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| A free service for travel marketing executives | Issue 8 |
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 "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater," is a common saying. In this issue we're saying, "Don't throw traditional media out for the sake of keeping up with everyone." We're all hearing the demise of print media. But think again. Consider that traditional print journalists supply much of the online world with data and news stories. And, as you'll see below, the phone and email are still very much staples when it comes to communicating with the media.
As always, we hope you'll enjoy this edition, and we look forward to your comments. Linda Linda Kundell
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What Do Reporters Want?
Reporters are looking for two major things: a good story and an expert. To be most effective, pitches should be timely and pegged to something that is already making headlines. Reporters also want experts to interview.
Beth Harpaz, Travel Editor, Associated Press  | According to Beth Harpaz, travel editor for Associated Press, "Never underestimate the power of pitching an expert on a subject that is in the news that minute. When we're on deadline and news is breaking, the email with the cell phone number for the guy who is an expert on norovirus or swine flu or how to cope with tarmac delays or how to speed your way thru security (the day after an attempted terrorist incident has everyone going nuts...) is the one that will definitely get our attention!"
Harpaz also echoes other editors in advising that subject lines on emails are important. And while new media and social media may be all the rage, when it comes to working effectively with reporters, make it easy. Ditch the embedded graphics, bells and whistles, and lots of links. It's the facts that count!
Follow Beth Harpaz ___________________________
The Associated Press is one of the world's major news organizations. According to AP, more than half of the world's population views its content daily. In the U.S. alone, AP is carried by more than 1,700 newspapers and 5,000 radio and TV outlets. |
| Inside Intelligence
Are Newspapers Dead?
Legendary Newsman Dan Rather weighs in
There has been much talk about the death of newspapers. However, according to veteran news man Dan Rather, newspaper reporting drives the news agenda in all media. If a story plays in the major newspapers it will play in broadcast and on TV news.
The internet, too, is making the case for newspapers. All you need do is look at the source for much of the news on the internet. |
| Press used "old" media for Iceland volcano story
The April Icelandic volcano eruption illustrated the importance of the old-fashioned phone and email in providing reporters with information.
In the aftermath of the volcanic eruption, major press turned to Kundell Communications for information on travel insurance and tour operators' responses. While we are proponents of social media as part of the P.R. mix, the truth is that major news outlets, from the Wall Street Journal to USA Today used phone and email as their primary source of newsgathering.
Watch for our next issue with a link to our article in O'Dwyers PR Report. |
 A Tribute to Bob Whitley Longtime client Bob Whitley, president of USTOA, passed away May 13. I had the pleasure of working closely with Bob for 20 years. Like so many others in the travel industry, I mourn his loss. He was a true industry icon and rainmaker who helped others at every opportunity. Bob knew everyone in the travel industry, was universally liked and respected. He often said that, as USTOA president, he had the best job in the world. He loved his job, the people he met, and his travels that took him around the world. While we will all miss his energy and enthusiasm, we can rest confident that Bob enjoyed life to the fullest. |
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Buzzword Along with words like "Fantastic," the following phrase -- which
appeared in a press release we received -- needs to be banished from
your press releases:
"gazing at the magnificent view...."
Superlatives and value judgments have no place in press releases,
which are supposed to give facts. Keep these phrases for ads and
promotional materials.
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Tell Us
How useful do you think the following social media tools are? - Linkedin
- Facebook
- Twitter
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| Tidbits
Present & Future
A study from the Nielsen Company reveals
that:
- About half of the U.S. population visit a
social networking Web site
- Facebook users tend to be more affluent that
those of MySpace
- Bloggers and Twitter users tend to be from
urban areas.
| About Us
Kundell Communications provides a wide range of public relations and marketing communications programs to the travel, tourism and lifestyle industries, from targeted local efforts to nationwide multimedia campaigns. A training division offers seminars in public relations and public speaking techniques. The firm brings more than 30 years experience and a roster of top-quality professionals. Contact us at 212-877-2798, e- mail at LRKPR@aol.com or Kundellcom@nyc.rr.com. 
Society of American Travel Writers
Public Relations Society of America
Association of Travel Marketing Executives
The Travel PR Report is co-edited by Gwen Shaw.
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