Blog
Hi folks,
I had the opportunity to meet with WCCB news director Angela Robbins and she was nice enough to share some of her thoughts on the Charlotte media landscape and relationship between PR and media professionals. Check it out!
Q: How are you evolving as a TV news station and what can we look for in the future?
A: Finding ways to integrate the new digital technology into the news gathering process. Even with some inherent technical challenges, IP delivered video seems to be the future for broadcast news operations. We see more user generated video sources and social media platforms providing material to our newsroom. Our personnel will continue to master the new techniques and combine with the existing traditional technology to produce a more immediate and personal product for the viewers.
Q: What’s your biggest challenge at WCCB?
A: There is no “one” biggest challenge, but our industry is facing such fragmentation that accurate ratings measurement has become more and more complicated. With audiences using so many new devices and streams to capture television programming, calibrating an aggregate total of viewers is difficult to achieve. Audiences can now receive us over the air, through cable, satellite, DVR, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Game boxes just to name a few. Advertisers look for audience reach and if a station can be received in so many different ways, we must have a way to receive credit for a “total audience” figure.
Q: Why should people watch or pitch to WCCB over other news stations?
A: Viewers trust WCCB to deliver the big stories of the day. We see that every day and especially during major news events. Our audience composition contains the key demographics that advertisers covet. Our team of journalists is committed to top-quality newscasts from our state of the art Studio A – one of the most glamorous studios in the region. WCCB News Rising is a fresh alternative in the mornings. We’ve got the news, weather and traffic covered by an ensemble cast that is high on personality and fun. Check out the “Snark Report with Derek James” and “Wilson’s World.” At 10pm Morgan Fogarty leads our team with the news of the day and thoughtful franchises like “Defend Charlotte” and “The Get with Morgan Fogarty.”
Q: How can communication professional stand out from the crowd and make sure their news is being covered? Any tips, do’s or don’ts?
A: Getting to the decision makers is the key. In our newsroom, it’s our assignment editor and the managing editor. They receive hundreds of requests each day. If you’ve emailed and touched base by phone – you’ve covered all the bases. We appreciate it when people give us a little room and refrain from repeated calls and emails.
Now a couple questions for you: What are your thoughts on Angela’s responses? Are you pitching WCCB now? Will you be doing anything differently after reading this Q&A? We’d love to hear from you!
Blog
I recently joined the board of directors for the Charlotte American Marketing Association, so I wanted to invite you to marketCHARLOTTE 2014.
Jessica Cobbs, professor and Global Brand Director at UPS and Jeffrey Rohrs, author and VP of Marketing insights at ExactTarget will share their thoughts on the evolution of marketing and how to digitally engage with your audience.
The first 50 registrants will receive Jeffrey’s new book: Audience: Marketing in the Age of Subscribers, Fans and Followers as well as an exclusive pre-event VIP reception with our speakers.
Let me know if you attend and you’re more than welcome to sit at the Pivot PR table. Early bird pricing ends April 1st, purchase your tickets today!
Blog
I hope you’re doing well! Continuing our discussion of the latest trends and tactics in PR, I wanted to get your take on media lists. While speaking with others I noticed that many don’t have contact information for local, regional and national outlets that are interested in covering their news. The fact is that the media landscape is changing quickly, so if you don’t have the relationships or you’re not subscribing to a media database, it’s hard to keep track.
Do you have a media list? Is it up-to-date? I’d love to hear your take on this matter, and if you’d like to schedule an appointment with me to help you create your own customized list of journalists, reporters and bloggers please click on the “Create Media List” button below.
Blog
I want to take this opportunity to talk about the basics of PR. I understand, you want positive coverage in a national media outlet, win a prestigious award and to be the keynote speaker at the biggest event of the year. All good things, but have you done everything you need to do to put yourself in a position to succeed?
Here are the 5 necessities to your PR toolbox:
- Executive bios and headshots
- Company mission statement, description and history
- Quality photos and video
- Press releases, whitepapers, case studies, testimonials
- Presentable website, active social media channels and blog
This is not going above and beyond, but only the foundation to a simple media kit and PR strategy. You see, if you do not have these things you risk losing credibility and make it difficult for media to work with you. I challenge you to take an honest look at your corporation and see if you have your bases covered. Then and only then can you execute a successful PR plan.
Blog
PIVOT PR LAUNCHES IN CHARLOTTE, NC
A STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY
CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 25, 2013- President & CEO, Drew Porcello has launched Pivot PR, a full-service public relations agency located in Charlotte, NC. With nearly a decade of industry experience, Porcello and his staff will take a consultative approach to help client’s effectively communicate their message in order to meet business objectives.
Pivot PR will focus primarily on small and mid-size business that need assistance in crafting and executing a strategic marketing plan. Services include strategic planning, media relations, social media, content creation (video, whitepapers, cases studies, articles, testimonial’s), crisis planning, graphic design, event promotion, brand reputation, awards, speaking opportunities, email marketing, website and mobile app development.
“Today’s marketing demands are greater now than they’ve ever been. We understand our client’s needs and help them better communicate their message, this is why I created Pivot PR,” said Drew Porcello.
“We’d also like to be a resource to the c-suite and marketing professionals of Charlotte, keeping them up-to-date on the latest PR tactics, trends, and ever-changing media landscape.”
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT:
Blog- https://pivot-pr.com
LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/company/pivotpr
Twitter- http://twitter.com/pivot_pr
ABOUT PIVOT PR:
Pivot PR (https://pivot-pr.com), is a full-service strategic public relations agency located in Charlotte, NC. Focusing on marketing and communication services, Pivot understands the business needs of their clients and creates and implements quantifiable strategic marketing solutions.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Drew Porcello
(704) 774-9271
[email protected]
Blog
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss media interviews. Of course you’re excited when you receive an inquiry, but before you commit make sure you understand what exactly it is you’re getting yourself into. Remember, not every interview is created equally, so here’s 5 questions you may want to consider asking.
1. Can you tell me more about your publication/station/blog? Make sure you not only understand the culture of the media outlet they represent, but confirm who will actually be interviewing you. Often times in radio or TV an off-air producer will do the scheduling, while the on-air talent is who you need to be prepared for.
2. What’s your angle on this story? Depending on their angle of the story and how they intend on using you as an expert, you can determine if it’s a good fit for you. For example, if you represent an educational institution and they’re discussing astronomical tuition fees, maybe it’s not something you’d like to be associated with.
3. Who else are you interviewing? It’s important to know who you’ll be compared or associated with for your interview. If an opposing voice is going to shed a negative sentiment upon you, it may not be worth the opportunity.
4. What’s the format? For broadcast you’ll want to know if the interview is live, live-to-tape or edited, and if the location is remote, on-site or just using sound bites. Print will give you an idea if they’re looking for a few quick quotes or a more in depth look into you or your business.
5. What else can I provide? If you can supply a video, photo, infographic, press release, etc. you may be able to control more of the narrative.
