Tower PR, Publicity and Media Relations

Be Safe

agorton — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:00:24 +0000

As uncontrolled wildfires rage out of control in Southern California, I am very glad that I live in the “flats” with no canyons around or brush to burn. And my hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, or are in harms way.

However…if you are issued a mandatory evacuation order, and you refuse to leave your home, you take your life in your hands. Don’t expect to be rescued when the fire comes to close and threatens you. It’s so sad that firefighters need to risk (or lose) their own lives for these stupid selfish people.

If you ignore the warnings, you should be on your own.

A Change in Direction

agorton — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:07:38 +0000

OK, I haven’t written in this blog in forever…I’m changing directions. The blog will now be my musings (informed and uninformed) on goings-on in the world.

So, here’s the first one.

John Edwards - WTF. First the man cheats on his wife. I won’t even get started on how politicians are such ego-maniacs that they think they can get away with it. But now, with a wife who is dying of cancer, he is moving his mistress and illegitimate child (who he previously denied fathering) close to his home in North Carolina (or is it South Carolina?).

Great - take responsibility for your actions. But, do not add insult to injury. Your wife deserves better than this.

Summer Doldrums

agorton — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:44:24 +0000

Does it ever seem to you that everyone is on vacation for the month of August. This becomes more clear as we send out email pitches and make follow up phone calls and get out of office replies. So, take note and remember that unless you have breaking news, you are less likely to get coverage in the summertime. Save those pitches til school is back in session!

Take Advantage of Holidays

agorton — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:36:14 +0000

Well, the 4th of July is upon us tomorrow, and it’s obvious that people have already left town. This goes for newsrooms too - which are often on a skeleton crew for holidays. But, holiday or not - newspapers, television and radio still need news. So, if you have your own news - it might be a good time to broadcast it. Send a tape or photos to outlets, and since they don’t necessarily have their own crews or photographers available - they just might run it.

Do-It-Yourself

agorton — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:43:50 +0000

If you can’t afford to price of a media campaign, consider outreaching to the press yourself, with professional materials (press releases, pitch letters) and a media list. A lot of small agencies will help you with this for a significantly reduced fee. Plus, you’ll get experience first hand in publicizing your product!

Billing

agorton — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:15:23 +0000

One of the less pleasant things about being an agency is billing. Somehow, money is a taboo subject to discuss. But, it’s important to get a signed contract or letter of agreement before you start working for a client. This can save you heartache later on. This is your livelihood, so don’t sweep payment under the rug. Get what was agreed upon and what is fair!

Embrace Them All

agorton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:55:28 +0000

The way we get news has really changed since I started doing publicity nearly 20 years ago (yikes). While the traditional means of getting news - television, newspapers and radio have not gone away, the internet has really revolutionized the industry. Literally anyone can start their own media outlet. It’s hard sometimes to tell the difference between websites that are major media outlets (or at least well-read) and those that aren’t. But, in most cases, I like to embrace all sites. You never know what site will grow and become important, and they won’t forget that you were gracious when they were small.

Stick With It

agorton — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:30:27 +0000

It’s been over 4 years now since I left the corporate world and ventured out on my own. Sure, there have been plenty of ups and downs - and there have been periods that have been slower than I liked. But last week, a recruiter got in touch with me and asked “what would it take to get you back into full-time employment,” my answer was “A lot of money.” The flexibility of working for myself cannot be beat. Plus, you no longer have to work for people who may not know what they are doing. Going out on my own was the best thing I ever did - I highly recommend it.

Don’t Give Up

agorton — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:18:30 +0000

With shrinking staffs at newspapers and television news, it’s not always so easy to get your client in the news. You always to be thinking of new and different ways to get the word out - whether it be by social networking (My Space, You Tube, etc.) or making your client part of another story (think holidays - Christmas, Mother’s Day, Back to School, etc.). Don’t give up!

Chocolate Cake!

agorton — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:56:44 +0000

Instead of giving PR advice today, I’m sharing a fabulous, easy recipe for Flourless Chocolate Cake that I originally found in Bon Appetit magazine. Enjoy!

Flourless Chocolate Cake 1 cup (2 sticks) butter8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips1 ¼ cups sugar1 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder6 large eggs. Preheat oven to 350. Butter 10-inch-diameter springform pan (I don’t have a springform pan, a cake tin works too). Line bottom with waxed paper.Stir butter and chocolate in heavy large saucepan over low heat until melted. Mix sugar and cocoa in large bowl. Add eggs; whisk until blended. Whisk in chocolate-butter mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan or on rack. Run knife along sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides.