Conference Round-Up
Media 2000 Shows Internet Provides Promise - And Pitfalls
As mighty as the Internet is in conveying accurate information, it can be equally powerful in spreading misinformation, so the need for lightening-quick media relations is stronger than ever. That's the consensus that grew out of the recent "Media 2000" gathering at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
The lure of the Internet as a way to reach constituent audiences has reached almost every corner of the business world, including PR. And it's an attraction that's resulted in debate and dialogue about the way communicators should respond in the digital era.
The Media 2000 event, co-sponsored by West Glen Communications, New York, and Business Wire, explored the nature of the media today, specifically how news gathering is being influenced by the reach of the World Wide Web. Among the speakers were Randall Coppersmith (VP, marketing communications, AOL Studios); Steve Ginsburg (editor in charge, Reuters America); and Sam Meddis, (technology editor, USA Today Online).
Although there were divergent views presented at the event, guest panelists agreed on some points, including that the Internet as an information medium requires that PR professionals do their homework and embark on research before pitching a story idea. "If you want to be a source, help a reporter get information that no one else has to help him or her write a story," Meddis advised. (West Glen, 212/921-2800)
New Business Ventures
New Cyber Ventures
Lexis Nexis Launches New Svc.
If you're looking for another resource to track business news and events, visit http://www.lexis-nexis.com/bizlogic4bb, for free daily updates on a variety of industries, including defense, energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, investment banking, pharmaceutical and telecommunications. BizLogic articles are drawn from a warehouse of Lexis-Nexis services and the site has links to more than 50 URLs. (Lexis-Nexis, 937/865-1058)
Co. Launches Sites That
Typifies Community Relations
It's been a prevailing mindset that companies immersed in technology probably know how to massage the Internet better than those in other markets. But one company, Our Family Information Services, found a smart way of reaching consumers with its comprehensive guide and workbook on managing a death in the family.
The site provides a pre-death checklist (a test you can take to determine how prepared you are for a loved one's death) and it's a polished example of how netting positive PR on the World Wide Web is accomplished by being a supplier of information, not a heavy-handed solicitor just out to make a buck.
This is community relations at its wisest. (Our Family Information, 317/816-9760)
Market Research
Employee Comm. In the Now: Less Cos. Footing Party Bills
Market research and PR trends analyses show that employee communications/relations has surfaced as one of the leading concerns for corporations and because of that, businesses are doing everything from revamping in-house newsletters to installing intranets to keep employees happy. But apparently using the traditional holiday party as a venue for better employee relations isn't a pressing need this year.
Battalia Winston International, an executive search firm based in New York City, reports that 70 percent of U.S. companies - compared to 84 percent in 1996 - are footing the bill for holiday celebrations, The survey, based on responses from 100 companies, also shows that this year 17 percent of companies (up from 6 percent last year) are asking employees to pay for the function.
(Battalia Winston, 203/230-2439)