News from Kundell Communications

The Travel P.R. Report

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Issue 5

With this issue we've changed the look of The Travel P.R. Report to help make for easier reading. I don't know about you, but I go crazy when I receive an e-newsletter with too much content, too many articles. Being a busy multi-tasker, I simply don't have time to wade through all the headlines and news. That's why our goal is to keep The Travel PR Report brief and to the point.

We're living in a world where news travels faster than ever. Accordingly, we're presenting the first five of ten tips for effective crisis communications. You'll also find some inside intelligence from a senior director of NBC's "The Today Show," on what they're looking for when it comes to travel-related content.

In this issue, you're invited to take our quick survey on which social media outlet is the most useful, find out how the The New York Times refers to people who read the publication online, and see a real example of obfuscation at work in a press release.

We hope you'll enjoy this edition, and we look forward to your comments.

Sincerely,

Linda

Linda Kundell

Crisis Communications: Ten Tips

Responding to a crisis like the Swine Flu outbreak in Mexico and the Air France crash over the Atlantic is more critical than ever, given the relentless 24-hour news cycle and the ability to instantly communicate world events. While no two situations are alike, here are the first five of ten tactical guidelines.

Designate a spokesperson: Always have a designated spokesperson(s). The moment a crisis breaks be sure you know which spokesperson(s) will be available and how to reach them.
Post your response and updates: Issue a press release on how you are responding to the situation (e.g. hotels, airlines allowing passengers to rebook). In addition to posting and updating regularly on your web site, issue updates and monitor feedback via Twitter.
Have a prepared statement for the press: In the case of an association or group of franchised hotels, where various entities may have different policies, be sure your statement is general enough to cover all situations (i.e. each of our hotels is separately owned and policy differs by location).
Know reporters' deadlines: Always ask the reporter what his or her deadline is. On a breaking news story you may have less than a couple of hours to get back to the reporter.
Be honest: If you don't know the answer to a question, tell the reporter you don't have the answer but will try to find out. If you cannot comment on an issue, say so.

Tips 6 - 10 will run in our next issue.

Inside Intelligence

NBC's "Today" Show

NBC's "Today" show sometimes covers travel, even though it's not one of their regular beats. A conversation with a senior producer for the show revealed that the 8 - 9 a.m. slot is geared heavily toward female viewers. To place a subject in that time slot, pitch either quirky and offbeat or human interest stories.

Some examples: