Hoosier PRSA Blog

We've moved!

We are proud to announce that we've launched a new website! And with that, comes a fully integrated blog. If you'd like to learn more about the Hoosier Chapter of PRSA, you can find us at prsahoosier.org.

Thanks for visiting!

 

James Burnes and Social Integration at the August Luncheon

"What are the top three goals of your CEO?"

Are your digital strategies helping accomplish these goals? James Burnes, Principal and Senior Strategist for Project Brilliant, asked these and many other tough questions to PR pros at the August 10 luncheon in the Sheraton's Panaorama room. Often in charge of social media initiaves, PR pros are especially key to keeping a company's social strategy on track - and thus, must be able to answer these questions.

To view James' presentation online, check out his website. In the video below James shares his top takeaways from Wednesday's presentation.

 

 

Chapter Updates from August 10 Luncheon

Luncheon Topic: Digital Strategy: Integrating the Tools

Sponsor: MediaTile

Speaker: James Burnes, CEO of Mobiltopia and Principal and Senior Digital Strategist for Project Brilliant

Announcements from the podium:

Upcoming Events:

• Social Media Bootcamp III – Saturday, August 13
• A half-day seminar from the Professional Development committee, hosted by University of Indianapolis. Registrants will choose two breakout sessions from four offered, with topics on social media case studies, measurement, gaming and SEO. Registration closes at 5pm Wednesday August 10. APRs: this professional development course counts toward maintenance credits!
• Meet the Media – Monday, September 12 from 3 to 5 pm at Indianapolis Monthly in the Emmis Communications building. More details to come.

Other Announcements:

• The Hoosier Chapter of PRSA will begin our reciprocal awards judging in late September or early October. If you have your APR or at least 5 years experience, please consider helping out as a judge. More info to follow soon, but it’s always a great way to get a few communications projects or programs ideas! And, APRs earn maintenance points for this, as well!
• MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth) is looking for volunteers to serve on their Marketing/Communications Committee. If interested, e-mail Stephanie Freeman at [email protected].
• We’re looking for volunteers! President-elect Bobbi Simmons is hard at work forming the officer and committee chair slate for 2012. If you are interested, please see Bobbi or e-mail her at [email protected].

How to Benefit your Career, your Network -- even your PR Savvy

Volunteer! Chair a PRSA Hoosier Chapter committee. Be a board member. Join a committee. Take on a one-time project as the chapter serves our community.

Based on my personal research, I can tell you it works. Call or email President Elect Bobbi Simmons, APR, to explore the volunteer options. Do it now, before the one you're interested in is gone.

[email protected]; 317-554-8585 direct office line

 

With Photojournalism in Flux, Opportunity is Open

Recently, four multimedia journalists sat down with a group of 25 PRSA members to discuss the new challenges journalists are facing.  As media staffs shrink and technology advancements become available, photojournalists and video journalists are reinventing their craft.

Fox 59’s Multimedia Journalist Vanessa McClure, Indianapolis Star Photographer Charlie Nye, Greenfield Daily Reporter Photographer Tom Russo and WRTV 6 Photographer Tom Triol all agreed that new technology has made their jobs easier, but it has also created some new challenges.

So how should public relations professionals adapt to helping the media? And should we when we have the ability to promote our organization on our own? Here are a few things I learned while moderating Meet the Media’s Photojournalism in Flux.

Equipment is smaller:

Lighter equipment allows Vanessa to go out on the field to capture video on her own – something that wouldn’t be possible 10 years ago. Vanessa is part of the new crop of video journalists who are not only capturing video, but also editing it on a laptop and reporting the story live on air.

Make it visual:

Tom Triol said the best news conferences are those that are visually appealing, usually at an interesting venue. If your organization is opening a new building, invite media to the build site. If this is not an option, at the very least a large backdrop promoting the organization is better than nothing. Vanessa added by saying that movement is also important; even if it is executives cutting a ribbon.

Vanessa also said that giving video journalists a video release is helpful, but Fox 59 will not put the video on the air. Instead, Vanessa uses the video to prepare for the story.

First shot may be the only shot:

Tom Russo has an advantage compared to his peers. Working at a mid-size paper gives Tom the flexibility to leave a news conference when he decides. While many journalists rush to an event to snap a few photos, they are not able to see what develops. Often photographers have to deal with the fact that time restraints can affect the quality of photos they take at an event.

Web galleries feature more photos:

According to Charlie Nye feature pieces are dwindling from the Star’s pages. Charlie said more and more often his photography can be found in web galleries on the Star’s website. The Star also accepts photos, which can be submitted by calling the photo desk at 444-6026.

Rachel Sorvig chairs the Hoosier Chapter’s Meet the Media committee. In her day job, Rachel is Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman’s deputy press secretary.