Social Media Scolding over Boston Marathon

It seems that false reporting over social media sites is becoming a reoccurring trend. Like my professors continually preach, "Always check your facts." It seems that the media need to be refreshed on this simple rule.

According to Mashable, the Federal Bureau of Investigation scolded several media outlets in a statement Wednesday afternoon in response to the false reports being circulated that an arrest had been made in the investigation of Monday's Boston Marathon bombings. 

"Over the past day and a half, there have been a number of press reports based on information from unofficial sources that has been inaccurate," reads the FBI's unusual report. "Since these stories often have unintended consequences, we ask the media, particularly at this early stage of the investigation, to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before reporting."

The race to be first is hurting news organizations' accuracy and trust levels. A crisis can come at any moment. As an aspiring PR professional, I know that I need to be ready for the worst at any given time. However hectic the crisis may become, it is never okay to post public information without checking your facts. Credibility is essential in the media and communication industry. 

Ben Dimiero @bendimiero
The last hour of CNN: Suspect ID'd. Arrest imminent. Arrest made. Confirmed arrest made. Wait, maybe no arrest. Confirmed arrest not made.

2:36 PM - 17 Apr 2013

72 RETWEETS 13 FAVORITES

What news organizations do you still hold credible? Let us know! 

Social Media And The Olympics.

Social Media has created quite the stir for the 2012 Olympics. Many of us around the globe follow our favorite athletes on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Originally, the Olympics were covered in and you received updates via print. After the invention of the television, the Olympics, beginning in 1964, were broadcasted live all over the world. However, today, many of us now stay tuned in through Twitter, Facebook and other social sites. The infographic below highlights a more in depth look at the history of how the Olympics were previously covered and how social media has effected its coverage. 

Assuming you are subscribed to as least one social site, you have probably come across tweets or posts about the 2012 Olympics. If so, how are you following the Olympics and are you following any specific athletes?

Getting Along with Journalists

As a public relations professional, you will often find yourself clamoring for media coverage to please your clients. Journalists want and depend on good stories. The combination of the two professions should make for perfect harmony, however quite often a distrust can place a void on this potential friendship. So why can’t we all just get along…? Because lets face it, we need one another.

The media absolutely has a dependence on those in the public relations field. More time is spent on processing information rather than heading out into the city to investigate and cultivate a spectacular story. Strict deadlines no longer permit the luxury of time and many newspapers have cut down considerably on manpower. A journalist’s workload is heavier than ever therefore it is about time we start working together. Etiquette and professionalism are equally as important as honesty and accuracy. That being said, these four factors will foster your happy marriage to journalists.

When pitching a story, ALWAYS ask the reporter “did I catch you on deadline” or “do you have a minute to chat?” If they say yes, do yourself a favor and get off the phone immediately. Ask when is a better time for you to call back and then hang up. Chances are you will get an answer similar to, “yes I am on deadline, but what have you got.” Therefore, do not get caught pitching a novel length story. Keep it quick and concise on the phone because your next step is a follow-up email with additional information.

Professionalism should be a no brainer. If you plan on fibbing you and your client’s way into the public eye, find a new profession this instant. If you lie to a journalist, they will make sure you never have another story published again. Not only will you and your client never receive coverage but you will never regain your credibility.

A journalist may not agree but there is such a thing as an honest public relations professional. Their information is always solid and their intentions are clear. So be up front because your accurate and truthful pitch may be the perfect fit for a journalist in need of one more story without the time to gather and investigate the facts.

As a public relations professional, you have information that needs coverage. As a journalist you want stories that correlate with your readerships interests. So lets stop acting like water and oil, because if we both stay professional, respectful and honest then friendship, whether strictly professional or even personal, is inevitable. 

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Emily Storz.

The "How To's" of Gaining Media Attention for Your Event

If you’re in PR you know how important media attention is in promoting an event. But you may think to yourself, “How am I supposed to get them interested in my event?” Though this question may seem daunting, it’s really not!

Here are some quick tips on how to make your event stand out from all the rest and get the media attention it deserves:

1. Make it relevant and timely. Media circuits are not going to cover your event if they don’t feel there is any connection to the audience. Do your research and know who the primary audience is. Research what the audience finds most interesting and plan the event around that.

2. What is the potential for word-of-mouth. Get people talking about your event. It cannot just be about relying on the media, you have to get people interested. Tell people the perks of attending this event and guarantee the use of social media and electronics i.e.- photographs, video cameras, tweeting, posting Facebook status, etc.

3. Cover all the bases. Be sure to have a set plan with your event. Do not allow for the media to find a hole in your stunt. Because if they find a hole, your event will become about the failure rather than the success.

4. Anticipate the response from the media. Make sure there is a clear message for your stunt. What do you want this to be remembered for? Laughter, anger, warmth or charitable work- that’s up to you to decide.

5. Prepare…Prepare…Prepare! Be sure to have all materials needed before the start of the event. This will help ensure the event running smoothly with no mistakes.

Media attention helps events gain credibility. With these “how to” tips on how to gain and sustain media attention, there is no reason why your event can’t be as successful as you hope!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Alison Curran.

Whitney Houston's Death: Did the Media Cross a Line?

We all witnessed the tragic end of a legend on Friday, February 11th. Songstress Whitney Houston was found dead in her bathroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, cause of death still unknown. Media outlets took to every social media website imaginable to project the news. Media followed every member of Houston's family; watching Houston's teenage daughter break down over her mother's death, stalking ex-husband Bobby Brown for news of his reaction, etc. But was this too much?

In an age where social media gives us the privilege to keep up with news at lightning speed, do we always have the right in the private lives of those in the public eye?

Yesterday, Whitney Houston's family held her funeral at their local Baptist church in Newark, New Jersey. Unlike Michael Jackson, Houston's family wanted to keep the ceremony at the family church to ensure privacy. However, camera's were allowed into the church and the entire homegoing was live streamed across the internet. Celebrity news shows like E! News created a hashtag for fans to chime in their thoughts on Houston's death, and even put together a special tribute program, "Whitney Houston: The Funeral."

CNN took to the streets to break the news of the musician's death. A correspondent wandered around the street, breaking the news to random strangers and filming their reactions to be broadcast on the news. Jon Stewart, host of the popular satirical show "The Daily Show" quipped, "you don't have to go with the news town crier style, door-to-door...because that's the point of Candid Camera."

Do you feel like the media covered Whitney Houston's death appropriately? What would you have done differently? Let us know!