On the Radar Screen
In the Sept. 17 issue of The Washington Post, Burson-Marsteller took a hit when Al Kamen, writer of the "In The Loop" business feature, aimed some of his sarcasm at the mammoth PR firm. Kamen's cynical mention was triggered by a half-day $325 briefing BM hosted last week on line-item veto briefing for federal agencies. Said Kamen (based on verbiage in the invitation): "This seminar will tell you 'how to protect you and your agency/department before and after [the line-item veto] is used.'.That way, you can override the express actions of the guy who appointed you to your job. Neat."
Even though we think Kamen's comments probably reflect how little he knows about what PR pros really do, we're giving you a little nudge and friendly counsel: don't try to dumb down PR.
Cyber PR
How 'bout Renting An Interactive Virtual Room For Your Next Meeting?
We're not sure yet if Internet connectivity will ever replace face-to-face strategy meetings (although we do have our doubts). But U&I Interactive, a Santa Ana, Calif.-based Internet tools developer, last week unveiled an interactive virtual room rental program for the Net. Visitme.com allows users to choose among six virtual rooms to host private or public "events," chat with business associates and others worldwide, and post messages. Monthly rates start at $2.95. (Chuck Cortright, U&I, 714/445-0222; http://www.uandi.com)
PRN Opens 'Net Press Room For Working Journalists
PR Newswire this week launched a new Web site providing a broad range of information services for use exclusively by working journalists.
The PRN Newsroom includes an easily searchable file of current releases transmitted by the service, plus an archive of earlier output. Info is provided on a real-time basis and also includes media advisories, embargoed news releases, and press contacts, none of which is available on PRN's public access sites. All materials transmitted on a PRN newsline will be available on the site (http://www.prnmedia.com) at no additional charge to the issuing organization. (Ira Krawitz, PR Newswire, 800/832-5522)
Changes at the Top
Industry Honor
Arthur W. Page Society Gives Chrysler National Award
The Chrysler Corp. has been chosen by the Arthur W. Page Society as a "National Award" winner for Chrysler's PR program encouraging children to ride buckled up in the back seat to prevent injuries from air bags. The award will be presented at the society's annual meeting in New Orleans Sept. 21-24. (Larry Speakes, 202/268-2143)
Catchy Campaigns
PR That's A Little Fishy: S&A's Program for Pepperidge Farm
Schneider & Associates, Boston, hosted the first-ever PR campaign for Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish crackers with a roll-out campaign - a back-to-school promotion for the new Smiley Goldfish (the first time the product's changed in 35 years) - that started Aug. 4 with a kick-off gala in New York. The agency got the Broadway cast of Annie to sing "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" and Mayor Giuliani to declare it the start of National Smile Week. Agency staffers also passed out more than 5,000 bags of Smiley Goldfish to people in Times Square. Preliminary results of S&A's campaign indicate the blitz has generated more than 55 broadcast reports, including a feature story on the Today Show, and hundreds of print clips, according to Laurel Keith. (S&A, 617/536-3300)
MPEG Helps Lockheed Employees Witness Launch
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space hit the employee communications mother lode when thousands of the company's employees witnessed the launch of an A2100 satellite, whose telecommunications payload will provide companies with voice, data and direct TV distribution services. Staffers at headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., watched the takeoff via the use of Target Vision's Moving Pictures Experts Group system, allwoing companies to communicate with employees via TV monitors placed in high-traffic areas and on PCs connected to LANs and intranets. (Lockheed, 408/742-7532) progress.