describe its offerings for youths. We're guessing, too, that berets won't be tolerated. (PPI, 609/452-8500)

Medialink's Version Of 'Hello, Dolly'

When Dolly, the cloned sheep that might have man meeting the millennium sooner than expected, gave birth to a lamb April 23, Medialink transmitted the video to more than 1,000 broadcasters worldwide.

The video shows mother and daughter, pre-birth shots of Dolly receiving an ultrasound and footage of the lamb's father. Perhaps the next video will feature the judge's decision on custody of the new babe? (Medialink, 212/682-8300)

North Koreans Might Need PR Firm As Well

Stoical North Korean leaders, who have made overtures to the South Korean government given the famine that is ravishing its country, might want to hire a public affairs or PR firm to help them learn to work with other nations.

Tips for Radio & TV Interviews

We haven't discovered any potions or elixirs that are guaranteed to make your radio and TV interviews a breeze, but publicity firm Management Services, Clearwater, Fla., uncovers some simple lessons for those who are trying to overcome their fright of lights and mikes:

Even if you have to use a cheat sheet of your best information, make sure you have ample information to discuss. An audience knows when you've exhausted your knowledge and quickly gives you low marks on credibility;

Practice makes perfect: use your business associates, friends or relatives - even the mirror - as your trial audiences to troubleshoot any weak spots in presentations. (MS, 813/443-7115)

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