Daily PR Brief - October 5th, 2016
Good morning. Here are today's top clips -
The PR War: How a public relations firm is lobbying for regime change in Syria (Salon - October 4, 2016)
How to Avoid Schizophrenic Leadership (Adweek - October 5, 2016)
Huntsworth Health promotes two to agency global CEOs (PR Week - October 4, 2016)
McDonald's media relations director Lisa McComb exits (PR Week - October 4, 2016)
Olson Engage scoops up Blue Bunny ice cream account (PR Week - October 5, 2016)
Hotels.com lines up agencies for UK consumer PR pitch (PR Week - October 5, 2016)
Easterseals picks Zeno Group as first PR AOR (PR Week - October 5, 2016)
Cassiano Flies Communications, IR for Kite (O'Dwyer's - October 5, 2016)
Hawaii Calls for PR Services (O'Dwyer's - October 5, 2016)
7 ways PR pros can manage client expectations (PR Daily - October 4, 2016)
Pitching tips for tech PR pros (PR Daily - October 5, 2016)
MWW Wins Israel Tourism Account (The Holmes Report - October 5, 2016)
What’s Next for Next-Gen PR Pros? Hashing It Out in a Twitter Chat (PR News - October 4, 2016)
Amplify Relations Announces Six New Hires and Two Internal Promotions in Growing Agency (Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016)
Kerry Gardner Promoted to Director of Publicity for Choice Media & Communications (Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016)
Marketing Agency DKY Acquires Peterson|Probst (Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016)
United Soccer League Selects Buffalo.Agency for PR to Support Unrivaled Growth (Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016)
PR in the IoT: Adjusting Strategies for Better Client Service in the Age of the Internet of Things (Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016)
Four Tips for Practicing Public Relations in the Middle East and North Africa (Institute for Public Relations - October 5, 2016)
The ABCs of tweeting your way to PR success (Muck Rack Daily - October 4, 2016)
Crisis Communications: What to Expect from Your PR Team (Shift Communications - October 5, 2016)
Infographics in PR Part 2: Creating Impact with Strategy and Design (Shift Communications - October 4, 2016)
How to use Twitter Chats for Career Growth (PR Couture - October 4, 2016)
Is PR data bias holding you back? (AirPR Blog - October 5, 2016)
Summary Section:
The PR War: How a public relations firm is lobbying for regime change in Syria
By Max Blumenthal
Salon - October 4, 2016
On September 30, demonstrators gathered in city squares across the West for a “weekend of action” to “stop the bombs” raining down from Syrian government and Russian warplanes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo. Thousands joined the protests, holding signs that read “Topple Assad” and declaring, “Enough With Assad.” Few participants likely knew that the actions were organized under the auspices of an opposition-funded public relations company called the Syria Campaign. The Syria Campaign presents itself as an impartial, non-political voice for ordinary Syrian citizens that is dedicated to civilian protection. “We see ourselves as a solidarity organization,” The Syria Campaign strategy director James Sadri told me. “We’re not being paid by anybody to pursue a particular line. We feel like we’ve done a really good job about finding out who the frontline activists, doctors, humanitarians are and trying to get their word out to the international community.”
How to Avoid Schizophrenic Leadership
By Michael A. Olguin, President & CEO, Havas Formula
Adweek - October 5, 2016
When I launched my PR agency in 1992, I devoured business books as quickly as I could get my hands on them. I thought the more good advice I could absorb, the better leader I would become. With each book, I learned a lot. And that’s where the problem arose. I realized that the more I tried to introduce leadership concepts into my management style, the more difficulty I had being a consistent manager. I was all over the place. Rather than recognizing that the concepts within each book were designed to work together, in their entirety and over time, I was trying to implement all of the advice as one-offs, and it was creating confusion. In short, my leadership style was becoming chaotic, or as I like to call it—schizophrenic leadership. I knew I needed to find a leadership style that was my own, so I devised an approach to reading called 5-1-3. Simply put, for every five books you read, one should be a business leadership book, and from that book you should look to incorporate no more than three takeaways into your leadership style.
Huntsworth Health promotes two to agency global CEOs
By Alison Kanski
PR Week - October 4, 2016
Huntsworth Health has promoted two agency leaders to global CEOs. Maryellen Royle will lead Tonic Life Communications and Jon Clark will head up Nitrogen. Royle has served as president of Tonic Life for seven years. In her new role as global CEO, she will be responsible for expanding the agency’s offerings on a global scale. Clark was promoted to global CEO of Nitrogen from his role as MD of the group. He founded Nitrogen’s London office in 2008. In his new role, Clark will focus on building a worldwide team with a focus on the New York and London offices. He is based in the U.K. and will also report to Matheson.
McDonald's media relations director Lisa McComb exits
By Diana Bradley
PR Week - October 4, 2016
Terri Hickey, McDonald’s senior manager of global corporate communications, said McComb left the company last week. Hickey declined to say why McComb departed or if she had taken a job elsewhere. McComb reported to Jano Cabrera, corporate SVP of U.S. communications, global media, and PR. She served as the company’s director of media relations since August 2013 and was the spokesperson for McDonald’s U.S.A. to the news media and other external audiences. McComb represented the brand to national media outlets and supported the chain’s PR team by executing media strategies that drove awareness and advocacy for its food, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Olson Engage scoops up Blue Bunny ice cream account
By Diana Bradley
PR Week - October 5, 2016
The Wells Enterprises brand picked the firm last month after a two-month RFP process, said Olson Engage Minneapolis GM and SVP Steve Peckham. Blue Bunny relaunched its brand in February, unveiling an updated logo, new brand mascot Blu – a bunny with blue fur – and a national ad campaign featuring the tagline, "So hoppin’ good." Olson Engage will work to extend that campaign into earned and social media channels. The agency will work to generate national attention for the ice-cream brand through PR, social media, and experiential campaigns. VP Carrie Lang in Olson’s Minneapolis office is leading account work, with five staffers on the business.
Hotels.com lines up agencies for UK consumer PR pitch
By John Harrington
PR Week - October 5, 2016
In 2010, Frank was hired alongside Lewis PR, which was recruited to handle a corporate brief, and We Are Social, which works on its social media strategy. However, the current pitch relates to the consumer account only. It follows changes at Hotels.com's UK-based in-house team, which has been expanded with new appointments including Simon Matthews, previously European PR manager for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, who joined in May as senior PR manager, EMEA. Earlier this year Hotels.com selected Hill+Knowlton Strategies as its agency of record in the US amid a wider global PR agency review.
Easterseals picks Zeno Group as first PR AOR
By Alison Kanski
PR Week - October 5, 2016
Zeno will work with Easterseals’ internal communications team to launch the organization’s branding campaign and spread awareness of its work, particularly among members of Generation X and millennials. In May, Easterseals debuted its new brand, with a slight name change from Easter Seals and updated logo, color palette, and tagline. In 2014, the nonprofit raised $73 million in public support and more than $17 million from fundraising.
Cassiano Flies Communications, IR for Kite
By Editorial Staff
O'Dwyer's - October 5, 2016
Christine Cassiano, head of healthcare for W20 Group, has shifted in-house to Kite Pharma, a publicly traded Santa Monica-based biopharmaceutical company focused on treating cancer. Cassiano takes the role of VP of corporate communications and IR, a new position at Kite. President and CEO Arie Belldegrun said in a statement that the company is at an "inflection point" as it moves toward a "commercial organization."
Hawaii Calls for PR Services
By Jon Gingerich
O'Dwyer's - October 5, 2016
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has issued an RFQ for agencies to handle PR, communications and “outreach services.”
7 ways PR pros can manage client expectations
By Blair Nicole
PR Daily - October 4, 2016
In a recent survey I conducted among 84 PR agencies and freelancers, managing client expectations was voted as the No. 1 issue that modern PR pros face. So, what can we do to better manage client expectations and reduce turnover? Here are seven tips to get you on the right track. There are many misconceptions about how PR works and what the underlying value is to a business. Educating your clients on the basics of a PR campaign—as well as on your internal processes—can mean the difference between happy and frustrated customers.
Pitching tips for tech PR pros
By Michelle Han
PR Daily - October 5, 2016
Here are Crenshaw Communications’ tech practice director Chris Harihar’s tips for generating better PR for your tech brand: Learn reporters’ beats. Leverage product updates. Narrate the story. Acknowledge your competition. Consider an exclusive. Be available.
MWW Wins Israel Tourism Account
By Paul Holmes
The Holmes Report - October 5, 2016
MWW replaces longtime incumbent Geoffrey Weill PR on the account. MWWPR will develop and execute a strategic communications program designed to proactively promote the country of Israel as a top tourist destination for North American travelers. The firm will draw on its travel and tourism and reputation management capability, as well as its ability to reach specific segments including LGBT community. MWWPR will manage all media relations and social media strategy to advance these efforts and enhance Israel’s reputation as a coveted destination for North American travelers.
What’s Next for Next-Gen PR Pros? Hashing It Out in a Twitter Chat
By Steve Goldstein
PR News - October 4, 2016
In her recent article for PR News, Marian Salzman, chairman, global collective, Havas PR, and CEO of Havas PR U.S., mused on these changes and looked ahead to PR's future. Last week PR News and Havas PR teamed up for a Twitter chat to look at PR's next phase and the trends that will push PR pros further on the evolutionary scale. We list here some of the questions and answers PR News and Havas PR lobbed back and forth during the Twitter chat. (Check out the complete Twitter chat: #HavasPR40)
Amplify Relations Announces Six New Hires and Two Internal Promotions in Growing Agency
Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016
Reno, Nev.-based Amplify Relations announced the addition of Anthony Mendoza, Account Coordinator, Maya Merlis, Staff Assistant, Kayley Clark, Staff Assistant, and three paid Fall 2016 interns, as well as the internal promotions of Alli Williams, Public Relations Manager, and Trinda Freese, Public Relations Coordinator. “We are thrilled to add these local professionals to our roster at Amplify Relations, as well as encourage the career advancement of our current team members,” said Bryan Bedera, President of Amplify Relations. “Amplify Relations continues to grow and add talent unmatched in our region.”
Kerry Gardner Promoted to Director of Publicity for Choice Media & Communications
Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016
Kerry Gardner has been promoted to Director of Publicity for Choice Media & Communications. Gardner joined Choice as a Senior Publicist in September 2014 following work as a Client Services Advisor at Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock. In her new role, Gardner will assist with Choice business development and client acquisition, strategic research and planning, as well as overall campaign oversight.
Marketing Agency DKY Acquires Peterson|Probst
Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016
The deal continues DKY’s growth following the addition of public relations and content marketing to its offerings in July. With expansion, said Dahl, DKY will continue its culture of providing senior-level marketing experience without adding agency bureaucracy. DKY is known for its accessible, flat service organization that streamlines delivery of services at strategic and executional levels. Team members average over 20 years of experience and work to develop lasting collaborative relationships with clients.
United Soccer League Selects Buffalo.Agency for PR to Support Unrivaled Growth
Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016
The first full-service, integrated marketing solution dedicated to sport, industry and lifestyle segments, Buffalo will publicize the highly-competitive league, owners and players in mainstream consumer and trade media covering sports, business, news and related topics.
PR in the IoT: Adjusting Strategies for Better Client Service in the Age of the Internet of Things
By Natalie Hansen, Social Media Specialist and PR Associate, A.wordsmith
Bulldog Reporter - October 5, 2016
Hackers have worked their way into everything from cloud-based baby monitors to Internet-connected door locks. For PR pros, this means more potential crises for our clients. Agencies working with the manufacturers of these devices need to consider a crisis response plan specific to both major and minor breaches, especially as it relates to customer information leaks. Though technology and security issues can sometimes induce fear, this is an exciting time to work in PR. IoT offers plenty of opportunity to flex our imaginations and create new revenue streams. PR teams should prepare now for the changes ahead for their clients, lead the discussion on creating strategic crisis plans, and refine their engagement skills to best take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
Four Tips for Practicing Public Relations in the Middle East and North Africa
By Kara Alaimo
Institute for Public Relations - October 5, 2016
As part of the research for Pitch, Tweet, or Engage on the Street: How to Practice Global Public Relations and Strategic Communication, my new book on how to practice public relations in countries and cultures around the world, I conducted interviews with senior communicators in 31 nations about best local practices. Here are four tips for practicing public relations in the Arab world: Avoid Literal Translations Between Arabic and English. Use Social Media. More than half of the population of the Middle East and North Africa is under the age of 25. Engage Local Influencers. Demonstrate Emotion When Talking About Heated Issues in Media Interviews in Order to Gain Trust.
The ABCs of tweeting your way to PR success
By Crystal Richard, Director of PR @Onboardly
Muck Rack Daily - October 4, 2016
Each and every time I establish a connection with someone, I immediately make sure that I’m following them on Twitter. For one, it shows that you’re interested in staying connected with them long after your email thread has ended. It also shows that you care about what they have to say beyond just business talk. Twitter was made for sharing great stuff, so ensure that you’re doing exactly that. As a PR pro, I’m always sharing industry relevant articles and as a result, connecting with others in the PR space. It gets me new followers and often times, I’m added to lists created by similar PR folks. When you’re regularly tweeting great articles, it also gives you the perfect opportunity to share articles by journalists and influencers too.
Crisis Communications: What to Expect from Your PR Team
By Amanda Munroe
Shift Communications - October 5, 2016
It’s this level of preparation BEFORE anything actually happens that can mean success or failure when a crisis occurs. To prepare for any potential crisis, your PR agency should walk you through a series of questions and develop a crisis communications plan that can be approved and distributed to all necessary parties (including senior executives, legal and PR/marketing). Your crisis plan should include but is not limited to: Contact Tree, Monitoring Ownership, Crisis Group/Message Creation, Approved spokespeople.
Infographics in PR Part 2: Creating Impact with Strategy and Design
Shift Communications - October 4, 2016
Infographics are heavily embedded into our modern culture, constantly synthesizing our thoughts as we check weather forecasts, review cooking instructions on food packaging and navigate through airports. The ever-growing variety of uses has naturally expanded the variety of formats. But those hatched from the PR industry have some common characteristics. Though some are created for print collateral or printed signage, the vast majority are designed to be viewed online. Not surprising since they so often accompany releases, get posted and shared on social platforms and blogs, and find a permanent address on the issuing brand’s website. For these reasons, most have a long, scrolling format and are between 800 and 1600 pixels in width.
How to use Twitter Chats for Career Growth
By Hayley Jaqueline Ashworth
PR Couture - October 4, 2016
Last week I shared 10 of my favorite Twitter chats for PR professionals. I hope you’ve had a chance to investigate at least a few of them. Now, we’re all busy people, so it’s important that we maximize the value of any time spent engaging with others on Twitter. So, what can we do to ensure Twitter chatting is time well spent? Follow these 5 guidelines: Research the topic ahead of time; Jump right into the conservation; Add onto existing conversations; Write down resources for future research; Continue engagement after the Twitter chat ends.
Is PR data bias holding you back?
AirPR Blog - October 5, 2016
Often, when a PR professional views data that shows the results of their work, and that data does not show what they expected, many do not accept that data as true. This is due to an unconscious data bias. But even if what you see or learn is surprising, having data about public relations efforts is always valuable. The following are examples of potential reactions to PR data, plus what they mean for you.
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