Media Monday: Are You Ready?

Media Monday: Are You Ready?

By Nicole Hayes

This Monday was a media feast as cable news networks had “breaking news” segments seemingly every hour. At least three major news stories had viewers glued: 1-  A fourth woman named in the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal held a live press conference in New York and revealed details of inappropriate sexual conduct she received from Cain (She did this with noted women’s rights attorney and pit bull Gloria Allred at her side). 2- Penn State University spokespersons scrambled to address child sex abuse allegations against a former assistant football coach and  deal with those who allegedly knew about the incidents and did not intervene. 3- A “guilty of involuntary manslaughter” verdict was rendered to Dr. Conrad Murray in the five-week long trial for drug overdose death of Michael Jackson.

Monday’s breaking headlines continually remind us that crises are potentially certain, and your message, response and strategy for successfully moving through also needs to be certain. Incidentally, Cain and his team were sucker-punched the Monday before when the initial story broke of sexual harassment allegations against him. So is PR still necessary? Obviously so. Social media has its role but there is no replacement for the effective, ethical, prepared and seasoned communicator to manage media events. Even with a sunny forecast, rain can sneak in and interrupt our plans. Are you armed with your umbrella to calmly face whatever the day brings? Or will you be running in your good suit, looking foolish, drenched and seeking cover? Be ready for the crisis.

This November 3, 2011 article  “10 Reasons PR Still Matters” by Doug Flora of Morristown Communications, reminds us that the media is always chomping at the bit for a good crisis. How long that story remains a “crisis” is up to you.

PR Tips: Showing Reciprocity in Social Media

Showing Reciprocity in Social Media

By: Nicole Hayes

You know the generic phrases: “Follow us on Twitter.”  “Like us on Facebook.” And as we’re nearing the holiday season, you’ll certainly see more “donate” links.  All of these ‘invitations’ call upon the reader to act on the organization’s behalf, whether for internal or altruistic purposes. But isn’t an invitation supposed to benefit the invitee somehow? How does the generic request show reciprocity, or a mutual, cooperative exchange of favors?

Most of us would send a call to voicemail or ignore emails from persons always asking favors but seldom offering anything in return. All relationships require some form of mutual reciprocity, to show value for each other. Though social media platforms join communities and allow for quicker response to information, it should occur with thought and consideration.  Tell your reader why they should follow you, like you, and how you can enhance their lives/partnership. Tell your reader what’s in it for them. Here are additional social media interaction tips we invite you to read for better engagement with your communities.

The Intern Diaries: The Voice of Social Media

The Intern Diaries: The Voice of Social Media

On yesterday, while on my lunch break I experienced my first earthquake. I was sitting in a park, near my place of work when the ground started to shake. Like many of the bystanders, I too was confused with what had just happened. Quickly, I reached for my iphone but when I went to call out, I had no dial tone. So I tweeted, in hopes that someone from my immediate family in SC would be able to view the tweet and to know that I was ok. I got a reply from who I thought was my sister but it was my grandmother tweeting from her page. Who knew my grandmother knew how to tweet?

I never realized how much social media had grown until that moment. I knew it was evolving but I had no clue that it reached a different generation until I found a study from PEW Reach Survey Findings about America's Largest Generation and social media.

Social Media has become an important source of communication. 

As we were given the ok to re-enter the buildings, I observed as my colleagues tweeted, text, e-mail and instant message their loved ones. Social media has become our voice when all other communications platform silences us.

Republicans Follow Obama’s Twitter Steps

Republicans Follow Obama’s Twitter Steps

The first official republican debate held via Twitter is underway.  Candidates – including Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich – are poised to answer tough questions in 140 characters or less.

The debate started a little after 3pm, with Sarah Elizabeth “S.E.” Cupp of the Glenn Beck show serving as moderator. Here’s a quick look at the opening statements:

Social Media May Have the Final Say

Social Media May Have the Final Say

He's not going to the prom...now he's going to the prom. Shelton High School Administrators in Connecticut banned honor roll senior James Tate from attending prom after he and his buddies posted 12-inch cardboard letters on the school's exterior asking his potential date, Sonali Rodrigues, to prom. The school's punishment spurred a flurry of social media activity on Facebook and Twitter, gaining Tate international support to reverse the school headmaster's decision in a week's time. By Saturday, May 14, Shelton High School headmaster Beth Smith caved on her decision and granted Tate permission to attend his senior prom. During this time, Tate and the school were placed in the national media spotlight; one the villain, the other the hero.

A study released on January 28 from the University of Masschusetts' Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research found that top, thriving companies increased their Facebook usage from 54 percent in 2009 to 84 percent in 2010. More companies are harnessing the power of this social media vehicle, understanding its ability to tip the scales. Some would say, "Don't mess with Facebook," witnessing its power to mobilize protestors to overthrow a longterm Egyptian president to reversing a school administrator's decision.

Highlighted Clip for Monday, May 16, 2011:

"Facebook Credited With Prom Ban Reversal"

By: David Muir

Score one for all the young men, and women, brave enough to draw up the courage to ask their love to prom.
And score one for the power of Facebook, Twitter…and a little heart.

Pictures Worth a 1000 words: The Power of Social Networking in Egypt's Fight For Freedom

Pictures Worth a 1000 words: The Power of Social Networking in Egypt's Fight For Freedom

The current battle for freedom and the removal of President Mubarak in Egypt is a complex, constantly shifting, increasingly violent, and confusing situation to watch. It's hard for anyone to really understand what's going on in that country, but one thing is clear. This revolution was organized and sustained through the use of the internet and popular social networking platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. It's no wonder then, that almost immediately once protests started taking place, the Government of Egypt attempted to shut down the internet and these websites. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful and the Egyptian people were able to continue to organize themselves and their opinions via these powerful tools. Social Networking was always meant to connect us to those around us and around the world. To see how these tools have been used to shape a revolution is truly awe-inspiring. 

(Photo: Egyptian protester holding sign “Thank you Facebook” Taken by NBC reporter Richard Engel)

 

(Photo: An anti-government protestor holds a blooded Egyptian flag in Tahrir Square on February 3, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. The Army have positioned tanks between protesters who had been battling with supporters of President Hosni Mubarak for the second day in and around Tahrir Square in Cairo. By Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images.)

(Photo: A young Egyptian anti-government demonstrator flashes victory signs as a stone battle rages between fellow demonstrators and pro-regime opponents at Cairo's Tahrir Square on February 3, 2011 on the 10th day of protests calling for the ouster of embattled President Hosni Mubarak. By Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images)

(Photo: Egyptian soldiers try to prevent anti-government demonstrators (L) from battling pro-government opponents (R) in Cairo's Tahrir square on February 03, 2011 on the 10th day of protests calling for the ouster of embattled President Hosni Mubarak. By Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images)