PRIA: ReputationTV on YouTube

The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) have just launched a PRTV YouTube channel called Reputation TV.

The first episode showcases a series of interviews with senior Australian PR professionals, discussing the topic of online engagement. Take a peek below.

(if you're getting this post via email and can't see the video, click here)

The approaches to social media by the various practitioners featured is mixed from 'yep we need to be amongst it' to 'no, I advise my clients against it'. Hmm... if nothing else, this video is a temperature gauge for the PR industry right now.

Kudos to PRIA for walkin' the walk and getting there hands dirty in this space - heck, they've even sold an ad in the middle of the video. Subscribe to the channel for next month's instalment on ethics. Hold onto your hats for that one.

Oh, and how did we found out about this channel, which launched yesterday? Why Twitter of course! www.twitter.com/PRIANational

Media monitoring

Melbourne: PRIA Young Communicators' Publicity Night

Date: Tuesday 19 August 2008
Time: Arrive 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Venue: The Imperial Hotel, 522 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria
Cost: PRIA Members $20 (inc GST), Non-Members $25 (inc GST)

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear guest speakers share their insights into publicity, promotions, public relations and much more! You'll hear tips and advice on how to break into the industry, kick start you career and other useful information providing plenty of know-how to help young practitioners progress in their current role.



Three guest speakers will be sharing their experiences:

Elizabeth Corcoran from Haystac PR
Belinda Aspinwall from The Reputation Group
Brian M Peck from Positive Positioning - Policies, People, Products

To register, click here. Hope to see you there!

Tracking the media, monitoring the message

Slice of Life: Angela Pippos

We were lucky enough to catch up with the gorgeous Angela Pippos, Radio Sport 927 program host, at the Women in PR luncheon a little while back. And it wasn't just her leopard-print, platform, stiletto mary-janes that made an impression on us. After watching her deliver the sports news on the ABC for many years, Angela's sharp wit and love of a good chat had us, and a room full of PRs captivated. Here's an insight into how she became so passionate about men running around in short-shorts and long socks.

How did you discover your passion for what you do – was it love at first sight or something that grew over time?
My passion for writing was ignited at a young age. It comes with having a vivid imagination. I've had some wonderful moments in my life but becoming a published author sits all alone at the top of the list. I'll never forget how happy I felt when I saw copies of my book, The Goddess Advantage, for the first time. That's when it really hit me. I'm a writer. I discovered my passion for journalism at University while studying politics. My passion for sports reporting came out of left field. I've always loved sport but I never thought it would become my career. I took a punt and came to Melbourne in 1997 and I've never looked back.



What are some difficult challenges you have faced and how did you stay passionate?
How long have you got? I'll narrow it down to two (rather substantial) challenges. In 2004 ABC management made Peter Wilkins the face of ABC Sport Australia-wide. My position was diminished, much to the disgust of ABC viewers and the general community. Both sides of politics got involved in the fight. It was a testing time. The outpouring of support meant a lot to me. It also empowered me. It kept me going until 2007 when I resigned. The other difficult challenge came in mid 2007. The ALP approached me to stand for Steve Bracks' old seat of Williamstown. I wasn't given long to make up my mind. It was a difficult decision played out in the public domain after someone leaked it. I decided to turn it down and focus on my creative pursuits instead.

What do you think the components are of a successful PR campaign? Can you give an example?
This is not really my area of expertise but it's important to know who you're targeting - your key demographic, know your product inside out and don't be afraid to think outside the square.

A full-forward or a full-back?
I don't have the attributes for either. I'm more of a midfielder - feisty and evasive. Perhaps I would have made a good politician after all?

Nigella or Gordon?
Nigella by the length of the Flemington straight and then some. Passionate, gorgeous and brunette. No contest.

Bombay or Bordeaux?
I'm drawn to both for very different reasons. I love losing myself in a chaotic big city that's full of life and adventure but I all also enjoy getting away from it all and I can't see any reason why that place shouldn't been a wine-growing region.

Bonus question: Premiership tip?
I'm going out of a limb here - Geelong. My heart says Adelaide but we would need to sort out our forward line and QUICKLY. How hard can it be? All you have to do is kick the ball through the big sticks and pat the team mate who gave you the ball on the bum.

Tracking the media, monitoring the message

Passionate PRs make our day

Last Friday PRIA (VIC) held a Women in PR luncheon, themed 'The Power of Passion'. What a fantastic event! The room was filled with 250 of the most interesting and passionate PR people in Victoria (special shout out to those from regional VIC who made their way there).

Ladies at lunch (L to R): Davinia, Elen (Slice), Georgie and Naomi and Kylie (Slice).

The highlight of the event was hearing the special guest panel: Karen Webster, Tracey Curro, Angela Pippos and Janine Kirk tackle the following three questions:

First question: How did you discover your passion for what you do – was it love at first sight or something that grew over time?

Second question: What are some difficult challenges you have faced and how did you stay passionate?

Third question: What do you think the components are of a successful PR campaign?

Fabulous speaker panel (L to R): Janine Kirk, Karen Webster, Tracey Curro

Stay tuned for some of their responses over the next few weeks. In the meantime, feel free to post your own responses below!

About the speakers: Karen Webster, Festival Director of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and formerly manager of fashion programs at RMIT University. Tracey Curro, General Manager Communications for Sustainability Victoria and a former 60 Minutes reporter. Angela Pippos from Radio Sport 927 and former ABC TV sports reporter, Janine Kirk AM partner at Ernst & Young heading its Government practice in Victoria, and previously the Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne.

Tracking the media, monitoring the message

PRIA Webinars on a desktop near you

Thought you might like to know about a series of 'new media' webinars being offered by the PRIA. Follow the links below for further info.

Webinar: The State of Online PR
Friday March 7, 2008
Jeremy Woolf, Peer Media Lead and Vice President, Text 100 Asia Pacific talking about the state of online public relations. Has the promise of online and social media been met by the communication profession and how can we do it better?

Webinar: How to handle a BlogStorm
Tuesday March 18, 2008
Gerry McCusker will give a practical rundown on how to manage and not manage a flame war around your site, product or service.

Webinar: How to prepare before you flick the switch on your social media out-reach
Thursday March 27, 2008
The Australian Centre for Public Communication in conjunction with Media Monitors recently launched research into the "use of new media in the 2007 Australian Federal Election" titled "E-Electioneering".

At the launch Prof Jim Mcnamara quizzed the audience to guess - who was the only sitting member of a major political party to allow negative comment to be published on their blog? Malcolm Turnbull.

Thomas Tudehope is the Chief Online Strategist behind the Turnbull campaign and has been working on his web presence since the beginning. Come and hear Thomas talk about:
-Your site comment policy (do you immediately censor out obscenities, aggressive or menacing content, opportunism or plagiarism?)
-Your moderation policies and how to make them work
-How you handle serious dissent
-Do you use a ghost writer (and if so how to handle it)
-How to decide what tone to use
-How to get the greatest traction
-Resourcing and responsiveness

Tracking the media, monitoring the message