Archive for October, 2009

30.10.2009

Traditional radio sticks it to new technologies.. latest figures should make PRs and advertisers sit up and listen

Radio Day at TNR Communications

Radio Day at TNR Communications

It’s official – Radio is still one of the best ways to reach your potential audience. With the radio industry’s quarterly figures showing listening is up year on year, the medium has shown itself robust in the recession.

Rajar report

It’s had a tough old time though – it seems like every 5 seconds someone is warning of the death of the wireless – but the truth is that radio has managed to turn the internet, podcasting and digital broadcasting to its advantage.

The latest scaremongering about Spotify will likely also prove groundless. While Spotify might well give itunes a run for its money, commercial radio is unlikely to suffer as the ease of flicking a switch on the wireless to your favourite station is attractive to those of us out there who can’t be bothered to create endless playlists of the music we like.

Music aficionados will be attracted to Spotify because they know what they are looking for, but people like me, who can’t remember the name of a group for love or money, prefer to leave that to someone else. And Spotify isn’t trying to steal a march on BBC radio, which of course is mainly talk led.

In the fast-changing digital world, many media are being forced to diversify at a rapid rate. But bucking that trend is BBC Radio 4. It’s shown resilience to an attack from the digital media by sticking to what it’s always done. It has attracted a whopping 750,000 new listeners in just a year. And it’s pulled in new punters too – a younger, and more female audience than before.

The latest figures reveal UK radio listening as a whole remains high, attracting 45.7m adults each week – 89.2% of the 15+ UK population. But with programming budgets still under pressure, free, quality content is ever more desirable.

PR consultancies should capitalise on this by getting to grips with the opportunities this presents.

Post by Sophie Davidson (Producer for TNR Communications)

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Posted in Broadcast PR, PR, Radio | 1 Comment »

26.10.2009

CNN leads the way with more integrated multimedia website

 With CNN launching it’s new website with a focus on better integrated video and photography, it highlights the importance of considering a multimedia approach for all new stories.

Brian Stelter of The Washington Post said last week:

“The Web site, which will come online Monday, aims to highlight CNN.com’s original content. The red-hued home page will place breaking news and headlines to the left side, and add a feature section in the centre. It will often include a video player front and centre, reflecting the growing popularity of online video. “

“With 38 million unique visitors a month, CNN.com exists within the top tier of news Web sites, making any redesign particularly influential.”

 As someone who not only works in a news agency but also works in communications, I get my news through many channels through out the day:

  • Getting ready for work:       Radio – BBC Radio 4
  • Commuting to work:            Print – The Independent newspaper
  • At work:                               Online – Press Association newswire (Mediapoint) / RSS            feeds /Twitter /industry newsletters /e-mail alerts
  • Commuting home:                Print – Free Paper
  • Winding down:                       TV – BBC Newsnight, ITV 10 o’clock news

Wow, just writing that list shows how much news I personally consume in any given day and all the different channels I use to get it. I am sure that most people  would find that if they did the same list, they also would be consuming their news through a variety of platforms.

 Of course,  not all media avenues will be relevant or possible for each campaign as budgets and content are of course varied but starting off by thinking about a multimedia approach to any campaign can be key to getting the most coverage and therefore the biggest impact for yours or your client’s message.

 

Post by Suzy Richards (Head of Marketing at TNR Communications)

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Posted in Broadcast PR, Online, PR, TV, Video | No Comments »

23.10.2009

The BNP on Question Time – protests, political panto and the power of the media

Nick Griffin’s appearance on BBC’s Question Time has been the hottest headline in the British media this week, culminating in a mass protest outside Television Centre before the show.

The controversy has raised serious questions about the power of the media and its place – or not – in politics.

By allowing Griffin airtime, is the BBC giving legitimacy to a far-right political party that supports racial views that many Brits find disturbing?

On the other hand, Britain – and therefore its press – upholds the value of freedom of speech. Is stifling that speech wrong in itself, especially when the BBC has a moral duty to be impartial? After all, Mr Griffin’s party did win two seats in the European Parliamentary elections in June.

Or maybe it is as simple as the BBC trying to rocket its ratings. If so, job done. It pulled in 8 million viewers – three times more than normal.

Nick Griffin certainly got a grilling from Question Time’s audience. One man said the public could have a whip-round to send him to the South Pole. He added, “It’s a colourless landscape, it’ll suit you fine.”

Griffin seemed slightly shaken by this comment, but was mostly amused by others, including accusations he associated with the Ku Klux Klan and has denied the Holocaust.

Stripped of his normal PR shield, some argue his comments confirm he is a political pariah. He has said himself he is most hated man in Britain this week. But what he said is almost irrelevant.

His fellow panellists – including Labour’s Jack Straw and Tory Sayeeda Warsi – seemed like extras in a political pantomime revolving around one protagonist.

Griffin has now been given the national media exposure he has been craving. After all, there is no such thing as bad publicity. Loathed or liked, everyone is talking about him.

Post by Tessa Parry-Wingfield (Producer at TNR Communications)

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Posted in PR, TV | 1 Comment »

19.10.2009

Why not to fear Media Interviews!

As a busy media training course director, the most important thing I find to get across to our delegates is the fact that a media interview is not something to be frightened of. It is an opportunity for you to speak to a broad audience about your messages.

Media Training by TNR Communications at the Press Association

Media Training by TNR Communications at the Press Association

Click here to see The Guardian’s hilarious take on Media Training.

Whether you have been asked to respond to a reactive situation or you have managed to get an interview off the back of stellar PR work from the press team, you have a fantastic opportunity to tell people what you think they need to hear.

How much money would a 3 minute radio ad cost during an LBC breakfast programme, or a 30 second ad on Sky News? How many people would be involved in preparing those and how much time would be spent ensuring that it was completely right for that audience at that time?

Now, not everyone has that time to put into every interview they do, but preparation is key to making sure that no matter what comes your way in terms of questions, you will always be able to stay in control of the interview and get across what you wanted to say.

Each media opportunity should be approached differently, for example, the Evening Standard paper in London is going to have a very different audience and readership to the Daily Mail and the Today Programme will require a different preparation to an interview on a regional BBC midmorning phone-in show. Research and an understanding of what you will be appearing on/in is essential in getting the right tone for the interview.

How many times have you listened to politicians being interviewed and wanted to throw your shoe at the radio/tv because they are not answering the question! Gordon Brown’s latest tangle with Sky’s Adam Boulton is a classic example of how a media interview can go wrong if you do not stay in control or acknowledge the question being asked.

Click here to watch interview.

We will see what the damage will be from that interview, and the subsequent one for the BBC, but it shows that no matter how experienced you are, you can never let your guard down in front of the camera!

Post by Suzy Richards (Head of  Training for TNR Communications)

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Posted in Broadcast PR, Media Training, PR, PR Training | No Comments »

09.10.2009

PR Week hits the nail on the head in terms of Social Media

PR Week has hit the nail on the head, again. Turn to page 20 of this week’s copy and read for yourself how digital communications is by no means a flash in the pan!

The report from Cathy Wallace, highlights the findings from the PR Week’s Digital Survey which was conducted amongst PR and comms teams. It asked comms professionals to back up their claims and prove their digital credentials. The survey revealed “how the PR industry views digital right now and where it might be going”. The findings were interesting to say the least, and as a communications consultancy incorporating digital media into campaigns more and more, we thoroughly enjoyed their findings.

Digital comms has really picked up pace and has everyone talking about it. PR Week has found 83% of clients request digital to form part of the PR activity. Which is unsurprising considering how the internet has officially overtaken word of mouth as ‘the most influential source of information when considering purchases’ (Weber Shandwick Inline Research 2009). So the end consumer, the client and the PR agency are all now embracing the world of video sharing sites, social media, blogging, twittering etc.

PR Week also reported last week that 30% of senior PRO’s already embracing online video and a massive 70% already seeing 2010 as the year where video will be the most important interactive channel.

We have certainly seen a large increase this year alone for requests for online video. PRO’s are beginning to see the added value to their campaigns of making the same footage, content and story available to online editorials as well as social media sites. One news story now needs to reach multiple media platforms simultaneously.

At TNR we regularly take the broadcast news footage we shoot (B-Roll) and edit it into a finished piece (A-Roll) for the online editorials; tweaking it for video sharing sites; and fine-tuning it for corporate websites. The same footage and ultimately the same message can now go beyond traditional media and reach the growing online and digital audiences.

That’s what I call bang for your buck!

A recent example of a very successful multimedia campaign was the launch of the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records last month. We knew that not only would this story capture the imagination of TV audiences and radio listeners, but the online news providers and editorial pages as well as social media, with their YouTube page.

From our experience, every PR campaign that comes our way needs to be thought of as a multi media campaign. Can it work in the traditional broadcast arena? Can we edit the footage for online editorials? Do we need a video only with stills? What about a podcast with the celebrity spokesperson?

Having a multi-view will produce a multi media campaign.

Post by Elizabeth Herridge (Project Manager at TNR Communications)

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Posted in Broadcast PR, Online, PR, Video | No Comments »

05.10.2009

Radio – Just a voice in the corner?

Radio Day by TNR Communications at the Press Association

Radio Day by TNR Communications at the Press Association

We all have a favourite DJ, a presenter we tend to agree with, a show we always tune in for, and likewise a program you’ll stay clear of at all costs.

Radio is more than just a distraction; it’s a personal choice, a preference and for some a daily ritual.

Every morning I wake up to my radio alarm clock; listen to the news and the ongoing witty banter that is the Chris Moyles breakfast show. This has been my morning routine for the past 3 years; however since joining TNR Communications I find myself curious as to what else is out there. What are other breakfast teams doing; what are they saying; who are they talking to; and what are they covering? I find myself switching between Radio 4’s The Today programme, my local BBC Three Counties station and then back to Radio 1 as I still can’t shrug the feeling that I’m somewhat cheating on Chris Moyles.

So why do we become so loyal, and personable with the radio. What is it that makes us tune in, listen and to some degree participate?

I think it’s the ease of radio; it’s never hard work to listen to discussions, jokes, music, as well as the more challenging debates, courtesy of the Victoria Derbyshire show. With endless station and program choices across the UK, from the very local breakfast radio shows, to national news-agenda setting programmes, every demographic is catered for. And as online streaming and digital radio has grown, more niche audiences are reached, such as BBC Asian Network, dedicated sports station Talksport and black music network 1Extra.

So the nationals, regional’s and independents…even hospital radio…are all providing unique content, interesting topics, old and new music alike – and its all produced with the audience in mind.

And this is where I become a true radio fan. Not content with just listening, I present an evening show at my local hospital. I love how the radio can be a complete distraction for the patients, to the point where they take part in phone-in’s, request songs and comment on the ‘weekly film round up’.

So as an advocate of radio, I truly think it is an excellent broadcast medium and in my opinion we have some of the greatest talent out there fronting the various programmes, shows and stations.

It should not be dismissed in any PR campaign brainstorm as it might just prove an excellent way of reaching your target audience, who are after all actively tuned in to their favourite shows!

 

By Elizabeth Herridge (Project Manager at TNR Communications)

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Posted in Broadcast PR, PR, Radio | 1 Comment »

02.10.2009

An Insight into 3 years at PA Photocall

National Lottery Love UK Campaign June 2007. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

National Lottery Love UK Campaign June 2007. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

On this day 3 years ago PA Hostpics was re-launched as PA Photocall and to celebrate this occasion I wanted to take at look at some of vast and varied projects we have been involved with…

I thought I might begin with perhaps PA Photocall’s most iconic image which was commissioned by The National Lottery for their Love UK campaign back in June 2007. English National Ballet’s Swan Lake ballerinas enjoyed a practice session on the Millennium Bridge as part of the new Love UK campaign to celebrate the £20 billion raised by Lottery players for good causes. English National Ballet and the Millennium Bridge had both benefitted from Lottery Funding.

Our seasoned PA Photocall photographer Geoff Caddick captured this beautiful image…

‘As a photographer I am obsessed with symmetry, this image just worked perfectly. You always envisage how you want the photograph to turn out but sometimes it doesn’t always happen that way, this image was everything I hoped it would be.’ Geoff Caddick

One image which highlights the importance of planning your photocall was this shot commissioned by BAA and British Airways to announce the opening of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.

BAA and British Airways announce Terminal 5 at Heathrow opening. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall March 2007

BAA and British Airways announce Terminal 5 at Heathrow opening. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall March 2007

The effectiveness of the image is that it gives the impression of a news picture from what is actually a PR set up. The photo was featured in several national newspapers including The Times, The Independent and The Evening Standard.

An image which is my personal favourite and a testament to not having to use branding in your picture to get your message across is that of ‘Ripley’s’ photocall with the worlds smallest road worthy car which we ran riot with in London’s Piccadilly Circus.

The world's smallest car, the Peel 50, which is soon to go on display at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum of oddities, in Piccadilly Circus, London. Carl Court/PA Photocall

The world's smallest car, the Peel 50, which is soon to go on display at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum of oddities, in Piccadilly Circus, London. Carl Court/PA Photocall

The Peel 50 was to be exhibited in ‘Ripley’s Believe it Not’ Museum in London and they wanted to capture a photograph to mark the occasion. PA Photocall photographer Carl Court followed the little car around as it unveiled to the public and caused quite a stir. The beauty of this image is the reactions of the people to the Peel 50 against the London back drop. The image not only got into the national papers and online but was also featured in the BBC programme ‘Have I Got News for you’.

As far as spectacular PR stunts go this year’s highlight was that of Eden TV’s launch back in January. A 16 foot high sculpture of an iceberg featuring a stranded female polar bear and her baby cub floated on the River Thames. The stunt was to mark the launch of Eden, a new digital TV channel devoted to natural history.

 

A 16 foot high sculpture of an iceberg featuring a stranded female polar bear and her baby cub on the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of Eden, a new digital TV channel devoted to natural history. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

A 16 foot high sculpture of an iceberg featuring a stranded female polar bear and her baby cub on the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of Eden, a new digital TV channel devoted to natural history. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

After 3 years much has changed and will continue to do so but the ability to be creative, fun and varied will always stay true in the world of PR photography. No one day is the same and each job gives us a new challenge, to that end long may it continue.

Post by Penny Joyner (Marketing Executive for PA Photocall)

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Posted in PR Photography | 1 Comment »

02.10.2009

Happy 3rd Birthday PA Photocall

British cheese producer Peter Mitchell sits on top of a half tonne Mature Farmhouse Cheddar, which forms part of the World`s Largest Cheese Board record attempt in accordance with the Guiness Book of Records, Covent Garden Piazza, central London. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

British cheese producer Peter Mitchell sits on top of a half tonne Mature Farmhouse Cheddar, which forms part of the World`s Largest Cheese Board record attempt in accordance with the Guiness Book of Records, Covent Garden Piazza, central London. Geoff Caddick/PA Photocall

Although the history of the PA Photocall service goes back further under the guise of PA Hostpics and indeed PA Photos, this month sees the 3rd anniversary of the PA Photocall name.

PA Photocall

So along with blowing out birthday candles and wearing a big ‘I am 3′ badge we thought it was as good a reason as any to have a look back over the last three years & what we’ve been doing.

Three years might not seem a long time, but since our relaunch as PA Photocall in Oct 2006, there’s been some big changes in press & PR.

We’ve seen the londonpaper come, and go, a complete redevelopment of the the concept and content of newspaper websites, an industry shaking recession and the explosion of social media – Facebook in it’s modern form is only about a week older than us, while twitter was still known as ‘twtrr’ and had about as many users as vowels..

But however the industry has changed, photos remain important. Video & moving image has become more accessible and that’s something we’ll be doing more of next year. But great photos retain the ability to cut through complex information and campaigns, and convey stories in a way people intuitively respond to.

Our first PA Photocall commission was to photograph a giant cheese board. However random that might seem, I look at that shot 3 years later & it still stands up; bright, simple, quirky, fun. Any new PR shot that does the same will always have a good chance of succeeding.

Is it harder to get PR pictures into the newspapers now than it was 3 years ago? Yes and no. There’s more pictures around now than ever before & technology makes them easier and quicker to take & distribute. As a result the papers have become more demanding, a celebrity just standing there in a branded t-shirt isn’t going to do it anymore. But good launches, stunts, events and news, where the picture has been an integral part of the activity rather than just tacked on at the end are still in demand. In an age where papers are employing less & less staff photographers, PR photos are important again.

Looking through the files I also see later that first PA Photocall week in October 2006 we also photographed the Sugababes. Three years on the Sugababes have just announced another line up change, yet in a strange way remain exactly the same. There’s something similar with good PR photography. To a certain extent the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Sugababes smile backstage at the Girlguiding UK Big Gig, an exclusive concert for Girlguiding UK members at Wembley Arena, London. Rebecca Reid/PA Photocall

The Sugababes smile backstage at the Girlguiding UK Big Gig, an exclusive concert for Girlguiding UK members at Wembley Arena, London. Rebecca Reid/PA Photocall

However they’re taken or however they’re distributed, or however they’re seen, at the end of the day the quality of the pictures & the ideas behind them are still the most important thing. Here’s to the next 3 years!

 

Post by Tim Kerr (Director & Picture Editor of PA Photocall)

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Posted in PR Photography | 2 Comments »