With the ever changing media environment, it is important to have a strong understanding of the key players and trends. Prior to the PR News’ Media Relations Next Practices Forum on June 17, 2010, John Deveney, president of Deveney Communication, interviewed with PR News offering the following tips in optimizing media relations:

• Blogging:
  • Bloggers are unique, and many of do not want to be treated as “journalists.” Executing specific programs to capitalize on what bloggers have to offer can create long lasting and significant dividends.
• Press Releases:
  • Video, images and graphics allow for viral distribution and work great for social media. However, a “traditional” release can carry greater content. Use a mixture of both techniques for a stronger and more versatile outreach. 
• Citizen Journalists:
  • Consumer generated content and “citizen journalists” are continuing to expand. Watch the social implications and impact these journalists have, and how businesses can manage this expansion.
• Social Media:
  • Make sure there is quick response to challenges and opportunities that social media brings to the public relations profession. Society is ever-changing, and our profession needs to manage these changes.  

Jessica Nelson

Account Coordinator

Paramount Public Relations, Inc

345 N. Canal | Suite C202

Chicago, Illinois 60606

312-544-4190

jnelson@paramountpr.com

Don’t miss Baskin Robbins’ 4^th Annual 31 Cent Scoop Night on Wednesday, April 28^th from 5-10 PM. Grab scoops of your favorite Baskin Robbins flavors, including the new flavors of 2010, for just 31 cents a scoop at all Chicagoland Baskin Robbins! Local fire houses will be present at many locations to interact with the community, scoop ice cream and collect donations. Children can enjoy fire trucks and visiting with the firemen while parents enjoy getting treats for the whole family for just 31 cents, and donating to a good cause. On a national level, Baskin Robbins will be donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Fund.

Make sure to be a part of this community-favorite event!

For locations, visit http://www.BaskinRobbins.com and don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook! http://www.Facebook.com/BaskinRobbins

Here is a great assessment of Toyota’s recent media crisis from industry expert Andy Gilman, president and owner of CommCore Consulting Group. Andy worked on the Tylenol crisis years back and has great industry insight and experience.

Assessing Mr. Toyoda’s Role Through the Ongoing Recall Crisis at Toyota

George Washington University in partnership with Cision recently published a study highlighting how editors/journalists use and value public relations assistance, media  databases, and other traditional and online resources for research, story ideas, and other purposes. Statistical analysis of the data (collected in November and December of 2008) showed some interesting results.  

One prominent topic in the study was editors’/journalists’ preferences when receiving information from public relations professionals. Below are some of the findings from the study on this topic.

• For identifying or developing story ideas, websites are most important to editors/journalists, followed by submissions from PR professionals.
• Submissions from PR professionals are used by more than 94% editors/journalists
• Over half of the editors/journalists responding wanted to receive unsolicited  e-mail pitches from communications professionals as simple text only.
• Being more relevant to their beat/area of interest and being less promotional struck the strongest chords with editors/journalists.
• Editors/journalists also expressed the following specific preferences when receiving correspondence from PR professionals:
  • Press release email sent to a bunch of reporters is more likely to be ignored. The offer of exclusivity, however minor, would pique anyone’s interest.
  • Follow AP style and avoid unqualified superlatives. Be concise and get to the point quickly. Be more personal; know about the publications you are pitching to.
  • Have clear subject lines, no attachments, signature with contact information and no follow up phone calls.

With few exceptions editors/journalists agreed that e-mail pitches should be more relevant to their beat/area of interest, less promotional, should state benefits for their audiences, have stronger story ideas, cover the 5 Ws in leads, be better written and have less boilerplate.

 Read more here http://us.cision.com/journalist_survey/ and happy pitching!

Meredith Hutchings

Paramount Public Relations is proud to announce our Founder and President Jessica Prah will be honored at the upcoming Maven DIVA SERIES, along with other influential and successful women in Business, PR, Media, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Lifestyle and more.  Please join us!

Thursday, February 4, 2010 | Jbar | 610 North Rush | 6-9pm

Join us as we honor the MEDIA MAVEN Divas! You know these women – they are at the heart of publicity and entertainment! Lights, camera, action!

di·va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

Small bites and cocktail specials

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Divas aka MEDIA MAVENS:

Ladies of Today’s Chicago Woman – TCW – Cassandra Gaddo, Lauren Rafferty, Rebecca Michuda and Katie Schroeder
Kyra Kyles – Tribune RedEye columnist, reporter, and WGN-TV pop culture contributor. Blogger for the Kyles Files (RedEye)
Michelle Molise – Founder of Molise PR – www.michellemolise.com
Adrienne Eckert – President of Skirt PR
Jen Knoedl – Founder of JenChicago.com
Melissa Maynard – Editor and Chief of Factio Magazine (www.factio-magazine) and Runway to Retail www.runwaytoretail.com
Liz Crokin and Boots Girls – Sydney Park and Nichole Berry – from TheseBootsAreMadeForStalking.com and RedEye columnist
Amy Dorris-Hulth – President of Two Muses Media & Entertainment
Stephanie Krol – Owner of Stephanie Krol Public Relations (SKPR)
Tsitsiki Felix – Emmy Award Winning Solo Anchor for Telemundo Chicago
Jessica Prah – President and Founder of Paramount PR www.paramountpr.com

Lisette Calderon – CEO and PR Director of Connoisseur PR Group
Hilary Rawk – Partner / Director of Marketing for Broke Hipster
Lindsay Hays – Founder and President of Grace PR
Cindy Kurman – President of Kurman Communications, Inc.
Jen Patterson – On-Air-Personality with Comcast’s Game Time Dine, and RedEye 5 on 5 every Wednesday, Comcast SportsNet – Production/On-Air
Danielle Fornarell – Fashion Editor of Image Magazine
Katie Piccirillo – Editor of Chicago Scene
Amalie Drury – Editor of Chicago Social and Nightlife Contributor for Chicago Magazine
Marissa Conrad – Associate Editor for Chicago Social
Rachel Rabbit White – Editor of TheChiGuide.com, social media marketing for YouSwoop.com, contributor for sex-relationship publication Sexis & blogger @ www.rabbitwrite.com
Noelle Provencial, Eryn Farba and Lacey Brenly from Poor Little Rich Girls –www.poorlittlerichgirls.com
Irene Michaels – Founder of I On The Scene – www.ionthescene.com – online celebrity and social webzine
Sandria Washington – Founder of Writeous Media
Lindsay Wilbeck – Account Executive for Clear Channel Outdoor.

Paramount Public Relations, Inc. would like to wish you and your families a wonderful new year.  We can’t deny it has been a memorable year, so here are our team’s 10 most unforgettable media stories of 2009.

1. THE ECONOMY – Unfortunately for all of our sakes, the American economy seems fitting as the number one news story of 2009. The recession seemed to the backdrop of almost all news and discussion but we all have high hopes for a rebound in 2010.

2. OPRAH SAYS GOODBYE – Oprah announced that her talk show will be ending in September 2011. In the PR world, this is HUGE news. Arguably the most famous talk show host in America, Oprah has certainly left her mark on Chicago, the nation and the world. Whether Oprah’s goodbye is a PR stunt or for real, Chicagoans will just be happy to know they won’t be seeing Michigan Ave. closed down for a while!

3. THE KING OF POP DIES – Michael Jackson passed away on Thursday June 25, sending the world into shock and despair. Jackson will always be one of America’s favorite icons as well as one of the best selling artists in history. May he rest in peace. He will not be forgotten.

4. OBAMA – Americans welcomed President Obama into office when he gave his inauguration speech on January 20. America and Obama himself were shocked when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Price in October. All eyes and ears were on Obama again when he announced the healthcare reform bill. Only time will tell if Obama can meet American’s hopes of turning this country around.

5. SWINE FLU – The H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu, sent Americans into a fearful frenzy, with over 4,000 deaths from the virus recorded in the latest stats. The topic dominated health news including controversies over the vaccine.  We hope the story diminishes for all our health!

6.MOST POPULAR WORD OF 2009 – Social Media conquered all in 2009, when twitter was announced The Global Language Monitor word of the year. Beating out words like “Obama” and “H1N1”, the power of the tweet can not be argued.

7. OLYMPIC BID – “Back the bid! Back the bid!” High spirited Chicago natives were heard shouting this the morning of October 2^nd only to find out that Chicago was eliminated in round one for the Summer 2016 Olympic Bid. Approximately $50 million was spent on the campaign and Chicago didn’t even make it to round 2! What a bummer!

8. TIGER WOODS” GOLF’S GOLDEN BOY GETS CAUGHT- How could Tiger think that having numerous mistresses wouldn’t come haunt him? Tiger Woods will end 2009 with an embarrassing bang, going from hero to zero.

9. JOHN AND KATE DIVORCE - TLC’s show John and Kate Plus 8 was a huge hit, giving insight into the lives of loving parents who happened to have six sextuplets and twins. During Season 5 the Gosselin’s announced their divorce, leaving fans devastated to see their favorite family falling into another divorce statistic. Now with the huge media blitz and all of the scandals between the two the only question left is… Team John or Team Kate?

10.  BERNIE MADOFF – Ponzi crook Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for defrauding investors of $65 billion, the largest swindle of money in American history and an extremely audacious move to make in the middle of a recession. We think he got what he deserved—a life in prison.

Best wishes and continued success in 2010.

Paramount Public Relations, Inc.

345 N Canal St., Ste C202

Chicago, IL 60606

312-544-4190

www.paramountpr.com

Follow us on Twitter: Paramount PR

Follow us on Facebook: Paramount PR

Fall is here and winter is well on its way but with so much exciting stuff going on there’s no reason to hibernate. Check out some great happenings from PPR clients:

S Factor, the original women’s fitness movement that combines Pilates, yoga, ballet and pole dance, is hosting an event exclusively for women who have been touched by breast cancer at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 15. RSVP for a free intro class tailored specifically to honor your journey. For more information go to www.Sfactor.com or RSVP by calling 312.492.7596.

Join Friends of St. Jude for the 9th annual Under the Harvest Moon: Casino Royale on Friday, October 23 at Galleria Marchetti benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, a chocolate fondue bar, premium open bar, and a silent auction. High Roller Guests will enjoy access to the FRESH FM Lounge, a private bar, High Roller Casino, and $50 in chips. For more information go to, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=744819886&ref=ts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

The Tie Bar, an online retailer of 100% hand-woven silk ties that cost just $15, is offering a free pink herringbone tie with any $75 purchase. Simply enter “Pink Tie” into the coupon code at checkout. Go to www.TheTieBar.com.

PlatinumTel, a nationwide prepaid wireless provider, will be donating $5 from each pink sanyo Katana (6600) or Sanyo 3100 phone to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength to help provide immediate relief to anyone who is touched by breast cancer. Their mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. For more information visit www.PlatinumTel.com.

Chicago artist Dorian Allworthy’s “The Objects of Our Journey” be on display through October 15 at 4223 N Lincoln Ave. Come enjoy the evolution of over 30 years of painting. For more information go to www.DorianAllworthy.com.

Get a FREE hair cut for a cause at the Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa when you donate to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program October 26^th-31^st.  Hair donations will help women who are battling cancer by giving them a free real-hair wig and supporting their confidence as they undergo treatment.  Visit www.JohnathanBreitung.com and www.beautifullengths.com for more information.

Paramount PR client the 13^th Annual Chicago Half Marathon (taking place this Sunday, September 13) polled over 1,000 runners to see what they like to get down to while they run and the results are in! The 2009 Chicago Runners’ Playlist shows that Chicagoans are totally crazy over the Black Eyed Peas but still love to jam to the classics like the Rolling Stones.

The Top 13 (one for each mile of the Chicago Half Marathon) Chicago Runners’ Playlist is:

 1. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)

2. Let’s Get It Started (Black Eyed Peas)

3. I Got a Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

4. Boom Boom Pow (Black Eyes Peas)

5. Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme Song)

6. Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen)

7. Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones)

8. Let It Rock (Kevin Rudolf)

9. Thunderstruck (AC/DC)

10. Poker Face (Lady Gaga)

11. Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

12. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)

13. Move Along (All American Rejects)

 The playlist is officially available for sale on iTunes here, http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=331034458.

The Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) just released a cell phone report showing that 73% of cell phone users could save $300 or more a year (www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org). CUB suggested prepaid plans as an alternative to overpaying for wireless.  PlatinumTel today announced a unique new $50 unlimited wireless plan, available immediately, designed for consumers who don’t want to overpay for wireless or be bound by multi-year contracts. PlatinumTel, a nationwide pay-as-you-go provider that operates on an all-digital 3G Network that reaches 280 million people, offers simple yet competitive prepaid products with the goal of making wireless available for everyone. The new PlatinumTel Unlimited Plan offers unlimited nationwide talk, text, free long-distance and 100 megabytes of 3G web service.

 Big name wireless carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile provide unlimited talk plans that in most cases cost double of what PlatinumTel offers. Those same plans many times contain additional fees and do not include web service. Other prepaid service providers like Cricket offer unlimited talk and text for $39 – $45 but don’t include nationwide roaming. PlatinumTel customers are provided load options which allow them to ‘top-up’ their unlimited accounts by adding $10 at a time.

 PRE-PAID CELL PHONE MONTHLY PRICE COMPARISON

 According to Omar Abhari, SVP of operations from PlatinumTel, “Having access to a full-featured, pay-as-you-go wireless plan is critical to millions of people who don’t want or can’t afford annual wireless contracts that ask users to pay month-to-month. Thus, prepaid has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the wireless market, where most people who want a cell phone now have one. Our new Unlimited Plan provides even greater flexibility for our customers at a price that can’t be beat.”

PlatinumTel offers subscribers the following:

• FLEXIBILITY – A dedication to delivering wireless services and choices designed for each subscriber’s specific needs.
• COST-EFFECTIVE – Prepaid cell phones and plans that are competitive, reasonable and accessible, particularly for customers looking to reduce expenses during the economic downturn or who may not have had access to wireless service in the past.
• PAY IN INCREMENTS – Unlike other prepaid carriers offering unlimited services, PlatinumTel also offers Dot10, a simple, no frills, pay-as-you-go plan that allows users to buy time/minutes only as needed. It’s ideal for those who do not want ongoing cell service or to budget a certain amount a month for cell service. Such users have the option of purchasing 1500 minutes for the whole year for $100 or paying a minimum of $10 for two months of service. 
• NO CONTRACTS – Products and services that are easy to understand and never require subscribers to enter into a multi-year service contract or ask them to pay more than what they need or can afford.
• CONTROL – The tools to control their accounts in a simple and convenient way, ensuring they are always in charge.
• NO DEPOSITS OR CREDIT CHECKS – Simplified billing with no deposits, termination fees, credit checks, monthly bills or hidden fees.

For more information on PlatinumTel and the new $50 Unlimited Plan, please visit www.PlatinumTel.com.

Twitter is taking over; it’s more than just a passing fad. We know this by now. You might even be tired of hearing about it. But that doesn’t change the fact that communicators and PR pros should stay on the lookout for new, effective ways to use the service. Here’s a good example of an emerging Twitter trend from the June 2009 edition of the BurrellesLuce newsletter http://www.burrellesluce.com/newsletter/

Enjoy, and don’t forget to follow @paramountpr!

Twitterview: 5 Tips for Success

With Twitter’s mainstream acceptance in the world of business, many public relations professionals seek to use the service in a way that positively impacts their brand, products, and professional network.

As with other forms of social media, it’s no longer enough to simply state “what you are doing” or to only “follow” or “retweet” someone who shares similar interests. Rather, the focus has shifted to creating meaningful content on which to form strong ties.

It all boils down to developing a solid community. And PR folks, as well as other social media users, are finding Twitterviews effective tools in their community-building efforts.

Twitterviews: PR in 140 Characters
Interviews on Twitter have gained in popularity these last few months, due in no small part to the increasing use of social media by public officials. However, journalists have been using Twitterviews for quite some time, such as when they conduct celebrity interviews. And PR professionals have followed suit. There’s even a whole website devoted to this form of online interview: www.twitterviews.net

So what explains the growth of the Twitterview? The primary reason is that a Twitterview is conducted in real-time, which allows for active participation from the audience.

Whether you are the PR pro who is hosting the chat or the person helping your client organize and prep for one, how do you help ensure a successful Twitterview?

Five tips to get you started

1. Make certain that a Twitterview matches your communication goals. Not all subjects or newsmakers are conducive for discussion on social media. Depending on your goals, it might just be better to do an in-person interview. For instance, if you or your client is being interviewed about a product recall, or speaking about changes in policies, a face-to-face interview could be the most effective way to convey your messages.
2. Arrange to speak with the person beforehand. Whether you are the interviewer or the interviewee, you’ll want to agree on the topic, a date and time to hold the Twitterview, the platform, etc. This will help improve overall communication flow the day of the event and make for a more enjoyable Twitterview experience.
3. Be prepared with “text bites.” Knowing the topic beforehand not only helps eliminate the chance of miscommunication, it gives you the opportunity to prepare strong text bites and short URLS to link to source material and examples. Remember: tweets are limited to 140 characters. When a question or response runs over, use the ellipsis (…) to indicate there is more to follow. Otherwise, the interviewer/interviewee might move on to the next question or respond before you’ve had a chance to finish your thought.
4. Encourage people to follow and participate in the live interview. Social media is designed to engage your audience and foster a sense of community. You may want to reserve a #hashtag (a way of tagging similar tweets on Twitter by following the # symbol with a short word of your choice) so your audience can follow the interview in real-time, and also see all the other tweets pertaining to the event. So, for instance, if a journalist were going to interview your CEO, you might create a #hashtag that reads #ceointerview and then promote it when you announce the event. (To set up a hashtag, please visit hashtags.org )
5. Publicize your Twitterview via social and traditional media. Tweet about the interview in advance, write about it on your blog, mention it on LinkedIn, or create an email blast to invite participants. In short, use your full array of PR skills to build an audience for the event.