In this new monthly feature, we look at where the fruits of some of your labors go. That fancy paperweight, or trip invitation to the Bahamas or digital camera that you sent to 30 select journalists may have ended up in the circular file, as a Christmas gift for Aunt Martha or in a growing "return to sender" pile. While there's never any guarantee that a gift you send to the press results in a positive story about your company or product, Media Monitor will help you to better identify your PR mailing efforts. Each month, we'll look at "gift policies" of three media organizations. Please e-mail editor Debra Murphey at [email protected] with suggestions for Media Monitor profiles.
Publication: Crafts Magazine, P.O Box 1790, Peroria, Illinois 61656 FAX: 309/ 682-7394
Sources: Miriam Olson, Editor, 309/682-6626; Doris Roland: Asst. Ed., 309/682-6626
Policy: No formal policy.
What They Do With Your Gifts: Products submitted are reviewed, then kept after review are written. Products are accepted if project outlines are submitted.
Comments: Never accept expensive products (no $90, glue-guns), so returns are not a problem, Doris said.
Publication: NEW York Times, 229 W. 43rd. St., New York, NY 10036 FAX: 212/ 556-3815
Sources: Lisa Capparelli, Corporate Commmunications, 212/556-1234
Policy: Formal written policy: Not permitted to accept gifts more expensive than $20.
What They Do With Your Gifts: Books submitted for review passed to reporters. Reviewed books go to the Times' library. Others go to Stack Discount Book sellers. Book sales go into the Times' "Neediest Cases Community Fund." Adolph Ochs, Public School, Manhattan, gets kids books.
Comments: Generally do not accept trips or expensive gifts, but will return them if valued over permitted gift amount.
Publication: TRAVEL & LEISURE, 1220 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 FAX: 212/ 382-5877
Sources: Mark Orwoll, Managing Editor;212/382-5600
Policy: No formal policy.
What They Do With Your Gifts: No formal policy.
Comments: Larger sized/priced items not accepted, smaller items are. (Beauty editor gets bottles of lotion, T-shirts, candy). Trips are supported by the editorial budget.