September 2011 Meeting Recap
Pam Graber, Roger Diez, Drew Simmons, Spencer Williams, Gary Jesch, Jonathan Denwood, Tom Jacobs, Kerstin Plemel and yours truly, Christel Hall, gathered at the BRIC last Wednesday to enjoy and discuss some insights on ‘Dealing with Today’s Media’ as presented by Brent Boynton. Some of the major takeaways included the following (thank you again, Brent):
The loss of media outlet expertise requires that we have/provide more information in our pitches; sometimes need to provide more training on each story
Conversely, there is more opportunity to provide information for the plethora of news outlets who need to fill the news holes; some of the traditional pride of news outlets is being lost as some are printing the copy just as given; less ‘investigative’ reporting
Keep & cultivate your previous contacts; you never know where they’ll end up
The news ‘reporter’ is now the VJ, the video journalist – provide them with mini-presskits at events
All the stations are beginning to look more alike as they experience the lack of manpower that causes to cover the same major stories only; but exceptions offer opportunity (RGJ still does features)
Brent is working with KNPB on a potential new show entitled ‘Here & Now’ – will go into depth on stories.
Consider providing a ‘video kit’ to certain sources; keep it timely.
‘Local’ news often means ‘Reno’ due to limited sources; for Carson and other outlying areas, consider working with peers to ‘batch pitch’ important events that occur on the same day(s); plan in advance.
The new Mindset Change – produce your own news (as Bob Conrad spoke about earlier in creating your own community newsroom).
Social media – a new level of control for the communicator
People don’t want to be ‘sold’ anymore…don’t want ‘slick and professional’; however some discussion ensued as to what still requires professional polish, and when, and what could be more ‘grassroots’ developed.
Upcoming Meetings:
9/13 – AdClub Reno – Is Broadcast TV Still King? With Chuck Alvey, Steve Cummings, Lawson Fox and David Feher.
9/13 – NNDA Breakfast on the City Center Projects at the Carson Nugget, with Mayor Bob Crowell, Brad Bonkowski, and Steve Neighbors.
9/20 – AMA event features a panel of innovative small businesses discussing the unique marketing methods they’re using to survive and thrive; Moderated by John Murphy, Gen Mgr of Reno News & Review
9/28 – PRSA Ethics Workshop, with UNR Professor Caesar Andrews, at the Atlantis at 11:30 a.m.
9/29 – by 5PM – entries due to the PRSA Silver Spikes Awards competition.
10/5 – NEXT CAMPN MEETING – the Nevada Appeal’s new editor, Dennis Noone, will share with members show the newsroom responded to the tragic IHOP shooting.
10/18 – AMA event features Ron Strauss, co-author of “Value Creation: The Power of Brand Equity” and Founder/CEO of Brandzone, LLC, presenting “Using Metrics to Build and Defend Your Brand Budget.”
11/15 – AMA presents Jon Killoran, CEO of Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition on ‘Selling Reno: Bringing the Olympic Winter Games to Northern Nevada.’
11/16 – CAMPN HOLIDAY EVENT (Note, this is not our usual Wednesday – it’s mid-month to combine Nov/Dec meetings).
Other Important Notes:
Cat Allison promised to provide some information from the Nevada Press Association for interested members on the press-release service called ‘Reach Nevada.’ The service helps you reach editors & managers with your important news. Detailed services and prices are available at: http://web.mac.com/nevadapress/nevadapress.com/Reach_Nevada.html . Alternatively you may contact Barry Smith, executive director of the NPA at 885-0866 or nvpress@callatg.com. NPA also provides statewide networks for classified and display ads.
If you are a PRSA member, the Reno chapter would like your feedback on the proposed increase in National dues.
