Swansea Bay Media Master

Newspaper business dead? Think again!

2010-11-26T09:44:00.000Z

Like it or loathe it, you can't dispute the Daily Mail's success as a money-making venture.

Indeed, all those who suggest that the newspaper business is dead should reconsider when they scan the business's new figures.

The Mail is part of a media group, incidentally, which includes Welsh titles such as the South Wales Evening Post, Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.

Effective Communication MD Alastair Milburn pinged me a story link today which revealed that the Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) had reported a 23% leap in annual profits.

A key factor was a record performance at its Daily Mail and Metro newspapers. One of those freesheets is seen regularly by South Wales commuters.

DMGT's underlying earnings rose from £201m to £247m in the year to October 3 following a bounce in ad revenues and growth in the business publishing divisions.

DMGT's UK consumer businesses achieved a sharp improvement in profitability as a result of cost cuts and growth in national ad revenues. Major advertisers increasing their marketing spend.

Yes, DMGT's regional newspaper wing, Northcliffe Media, saw advertising turnover fall 7% since the end of the fiscal year, with a lower local authority spend a major factor - but group success shows that newspapers can still be tremendously robust vehicles for wealth generation.

Businesses: Ignore newspapers as a marketing tool at your peril.

DJs, bands, artists prepare for launch

2010-11-25T11:04:00.000Z

Eight hours of innovative arts performance will take place as a Swansea cultural website is launched this weekend.

The free city centre festival on Saturday, from 3-11pm, will feature live music and DJs, theatre, comedy, spoken word and performance art.

It will mark the launch of not-for-profit resource Artawe (www.artawe.com). The South Wales Evening Post carried a strong page three story on it yesterday.

The venue is Tapestri, a new arts café bar in Alexandra Road’s former central police station now redeveloped by Grwp Gwalia as arts and culture complex Llys Glas.

Artawe looks to have put together a lively day with lots of activities planned. It will give visitors an exclusive chance to experience what Tapestri is all about prior to its own launch next month.

Compered by DJ Stu Vox, the Artawe launch will allow visitors to meet artists and performers. Attractions include:

Big Draw Led by professional artist and printmaker Rosie Scribbler, this will see artists drawing to music. Rosie is a member of Swansea Print Workshop and has been involved in community art projects.

The Crunch Spoken word, poetry, prose and rants from Swansea’s twice-monthly evening at Mozarts.

Fernando Rey Band specialising in alternative pop/alternative country, adopting a mixture of great songs combined with an experimental approach. Harmonies, thoughtful lyrics and shoegazer sensitivity in a classic two guitar, bass and drums package.

Joan Jones Performance artist who sings, narrates and plays instruments.

MAD Swansea Music Art Dance (MAD) is a community interest company (CIC) which supports the arts and live music by providing opportunities and resources for local bands, musicians and artists.

Miles Lloyd and Simon Emmanuel South Wales comedy brought to Artawe by Garage at Monkey Bar, Swansea.

New Yohawks and AfterGlow Alternative punk.

ShellShock A Swansea theatre company who create original experiences which aim to entertain, confuse and question. ShellShock have performed in Swansea and Cardiff, created theatrical street games as far away as London and were invited to perform at the Bristol Old Vic and the Edinburgh Festival. ShellShock is run by Swansea performers Stephen Donnelly and Sian Stuttard.

Visual art Galleries invited include Elysium, The Shed and Oriel Bach.

David Williams Pianist.

Steve Woodman and John Ford Acoustic music.

Artawe’s website provides information on artists including a venue directory of Swansea galleries, music venues, theatres, arts cafes and bookshops.

Jonathan Powell, director of Artawe and the city centre Elysium Gallery, believes that Artawe is a vital resource for all creative people and organisations based in and working in Swansea.

Hyperlocal website wins new sponsor

2010-11-24T11:12:00.002Z

Jonathan Williams, one of the key figures behind website www.llanellitown.com reports an innovative Christmas venture.

The news and information portal has won sponsorship from Llanelli accountants Tax Assist – www.taxassist.co.uk/accountants/llanelli/.

And this has helped the social enterprise-driven site offer web users the chance to send a festive email greetings card.

To me it looks like a handy way of merging business, sponsorship, fun and user-engagement.
It’s dead simple – give it a try! The promo panel is on the right of the Llanelli Town home page.

PR-savvy Danny back in print

2010-11-23T11:15:00.002Z

Danny Illingworth is using all his PR nous to lure punters to his Sunday carveries.

The big South African has a great reputation in culinary circles – and now he’s becoming a key element in the marketing activity at the Village Hotel, Swansea.

His appearance in the autumn edition of Community Times Mumbles saw carvery customers rocket.

And he’s back in the forthcoming edition, due to circulate door-to-door around Mumbles in the next couple of weeks.

His latest PR technique – aided by Effective Communication – is two pronged.

One, he will be featured in the little glossy mag giving recipe tips. Two, he will be offering a competition prize – win a Sunday carvery for four at the Village.

The activity will be back up by a full-page advertisement for Sunday lunches at the rather splendid SA1 venue.

Well done, Danny, and keep up the good work … in AND out of the kitchen.

Arts hub boost for online Swansea

2010-11-22T06:30:00.002Z

Arts folk across Swansea should welcome the city's latest web platform.
Artawe is a not-for-profit web resource that aims to pull together all areas of the local culture scene.
It looks good, feels good and I urge you to use it for both promotional and research purposes.
Creative types can flag up their offerings - just check out artist Tom Goddard's page and the preview for a Helen Watson gig this Friday at The Chattery.
Those looking for a bit of fun can plan their days and nights ahead - for a little New Years Eve fun check out this Brunswick event.
The official Artawe launch comes this Saturday, by the way, when new arts cafe Tapestri, in Alexandra Road's former central police station, hosts a free arts festival.

South Wales tour so good for PR

2010-11-18T06:23:00.000Z

The fine art of PR is being beautifully employed by the Institute of Directors in Wales today.

IoD director-general Miles Templeman is here all day for the Wales launch of a fabulous new scheme to promote social entrepreneurship.

And in the name of spreading the word he has a full-on schedule talking to members, journalists and associates across in Swansea and outside Cardiff.

It'll be a busy day but Miles has ensured that it's well planned - and he'll have strong support from everyone ranging from First Minister Carwyn Jones to IoD Wales director Robert Lloyd Griffiths.

Journalists due to interview him include South Wales Evening Post business correspondent Rupert Hall and Media Wales writer Robert Llewellyn Jones.

He has two meetings tabled before a 7.30am business breakfast at Swansea's Marriott Hotel, mid-morning meetings down the M4 at The Vale Hotel and then the Wales launch of the social entrepreneur scheme involving the IoD, Google and UnLtd.

It's a busy day for a busy fella - but time and effort invested in this way will bring much positive publicity for the IoD.

Job done!

Facebook fear for Welsh marriages

2010-11-17T06:24:00.002Z

Matrimonial lawyers at Peter Lynn and Partners regularly use online platforms platforms such as Facebook to gather evidence in divorce cases.

Partner Sara Plant got together with the South Wales Evening Post to explain how this modern legal phenomenon has downsides as well as all the ups.

Here's the full draft of her feature.

Rash words can be costly

Millions of us use online phenomenon Facebook every day. To many it’s an addictive attraction of modern life; fun for friendship, brilliant for business. However, it should be handled with care. Here, solicitor Sara Plant, of Swansea law firm Peter Lynn and Partners, reveals how social media content is being used increasingly often in divorce proceedings across Wales.

The Social Network has been an astonishingly successful film since its release last month.

It tells the amazing true story of how internet social networking website Facebook came to be - and how it resulted in high-profile lawsuits.

The drama is built brilliantly on a wholly modern phenomenon, thoroughbred entrepreneurial spirit and the relationship changes that take place in an adrenaline-fuelled cocktail of friendship, ambition and global business.

Pals

Its stars include Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield as American college pals Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, and Justin Timberlake as online music pioneer Sean Parker.

The jaw-dropping moments include a police raid which finds Parker arrested for cocaine possession whilst celebrating Facebook's millionth member.

Back in the here and now, however, Facebook and other social media sites are the subject of an increasing number of legal proceedings of a much different nature.

These are the cases that involve thousands of ordinary people from a much less rarefied background to that of multi-millionaire Zuckerberg.

They are the divorce proceedings happening in every community where Evening Post readers live.

It’ll come as a shock to many to learn that all our matrimonial lawyers at Peter Lynn and Partners habitually use social media sites as they collect evidence on behalf of clients.

Thought

Why? Well, first, there’s the fact that many individuals simply don’t apply the whole thought process before they upload.

Hence, Facebook postings reveal wives being a little too open about their behaviour and husbands lying about their whereabouts. Photographs tie you down to a time and place. There’s little point trying to convince a court that you were somewhere else doing something far more innocent.

A recent court statement from a wife allegedly abused and harassed by her ex-husband may be: “I was devastated and couldn’t face anyone.” Yet we then produce Facebook photos showing her out laughing and joking at parties shortly after the split and during the alleged period of torment.

Social media also finds individuals bragging about business success or giving financial details that they choose not to deliver in the divorce court. Once it’s in black and white on a public computer screen it’s difficult to hide it from a solicitor.

Feeling

Compromising photos are posted – having a cuddle at an office party, for instance. These can trigger bad feeling in marriages and ultimately, separation.

Now, I do hope that I’ve not painted legal firms as the pantomime baddies here. That, of course, is far from the case. Most social media information is public - that’s the nature of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and so on; it’s what makes them so addictive and popular.

It’s within everybody’s rights to access this information so lawyers are only doing what any member of the public can do.

And don’t think it’s just divorce cases that are being affected by Facebook. Employment law is another big area, as are contact and residence disputes. We are also being asked to advise more and more on defamation following highly contentious postings.

Damning

As long as Facebook users continue to inform “friends” about personal issues and give frank personal details, lawyers will continue to look there for damning evidence.

Of course, legal proceedings should be avoided where possible; they can be expensive and traumatic.

So here’s what I suggest when it comes to using social media:

Never be disrespectful of your spouse (or others)
Don’t flaunt your extra-marital exploits
However tempting it may be, don’t post those photos which could later be misconstrued
Keep extreme matters to yourself – don’t brag about expensive new buys or incredibly glamorous holidays
Use your common sense and think carefully before any posting. Assume that everything you put on Facebook can - and will - be used against you in court one day.

Befriend Facebook, by all means – but remember that it could become your foe.

A marketing boost - from the PTA

2010-11-12T07:30:00.022Z

It's always good to welcome an enterprising new avenue for Wales' PR and marketing needs.

So that's why Effective Communication today applauds the parent teacher association at Gower's Pennard Primary School.

The fund-raising body has gathered together its collective sales and publishing nous to plan a local business directory.

Good on 'em!

"Advertise your business locally for just £10," encourages their poster.

"Whether you’re a plumber, gardener, financial services advisor or make cakes in your spare time, we're compiling a list of businesses who wish to advertise their services locally in a full-colour A5 business and information directory."

The publication will be circulated to around 140 families of Pennard Primary School in the new year.

A full page ad is £30 and those interested should phone Ian Ambrose - 07702 832 552 by December 1.

Profits will go to PTA funds, helping to provide additional school resources.

Video blog: Cardiff move for Nigel

2010-11-11T07:30:00.003Z

Publisher Nigel Dudley says it's crucial for businesses to be featured in hyperlocal magazines as part of their PR and marketing strategies.

The man behind Swansea Bay magazines such as Eye on Gorseinon, Neath Gnolledge and Valley View, he now plans a launch in Penarth.

In this brief video, he explains his views to Effective Communication's Andy Pearson.

Danny's tasty PR treat

2010-11-10T06:44:00.000Z

Chef Danny Illingworth starts serving food to Christmas party guests in the next week or two.

You can safely predict that he and his expert staff at Swansea's Village Hotel won't wish to see a turkey on their own plate come December 25 - they'll be working rather a lot with that particular bird in the coming weeks.

It's good news for Village manager Andrew Petherick and his team that Danny has been chosen by Swansea Sound to give Christmas dinner tips to listeners.

In the four or five weeks leading up to the holiday, Danny will appear on a weekly basis on the Leighton Jones show (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm).

The two got together for the first time yesterday at Swansea Sound's Gowerton studios to run through a few ideas.

As the fella who brought them together on behalf of an Effective Communication PR push, I was fortunate to sit in on their meeting.

They've some goods things planned ... and the on-air relationship looks like it may even develop into the new year.

Welsh Uni: Social media benefits for business

2010-11-09T07:45:00.000Z

A free workshop on how Welsh business can benefit from social media takes place tonight (November 9) at Swansea’s Marriott Hotel.

It is being hosted by Software Alliance Wales, a £13m all-Wales project led by Swansea University - and I urge business people to attend.

The hour-long workshop, from 6.30pm, will be delivered by Dr Max L Wilson, lecturer at the uni’s Fit Lab (Future Interaction Technologies).

The event - Social Media as a Business Tool - will offer valuable info on how enterprises can use online resources as great communication and marketing tools.

Feedback

Two weeks ago, Effective Communication hosted its own client presentation on the issue and received fabulous feedback.

Dr Wilson, who has an international research and publication record, told me: “Social media is the single most influential change to how individuals and businesses gather information and communicate messages.

"With over 90m tweets posted each day, and with many people spending more time on Facebook than Google, the power of these tools shouldn’t be ignored.

“Some businesses may have flirted with social networking and social media, but few are truly comfortable with the potential that it has.

“This workshop aims to provide businesses and individuals with the knowledge and confidence to fully utilise the opportunities available for their business via social media platforms.”

Details 01792 606663, events@softwarealliancewales.com, www.softwarealliancewales.com/events.

Video blog: Melanie's Welsh media advice

2010-11-08T08:04:00.000Z

Melanie Davies is working hard on Press support as she bids to create a £10m therapy centre for disabled people.

The Treat Trust centre is planned for Swansea's Morriston Hospital - and it's a major undertaking.

Melanie already has the support of stars such as Michael Sheen and Paul Potts, and in this video made after an address to Swansea Business Club she explains why media support will be crucial ... and how she's going about getting it.

Blogger's next up for Swansea Business Club

2010-11-05T07:30:00.002Z

Dr Paul Thomas has some ideas that many of today's Welsh bosses may feel uncomfortable with.

His website's tagline is: "Eradicating the Mad Management Virus."

His blog includes statements such as:

"Our government in Wales is top-heavy and costly."
"Rules, procedures and regulations normally used by managers to control staff limit the organisation's ability to evolve."
"Managers cause so much unhappiness in organisations through a focus on targets."
"In most organisations there are limited options for employees to function and there are inflexible structures."

He believes we should ditch the traditional way of managing and, instead, give every member of staff a say in running the business.

His message will be broadcast loud and clear when he addresses Swansea Business Club over lunch on December 10.

Today, the club greets inspirational guest speaker Melanie Davies, of Treat Trust Wales, and she'll be a hard act to follow.

Will Paul manage it?

Well, you can decide for yourself by checking out his blog to get some idea.

Blogging's an increasingly important weapon in the armoury of a business and Paul uses it beautifully, managing to drive traffic to and from his other online platforms which include his website and his Twitter feed.

Those interested in Paul's ideas also have reason to keep going back to the blog - it's regular, opinionated and witty.

Can't wait to meet the fella! Book your December 10 place at the Towers Hotel through Lisa Williams at Effective Communication - 029 2064 6860, email lwilliams@effcom.co.uk.

Journos make Port Talbot progress

2010-11-04T07:01:00.000Z

Progress is being made by journalists behind a plan to regenerate local news provision in Port Talbot.

Around 13 months ago, the town - along with neighbouring Neath - lost its sole dedicated news platform.

The Neath and Port Talbot Guardians have not been replaced but the professionals behind Local News Port Talbot wish to change that.

They have garnered influential community support and now aim to have their embryonic website regularly refreshed with quality local content.

A board meeting this week pledged to progress plans on several fronts, including hook-ups with organisations from the arts, photographic, business and academia.

Watch this space.

Twitter: 5 reasons why it's useful

2010-11-03T06:19:00.000Z

For those in any doubt about the usefulness of Twitter, here's a small cross-section of South Wales tweets from yesterday afternoon.

They're from a range of organisations and they're all very worthwhile - and I'll try to explain why after each.

Crucially, they all talk directly to their audience (or 'followers') and importantly they all lead to useful info.

Ignore Twitter at your peril.

Tweeter South Wales Police
Twitter name swpolice
Tweet Officers Seize Fireworks http://fb.me/Epte419i
Useful because It links to a news item about advice on storage, underage sales and the anti-social elements of Guy Fawkes Night. Good PR, good public info.

Tweeter Cardiff Business Online
Twitter name CardiffBiz
Tweet Any FREE DESSERT when you order a starter and a main course at Mocka Lounge with the voucher here http://ow.ly/33hBa
Useful because It links to a hot eating out offer - and hopefully a few extra sales.

Tweeter Swansea University Students Union
Twitter name SwanseaUnion
Tweet Taking action for broke and broken postgraduate students! http://fb.me/tqb3MrtV
Useful because It links to a blog about the union marching on London urging the UK government to not cut higher education. Good to rally support and deliver a political message.

Tweeter Wales In Style
Twitter name WalesInStyle
Tweet Andy Fisher is the 3rd person to Pack His Bags to WIN a stylish break in Wales. Enter now - http://ow.ly/33joF
Useful because It links to a promotional competition, creating strong PR, customer interaction and a little bit of fun.

Tweeter Bishop Gore School, Swansea
Twitter name bishopgore
Tweet Boys PE Extra Curricular Oct View http://bit.ly/94PYAh
Useful because It links pupils to important information.

Welsh success given PR boost

2010-11-02T13:21:00.000Z

"Come to Swansea Bay - Come to Life!" is the slogan from marketing unit Swansea Bay Futures.

And their regular e-newsletter is certainly full of life.

Don't be put off by its unwieldy title - Bay of Life Watch; just try to make use of it.

The latest edition is just out and has news on everything from the city topping a business start-up league for Wales to St Clears-based Sanclêr Organic providing 2012 Olympics cheeses.

Valued

Happily, there's also mention for two key news items from Grwp Gwalia, a valued client of Effective Communication.

One outlines how affordable homes are being built by Gwalia on Llanelli's former Buckley’s Brewery site.

The other details Gwalia's delight in seeing its Llys Glas scheme shortlisted for a regeneration award. The building was formerly Swansea's former central police station and is now home to an art gallery, an advice centre and 80 student rooms.

If you're not already hooked up with Bay of Life Watch, I suggest you are.

The woman in charge of the newsletter is Ruth Dockerty, communications and marketing executive with Swansea Bay Futures.

Phone her on 01792 635852, email her at Ruth.Dockerty@swansea.gov.uk or read more at http://www.abayoflife.com/.

Mayor gets his teeth into PR

2010-11-01T10:10:00.000Z

Swansea Lord Mayor
Richard Lewis in today's
South Wales Evening Post

Richard Lewis is usually happy to be in the limelight.

And that's good news for Swansea Council and the city in general.

It means that his 12-month stint as Lord Mayor is proving to be far from dull.

The councillor has enjoyed a colourful political career spanning several decades and has an eye for the media.

Soon after his May inauguration he was pictured with knotted hanky headgear to applaud Gower's beaches.

Today he's due to visit a conference at the Liberty Stadium, tomorrow an exhibition at the Grand Theatre.

Vampire

And this morning he makes the front of the South Wales Evening Post ... all made up and dressed as a vampire.

On page three, reporter Jason Evans tells us that the County Hall figurehead swapped the council chamber for the crypt to host a Halloween event.

The cellar of his official residence was transformed into a dungeon as around 70 guests enjoyed a fancy dress fund-raiser for charity.

Mood

A funeral home lent the Lord Mayor a coffin and Grand lighting experts helped create the mood.

Charities to benefit included the Air Training Corps and Splash, a project to build a swimming pool for children with special needs.

Happily, the Evening Post praises the effort.

In an opinion piece, they say: "In these austere times, questions are asked about the role and cost of the civic mayoralty. Councillor Lewis is providing some convincing answers."

Swansea monthly’s even keel

2010-10-22T05:30:00.000+01:00

Eight issues in and it’s gradually becoming part of the landscape.

Glossy magazine Swansea Eye, edited by Keely Portway, launched early this year and increasingly looks like it’s here to stay.

That can only be good news for the Swansea Bay media scene: the more variety the more we have to choose from as readers, advertisers and marketing folk.

The October edition of Swansea Eye features a decent number of advertisers from the city, along with some city-based columnists.

Lazy Frog

The latter include Gorseinon’s Old Mill Health Store and Uplands’ Lazy Frog Floatation centre.

Those with prominent ads include the Gowerton Golf Range, Mariners Court Retirement Apartments, ADS Lettings and Antur Insurance.

Swansea’s Village Hotel is another to make good use of the Eye’s close focus on city readers.

Christmas offerings are one angle of attack from the Village, including [arty nights, festive lunches and new year's eve celebrations, and the leisure club is another.

Push

The latter is particularly interesting because the facility’s manager Abigail Hobson has a concerted push on the over-55s market.

Monthly membership is being offered at the very reasonable £25; a free trial can be arranged.

Attractions include a 25m pool, more than 70 pieces of hi-tech gym apparatus, a sauna/steam room, a whirlpool, classes, activities and hotel discounts.

If the Eye can help boost gym membership at the Village then I’m sure there’ll be repeat business.

Video PR blog: Swansea networking

2010-10-21T00:24:00.000+01:00

Members of Swansea’s vibrant Waterfront BNI chapter meet every Wednesday at the city’s Village Hotel.

Effective Communication play their part – and here I discover why three regulars see it as an essential part of their business’s marketing mix.

Here’s the short video – http://bit.ly/9kfGPA

Welsh mag marks landmark year

2010-10-20T05:30:00.001+01:00

Editor David Hardy has just produced the latest edition of Yr Ardd.

The A4 glossy is the magazine of the National Botanic Garden of Wales and this season celebrates the attraction’s 10th birthday.

Its features include a welcome from Garden director Rosie Plummer, arguing strongly for extended Assembly funding, news that rugby’s Gareth Edwards is now honorary president and a piece on a 10th birthday cake created by volunteer Alison Howell.

Favourite

My favourite items, however, remain the forthcoming events and activities.

As always, they’re a fragrant propagation of niche interest, super-popular and splendid curiosity.

Amongst the entries in the niche category flutters a lifelong learning course in January: Painting Leaves in Watercolour. Students will tackle the mixing of greens, will paint vein structure and wil capture a variety of surface textures.

Water lilies

On October 30, they can attend Painting Autumn Leaves and Berries; on November 13 it’s Painting Fruit and Vegetables. There’s more through the spring but I’ll be waiting for the water lilies course – apparently there’s money in them.

The most popular events in the coming weeks are likely to be Christmas-themed temptations such as a tree decorating competition for schools, Santa’s grotto and a December 11-12 craft and food fair.

One of the year’s most enchanting occasions at Llanarthne comes a week and a bit before December 25 when it’s Carols at the Garden evening.

Oddball

More oddball will be lifelong learning programme’s Doorstops to Die For sessions, with designs featuringchickens, turkeys and rabbits. Even the blurb describes it wonderfully as “something dfferent and a little silly.”

Failing that, there’s always improvers classes for beekeepers, quilting and cushion making for those “petrified” of patchwork and plenty of woodturning advice.

Now if that’s not worth Assembly funding, what is?

Welcome to a Swansea Bay website

2010-10-19T05:30:00.001+01:00

It’s always good to welcome a new Swansea Bay website – even more so when its subject matter is as iconic as Mumbles Pier.

This month’s devastating blaze at Hastings Pier illustrated how fragile the UK’s grip on our complex social history can be.

So web users should be encouraged to take the charabanc on a glorious day trip to http://www.mumblespierdevelopment.com/. Well, bookmark it at least.

Redevelopment

The Mumbles Pier and Foreshore development is a £39m privately-funded redevelopment project conceived by pier owners Ameco.

Plans include a hotel, apartments, restaurants, leisure complex and the Victorian pier’s restoration complete with new lifeboat house.

Difficult times need private enterprise solutions to boost tourism and economic regeneration – and this fits the bill nicely.

Insight

The website aims to deliver an insight into plans to restore the pier.

Its creators write: “We hope you share our passion for this iconic part of Swansea’s heritage. More importantly, we want to tell you about the vision of how this famous landmark can be the key factor in creating a modern regional visitor and tourist destination.

“As well as providing you with news and background, we hope to answer your questions about the restoration project, how it is to be funded through a redevelopment scheme and how it will benefit Swansea, Mumbles and Gower.

“There’s no question that the pier holds a special place for many generations of residents and visitors.

“It’s full of memories and a little bit of magic that stays with us from childhood. It’s somewhere that you can sit and never tire of the sweeping views of Swansea Bay. It’s a piece of our past that deserves a future.”

Video blog: Ospreys, Heineken Cup

2010-10-18T07:51:00.000+01:00

Emily Hunt always has her eye on good PR – and rugby union’s Heineken Cup fitted the bill for her on Friday, October 15.

The sales manager of Swansea’s Village Hotel handed two corporate hospitality tickets to a contact from electronic systems company Thales – and a great time was had.

The Ospreys beat London Irish in a high quality clash, there was a healthy 13,000+ crowd, the food and drink was excellent and the taxis didn’t arrive til midnight or thereabouts.

There was a spare ticket and Emily offered that to me. Here’s a brief taste of the night – http://bit.ly/b7bfoP

Video blog: Village Hotel, Swansea

2010-10-17T17:49:00.001+01:00

Today, I'm trialing a new Flip Mino camcorder by producing a video blog on a tasty PR coup for my client, the Village Hotel, Swansea.

The video’s a little rough at the edges but I reckon that lessons learnt here will stand me in good stead for future productions.

Coming to a Sunday carvery near you soon … http://bit.ly/b9aRS4

2010-10-17T17:45:00.000+01:00

The autumn edition of Mumbles Community Times is the latest publication to publish some professional guidance from South Wales lawyer Peter Lynn.

The senior partner in Swansea firm Peter Lynn & Partners uses the chunky little glossy to focus on preventing legal problems in the marriages of busy professional couples.

Advice and guidance given through the media in this way carries great weight in the eyes of the readership. It’s good PR for the business.

Here’s the CT feature.

Matrimonial Matters Mumbles Community Times

Hard-working professionals often find their home lives under strain. Here, Swansea solicitor Peter Lynn explains why early action and expert advice are crucial in any relationship breakdown.

The pressures of modern life, from our beauty-obsessed mainstream media to the random nature of alcohol-fuelled nights on the tiles, mean many pressure points every day.

Who hasn’t argued over the ironing duties, the amount spent on a sports tour or the need for dad to spend more time with the kids and less time at work?

The niggles can build up and can eventually lead to an irreparable falling-out.

Bickering

The result – even in an “amicable” split – is often bickering over family assets such as the house and cars, quibbles over complex pension issues (especially in the uniformed services) and concerns about the children’s future.

At Peter Lynn and Partners we have a fabulous team of lawyers who specialise in matrimonial matters and they regularly deal with cases of difficulty amongst those working in fields such as the military, 999 services, medicine, accountancy, law and finance.

We encourage mediation and communication at the earliest possible stage of a major marital dispute.

Services

Don’t delay – get in touch. We’re here to prevent legal problems.

For more information on the difficult issue of divorce and separation, or to find out more about the range of services available at Peter Lynn and Partners, phone us on 01792 450010 or log on to http://www.peterlynnandpartners.co.uk/.

New focus for Wales media scene

2010-10-17T17:39:00.000+01:00

The Welsh media comes in many forms – and the latest addition provides a signpost to the future.

The Swansea Economic Focus aims to provide information on current and planned regen activities across the city.

There’s a lot more too. Indeed, the first edition runs to 19 tightly scripted pages of news, stats and data.

It’s unlikely to challenge the South Wales Evening Post as the city’s most popular written media – but it will be well viewed around boardroom tables.

Together

Its publisher – the Swansea Economic Regeneration Partnership (SERP) – brings together public, private and voluntary sector organisations to deliver the city’s economic regeneration strategy – Swansea 2020.

Edition one includes articles on tackling economic inactivity, regenerating Swansea city centre through the Waterfront City project and promoting enterprise education.

One article looks at the impending public sector expenditure cuts, and the implications of these cuts for Swansea.

It states: “To counteract job losses it will be important to drive private sector jobs growth.

Exploit

“Swansea 2020 is seeking to exploit opportunities in six key sectors, to create new businesses and employment.

“These sectors are creative industries, information and communication technologies (ICT), life sciences, marine industries, professional business services and tourism.

“There are a number of existing and proposed developments to stimulate the growth of these sectors, including the Swansea Metropolitan University/Coastal Housing proposed Creative Industries Cluster in the Urban Village development, Swansea University’s Institute of Life Sciences and Swansea University’s proposed Bay Science & Innovation Campus.”

Welsh media’s Christmas call

2010-10-17T17:33:00.000+01:00

Don’t look now but the South Wales media is after a seasonal slice of your marketing budget.

Most print titles and commercial broadcasters who service the Swansea Bay area have launched their seasonal sales campaigns.

Two cases in point are Real Radio and the South Wales Evening Post.

Real sponsorship guy Alessandro Galea was first off the blocks with his call for a backer for the Win a Dream Christmas promotion.

Profile raiser

This is a high-profile feature that runs through November and has been a profile raiser in the past for businesses such as Barratt Homes.

Real’s Win a Dream Christmas 2010 will see a string of listeners winning £100 and one scooping a £3,000 prize package including goodies such as a 42” plasma TV, a digital camera, a coffee machine, Nintendo Wii … and a 6ft Christmas tree.

As well as bags of on-air mentions, the main sponsor gets a strong presence on the promotion micro website.

Unveiled

The Evening Post, meanwhile, has just unveiled its festive rate card.

It covers the Post, Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal, Swansea Herald and free weekly insert the Neath Port Talbot Courier.

It reveals an onslaught of Christmas-themed ad features from now until the end of December.

The theme is The Magic of Christmas and feature titles include Here’s My Card, Looking Good, Winter Warmth and At Home.

There are healthy discounts for multiple advertisers and I’d be happy to talk through the deals with any interested business.

S4C director’s call to Welsh business

2010-10-17T17:29:00.000+01:00

S4C non-executive director Clive Jones gave a rallying call to South Wales business on Friday, October 8.

He gave a compelling argument as to why the Welsh should give their wholehearted backing to the country’s creative industries.

His key points to more than 100 members and guests of Swansea Business Club included:

Local newspapers are a cornerstone of our communities and key to democracy
TV programme makers now look to Wales for skills rather than the Welsh looking elsewhere
S4C gets healthy viewing figures considering the small nation it covers and is pivotal to the Welsh language’s resurgence

Clive was warmly applauded by his audience.

They were won over with points such as how the multi-million pound benefit brought to Stratford-upon-Avon by the RSC could be mirrored in some way by Welsh towns and cities.

Clive’s talk will have opened the eyes of many in the room to the major role creative skills and employment can play as we batten down the hatches for the spending review.

Valleys-born Clive, incidentally, is an ex-boss of GMTV, formerly Britain’s most popular breakfast TV station, and is a fellow of the Royal Television Society.

Award

He holds the society’s highest award and holds a CBE for services to broadcasting.

In a time of enormous change for commercial broadcasters, he has been chief executive of ITV News and Regions, managing director of the ITV Network, CEO of Carlton Television, managing director of Central Television, and managing director of the London News Network.

Swansea Business Club members met him at the city’s Village Hotel.

Impressive

It was the first meeting of the club’s new season and the turn-out was impressive … as were the chocolate bars offered to each guest by Effective Communication.

Each carried a slogan explaining why it’d be a good idea for business to contact Effective to discuss their PR and marketing needs.

Celebrate Swansea’s grassroots!

2010-10-17T17:22:00.000+01:00

The latest magazine to grace the Swansea Bay media scene will be officially launched soon – and you’re all invited.

Nigel Dudley, the man behind The Eye on Gorseinon, has issued a general invitation to the event at Celtic Mitsubishi, Gorseinon, from 6-8pm on October 21.

He promises light refreshments – it’s teatime, Nigel, so I hope there’s a mountain of them – and a valuable networking opportunity.

Advertisers in his first issue, being distributed free door to door as I write, include Swansea law firm Peter Lynn and Partners, Jenkins Photography and Bartlett Carpentry and Joinery.

Great

Nigel tells me: “It’d be great to have as many people there as possible.

“I’ve given out hundreds of invitations to local businesses and expect between 50 and 100 guests.

“It’ll be a good way of meeting new business contacts and will include a fascinating talk by Marianne Pettifor who’s one of Swansea’s leading lights in sales and customer service.”

Nigel, incidentally, is also the driving force behind Swansea Valley mag Valley View and sister title Neath Gnolledge.

They’re mainly advertorial-based glossies and Nigel likes to prove their worth to his clients by offering a service which tracks response rate via unique phone numbers.

Celebs rally for good causes

2010-10-17T17:17:00.000+01:00

Big names from around South Wales helped drive ticket sales for last week’s EuroMillions draw.

They understand that good causes around the UK benefit from sales – and it was good to see them doing their bit in the media and PR drive.

The October 8 EuroMillions draw had an incredible £112m jackpot.

And celebrities asked to detail how they’d use such a life-changing windfall came forward with their thoughts.

The media used some of them.

Lifeboat

They range from buying a new Mumbles lifeboat (The Wave radio presenter Badger) to creating a world-class Tour of Wales cycle race (Swansea-born Olympic and world champion Nicole Cooke).

Swansea panto star Kev Johns would buy everybody a copy of Big Issue; Port Talbot charity fundraiser Captain Beany would help the environment.

Haverfordwest-born Jamie Owen, the BBC Wales newsreader, said: “I’d share the money with my brothers to keep the peace.

“I’d buy some mountain land to save it for the nation; I’d buy land in towns and cities to turn into parks for people to enjoy and to encourage the natural world to prosper. Wide open spaces are good for everyone’s health.”

The jackpot was the fourth largest ever available in the UK.

Celebrity dreams – How would you spend a £112m jackpot?

Captain Beany Charity fundraiser and campaigner, Port Talbot Simple. I’d divide the entire £112m equally between charitable fundraising efforts, local community-based projects and environmental and ecological organizations.

Badger Breakfast presenter on The Wave It sounds bizarre but I have a list for such eventualities – and have had for a few years! I’d buy mum and dad a house closer to ours and there’d be lots of charitable causes I’d help anonymously, Of course, I’d give the RNLI £2.7m for a new Mumbles lifeboat; it’s been a tough job for all the fundraisers to hit that target in these difficult times.

Kev Johns Actor and broadcaster, Swansea Wow! £112m … with that sort of money you could do some good and spoil yourself! I’d buy four houses … a dream home in Swansea and one of those lovely seaside homes in Tenby. Next would be a mews home in London and an apartment overlooking the Hudson River in New York! I’d set up a foundation to support young people training for a career in the arts and I’d buy a Big Issue for everyone.

Nicole Cooke Olympic and World Champion cyclist, born in Swansea The bulk of the money would be spent on charities and medical research. I think cycling could be involved as a way of helping children and people in need to enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling – using tandems, tricycles or electric bikes as part of therapy or care. I’d also like to set up the best international race in the women’s cycling here in Wales – something like a Tour of Wales that brings international stars to all parts of our beautiful country and also create a women’s cycling team that trains hard, races hard and plays hard! Finally, I’d like to put something aside towards my Mum and Dad’s retirement.

Jamie Owen BBC Wales newsreader, born in Haverfordwest If I won, I would share the money with my brothers to keep the peace. I would buy some mountain land to save it for the nation, and buy land in towns and cities to turn into parks as breathing spaces for people to enjoy and to encourage the natural world to prosper. Wide open spaces are good for everyone’s health young and old.

Welsh press guided through complex hearing

2010-10-06T06:11:00.000+01:00

Media training and advice worked well for Swansea professional Sandra McAlister yesterday.

Sandra is founder of Wales-based insolvency practitioners McAlister & Co tasked with the emotional proceedings for one of Swansea's most respected businessmen.

Roy Thomas got into enormous difficulties when his bank devalued his multi-million pound property portfolio.

Sandra knew there'd be great media interest - and she wasn't wrong.

Training

She asked Effective Communication to manage the press interest and used her interview training by Effective's Alastair Milburn when she was quizzed by BBC Radio Wales' Tom Singleton.

The result has been a smooth flow of accurate and timely information to the South Wales media, a complex issue presented calmly and with sobriety by the media - and an enhanced profile for Sandra and her company.

Today you'll find yesterday's creditors' meeting covered by the Western Mail, The South Wales Evening Post and BBC Wales online.

It attracted around 25 creditors' representatives, tough lines of questioning and an atmosphere that could have been hard to handle by an individual less on the ball than Sandra.

Writer

The meeting lasted two hours and one attendee, on behalf of creditor Northcliffe Newspapers was South Wales Evening Post business writer Rupert Hall.

He asked for a technical clarification or two in the hours after the gathering - and the McAlister team were prepared to answer them.

Hats off to all at McAlister.

Here come the Welsh media big-hitters

2010-10-05T08:30:00.000+01:00

Alan Edmunds and Clive Jones are Welsh media professionals with much on their plates.

And this week both are due to talk to gatherings of business bosses in South Wales.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 6) Edmunds will leave his Media Wales HQ to address the IoD in Cardiff; on Friday Jones will tell Swansea Business Club about his high-profile roles in organisations such as S4C, GMTV and ITV.

Edmunds is expected to have much to say about the evolving roles of newspaper operations.

Flagship

His own flagship title, the Western Mail, has seen circulation decline markedly over the past decade in line with most regional papers. Yet his online user numbers continue to rise healthily.

He and his colleagues must tackle with the great problem of meeting customer demand in news delivery whilst maintaining a commercial powerbase through traditional advertising and new forms of revenue generation.

All you need do to understand his conundrum is observe the opposites of how the Guardian and News International are meeting the challenge.

The Guardian is offering all content as free online whilst building new incomes through channels such as its club-style readership scheme; Rupert Murdoch, meanwhile, is charging for much online material from titles such as The Times.

Grassroots

Throw in the recession, the forthcoming austerity measures and the growth in low-cost grassroots media and you begin to see further into reasons for why Edmunds may suffer sleepless nights.

On the other hand, of course, great events such as the Ryder Cup and developments such as devolution and the growth of Cardiff Bay illustrate how exciting it can be to be helming titles such as the South Wales Echo and Wales on Sunday.

Edmunds, publishing director of Media Wales, is due to talk to Wales-based members of the Institute of Directors at the Park House Club, Cardiff, from 5.30-7.15pm tomorrow.

Clive Jones approaches the media world with a different perspective. He's the ex-boss of GMTV, formerly Britain’s most popular breakfast TV station, and is the sole non-executive director of S4C.

Award

A fellow of the Royal Television Society, he holds the society's highest award and holds a CBE for services to broadcasting.

In a time of enormous change for commercial broadcasters, he has been chief executive of ITV News and Regions, managing director of the ITV Network, CEO of Carlton Television, managing director of Central Television, and managing director of the London News Network.

Swansea Business Club members meet him at the city’s Village Hotel on Friday and are likely to learn a lot about modern broadcasting.

To find out how you can attend the events, give me a call on 07890 953 402.

South Wales Sundays brighten up

2010-10-04T07:32:00.000+01:00

A new head chef at one of Swansea's favourite Sunday lunch venues is capturing the attention of the local media.

Danny Illingworth arrived at the Village Hotel last month via a colourful career in catering.

Brought up in South Africa, he latterly ran his own place in Wales' English borderland - now the diners of Swansea are warming to his skills.

He's 6ft 5in, powerfully built and determined to build on the Village's good reputation for food.

Personality

And on Saturday he became the latest personality to be featured in the South Wales Evening Post's Holiday Heaven and Hell column.

Features editor Peter Slee - with the help of Effective Communication - tracked him down having heard of Danny's arrival.

The column provides a lively platform for a new public face or rising star to be introduced in a human way to Post readers.

Danny's key holiday answers
Best Kruger National Park
Worst New Forest
Daftest purchase Painting, stormy Cardigan Bay
Best memory Lions, Kruger

Wales' council papers face double hit

2010-10-01T05:14:00.004+01:00

Council newspapers across Wales will come under closer scrutiny than ever this month.

The Comprehensive Spending Review will shine a spotlight on all such none-frontline publicly funded services.

It could mean the end - or radical changes at least - to Swansea Council's The Leader, Neath Port Talbot partnership freesheet Community Spirit and Carmarthenshire Council's Community News.

In a pincer movement, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is determined to stop taxpayers' money being spent on "frivolous town hall propaganda papers" at a time when many local papers are struggling to survive.

Banned

Under proposed new Government rules, councils will be banned from publishing newspapers in direct competition to local press.

News trade magazine Press Gazette has this week's best coverage of the issue.

It quotes Pickles as saying: "An independent local press is an essential part of our open democracy, helping local people scrutinise and hold elected councillors to account.

"The rules around council publicity have been too weak for too long allowing public money to be spent on frivolous town hall propaganda papers that have left many local newspapers looking over the abyss - weakening our free press - or to use 'hired-gun' lobbyists that operate in the shadows to bulldoze special interests through.

Focus

"The proposals I am publishing will close off these inappropriate practices and make sure that councils focus taxpayers' money on where it should be spent - protecting frontline services."

The Local Government Association argues that local authority newsletters are intended to keep residents informed about what their council was doing.

For contrasting views on the issue, read media commentator Dan Sabbagh and traditional local paper the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.

Media man's eye on Swansea

2010-09-30T05:06:00.004+01:00

The Swansea media market has been strengthened by a new addition.

Eye on Gorseinon is a free magazine targeting one of the city's great working class satellite towns.

It's just out and is a mix of traditional advertising and paid-for promotional editorial.

Succeeded

The man behind it is Nigel Dudley who, for the past few years, has succeeded with similar formats in the Swansea Valley (with Valley View) and a little further east with Neath Gnolledge.

Those living in Gorseinon should soon see a copy flutter through their letter boxes.

Others will be able to pick up a copy on advertisers' premises and at other high-footfall places.

Reinvention

Nigel has an interesting concept and fits nicely into the grassroots scene for local media reinvention.

Others - such as the Pontardawe-based Community Magazines, the Mumbles and West Swansea Community Times titles, and Lesley Williams' The Bay magazine, perform a similar function in a variety of ways. A surprisingly wide variety considering their reasonably narrow briefs.

Eye on Gorseinon debut advertisers, incidentally, include Swansea solicitor Peter Lynn and Partners, charity The Pettifor Trust, Bartlett Joinery and Carpentry and Grovesend-based Jenkins Photography.

Traditional media crucial to PR

2010-09-29T05:13:00.021+01:00

Hands up if you'd recognise these guys if they walked in the room ... George Michael ... Jimmy Page.

Michael is a musician who has sold over 100 million records. His band was Wham! Page is a musician who has sold over 100 million records. His band was Led Zeppelin.

Hands up if you can tell me which business brands these fellas are most associated with ... Richard Branson ... Ingvar Kamprad.

Richest

Branson is a businessman who's the 212th richest person in worth around $4bn. His brand is Virgin. Kamprad is a businessman who's the 5th richest person in the world worth $22bn. His brand is Ikea.

Hands up if you recognise these names ... Gavin Henson ... Simon Culhane.

Henson was an international rugby player who never appeared at a World Cup. Culhane was an international rugby player who holds the record for the most number of points scored in a single RWC game - 45 when New Zealand beat Japan 145-17 in 1995.

Why?

So why do you know Michael, Branson and Henson? And not Page, Kamprad and Culhane?

Is it that Michael, Branson & Henson have more talent that Page, Kamprad and Culhane? Is it that they've achieved more in their speciality fields?

I suggest not. I suggest it's because Michael, Branson and Henson have been splashed all over the newspapers. Not for all the reasons they would wish - but my straw poll illustrates - to some extent - the power of the press.

Positive

And it's that in which Effective Communication specialises. Our job is to ensure that our clients get the most possible positive exposure in the press.

We harness that power for you.

It's not the only thing we do - yes, every press release we write goes to the media ... but it also becomes a story on our website, a news item on the client's website, a Tweet if required, a Facebook posting, the basis for a blog and perhaps a video clip for YouTube. We also create all-encompassing marketing plans - but that's not my focus today.

Profile

Let me explain briefly how we save you time, raise your profile and improve your profits.

We save you possibly hundreds of hours a year by dealing with news hungry journalists and aggressive, revenue-chasing advertising executives from across the media.

In Swansea Bay alone there are at least 50 media businesses with an interest in your stories (good and bad) and your marketing spend.

New

They range from small brand new operations such as Eye on Gorseinon to the rather more well-established and slightly better resourced BBC.

They range from community radio stations such as Port Talbot's Afan FM which has a well defined geographical market for those aged 12 to 25.

Phone calls, circulars, emails, cold calls ... at some point they'll head your way. Journalists are even likely to call at bad times: when the company's downsizing substantially, being attacked in court or suffering a human tragedy of some kind.

Pain

We save you the pain of dealing with all this because we know the media people, we know their plans, we know their needs, we know how they work, we know their journalists - and we know their ad team's discount structures.

In short, we can plan any media campaign to suit your business. That's everything from the one-off press release for a newly-launched business to a lengthy media campaign which uses editorial, advertising and promotions to deliver the right messages at the right time for the right price.

And we do it for any type of business. This week I was helping rebuild the public reputation of a small motor garage owner who's got on the wrong side of the law ... this afternoon I'm working for Camelot. They want to publicise this Friday's £82m Euromillions jackpot so I've arranged – and will oversee - an interview between an Evening Post features writer and a Llanelli Lotto millionaire. The feature will appear in Friday's paper.

Valuable

And one thing we always stress is that hard-won editorial space in a newspaper is so much more valuable than advertising space - the public know that you've paid a few thousand pounds for a page in the Western Mail ... but they see an editorial feature on the next page as a sign that a team of journalists and their editor see great merit in what you're doing.

Managed properly, your media engagement will make you attractive to journalists seeking expert comment on topics within your sphere; it will have influential individuals such as editors talking about you in their own networking circles ... and it will make you appear to be a very credible employer when you begin a recruitment drive.

As George Michael, Richard Branson and Gavin Henson know, exposure in the media can help make you very high-profile and very marketable.

As I said, traditional media isn't everything in a marketing mix - but it's a very important part. Media coverage is a cornerstone of building your brand – please don't forget it.

Welsh editors in the firing line

2010-09-28T09:24:00.001+01:00

The South Wales media's ongoing radical changes crystallised further yesterday.

Journalism trade magazine Press Gazette reported that the roles of four newspaper editors across the region were likely to be made redundant.

The papers in question are the weeklies in the Celtic group, part of the Western Mail stable. They include the Merthyr Express, Gwent Gazette, Rhondda Leader, Pontypridd Observer, Cynon Valley Leader and Glamorgan Gazette.

Closed

A single editor-in-chief is expected to oversee the weeklies. The same group closed the Neath and Port Talbot Guardians a year ago.

Media Wales publishing director Alan Edmunds is quoted as saying: “The future development and operational requirements of these titles as well as the needs of the communities that they engage will be better served by a new approach, taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by our multimedia news operations.”

Economics

It's also likely that simple economics have much to do with the measure. The loss of three editor salaries will be a handy cost reduction on the balance sheet.

Media Wales isn't the only operation making hard decisions. In recent years the South Wales Evening Post group has experimented - and reconsidered - with joint editorship of its weekly titles the Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.

Globally, the news trade continue to evolve too as media businesses struggle with new technology and recession.

Developments

In a key London lecture this week, former Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie Jr looked at likely future developments of the journalism industry.

He said: "Much of the most-needed journalism is still best produced collaboratively by stable news organizations that can facilitate professional reporting by experienced journalists, support them with money, logistics and legal backing, and present their work to a large public.

"Credible, verifiable journalism about what is important in life is needed more than ever amidst the babble of the blogosphere and social networks, the polarizing opinion and propaganda, the tabloid invasions of privacy and the cynical audience appeal of news presented as entertainment and entertainment presented as news.

"The challenge I see is to turn this tumultuous moment of transformation into a beneficial reconstruction of journalism, enabling credible, verifiable, independent news reporting to emerge, enlivened and enlarged, from the current decline of long-dominant news media."

Video PR for Wales’ YouTube generation

2010-09-25T09:09:00.007+01:00

If you didn't know it already, the future of PR across Wales is multi-media.

Public relations practitioners will continue to target traditional print and broadcast offerings to build reputations - but there's already much more besides.

Two days in the company of Nathalie McDermott, of On Road Media, reaffirmed this certainty.

Dedicated

One day was dedicated to podcasting - the art of delivering messages and starting conversations on the web through digital audio.

The other did the same for video blogging.

Both are important as businesses of all hues battle to drive traffic to their websites.

Important

I see the latter as most important such is the visual nature of modern life.

So video will now be integrated into my thinking on everything from networking events to media campaigns.

The opportunity came for a trial run on Saturday with a visit to South Gower RFC on behalf of Welsh law firm Peter Lynn and Partners, one of the club's sponsors.

Check out the release by clicking here and the video here. OK, so the video may not be Spielberg, but it's an important step in the evolution of my own services.

Hopefully too, an accompanying photo will be used soon in the South Wales Evening Post.

Swansea Bay news media support

2010-09-24T09:06:00.006+01:00

Fantastic news from Port Talbot. Support is growing for a hyperlocal community news and information service.

The town lost its 84-year-old weekly newspaper to the recession a year ago but now the community seems determined to fight back.

After 12 months of hard graft by a determined squad of volunteer journalists - all solid, experienced professionals in their field - a key meeting was held in Blanco's Hotel on Wednesday night.

Influential

It brought together some influential and community-minded individuals impressed by the vision for a new breed of current affairs platform.

Local News Port Talbot already has an embryonic website but its members would like it to be a lot more than that.

At Blanco's they were delighted to greet Meyrick Sheen (Michael's dad), Barry Kirk (Captain Beany), Adele and Catrin from National Theatre Wales, Andy Williams of the Cardiff School of Journalism, local photographer and journalist Peter Knowles, and Port Talbot sports reporter Robert Clement.

Supportive

Everyone was supportive of the proposal and several made specific pledges of help and support. In particular, Peter Knowles is prepared to provide pictures and stories which would link with his own website.

Barry Kirk offered to provide a regular column. Andy Williams indicated that the School of Journalism would be happy to second students to contribute to the newsgathering process.

Swansea promo activity – plan it well!

2010-09-23T09:02:00.006+01:00

Successful PR and marketing in Wales means much more than a few press releases and advertisements.

It requires regular get-togethers with key contacts who can reveal what plans the broadcasters and newspapers have for the coming months.

That time-consuming activity pays dividends - it means planned promotional activity can be matched with media needs and trends. And it’s something we do well at Effective Communication.

Specialist

Yesterday I met South Wales Evening Post promotions specialist Gemma Dawkins.

She’s not been in the job long and admits that she’s learning every day. That’s an acknowledgment and strength that’ll stand her in good stead.

Her key duty is to oversee the Post’s in-paper competitions and promotions – Win a £500 shopping spree at Home Sense - Get two lunches for the price of one at Baguette du Jour.

Highlighted

Gemma was happy to talk for going on an hour about some client needs highlighted by Effective Communication.

I was quickly able to report back to clients that there were good opportunities for special offers and eye-catching competitions over the coming months.

They include a tantalising follow-up to this year’s Win a Dream Wedding promotion. This has seen enterprises such as Swansea’s Posh Frocks, Neath’s La Crème Patisserie and jeweller Clive Ranger put up wedding day prizes in return for promo activity.

High-profile

It’s been a high-profile campaign this year and Gemma’s convinced it’ll be bigger and better next year.

Here’s hoping – and here’s to more useful meetings with Gemma Dawkins.

PR boost for Welsh athletes

2010-09-22T08:58:00.001+01:00

Welsh press photo of the month?

No contest.

Log on to the new edition of glossy mag Sporting Wales, flick to page 40 ... and enjoy the cheering sight of the Welsh Commonwealth Games team.

They’re pictured together in Cardiff’s magnificent new John Lewis store before jetting off for India.

Salute

So forget the difficulties with Delhi for a moment if you can and salute the fine achievement of all these red tracksuited sportspeople. They’ve won the right to represent Wales on the international circuit and deserve exposure such as this.

From a PR point of view it’s a lovely way of saluting the athletes and all who support them.

Well done Sporting Wales and good luck to the Wales team.

David’s PR prowess pips Henson

2010-09-21T08:54:00.004+01:00

The Welsh rugby PR machine that made such a success of promoting the national side's new shirt is nowhere to be seen on page two of the Llanelli Star's current edition.

As a refreshing change from Henson-mania, the Star offers up a public relations nugget concerning a Welsh sportsman who's got something Gavin hasn't, a European championship win.

To highlight the National Lottery's fulsome backing of London 2012, 400m hurdler David Greene was happy to prepare for some Cardiff publicity.

Olympic

And the Star was good enough to mark the fact with its September 15 story Hurdler's Olympic Chat.

Only a few weeks ago Effective Communication was involved in another media task which saw Paralympian swimming champion David Roberts promote some South Wales National Lottery activity.

Publications such as the South Wales Echo and the South Wales Argus were more than happy to help spread the word.

It shows that there's more to PR life than a man who's not played his chosen sport for 18 months. And you ain't gonna see David Greene in dancefloor sequins any time soon.

Ryder Cup's radio temptation

2010-09-21T08:50:00.012+01:00

Another golfing PR opportunity is being offered up by the Swansea-based media.

Local radio specialists Town and Country Broadcasting have a tempting little Ryder Cup package available to a sports-loving enterprise.

I met account manager Matthew Anderson in the Uplands Diner, Swansea, today and he was mad keen on his new offering.

Exposure

For an outlay of £1,400 - although I suspect that's negotiable - the broadcaster's Ryder Cup associate will get decent exposure on Nation Radio, Bay Radio and Bridge FM, covering a good wedge of central South Wales.

In the two weeks' run-up to the big Celtic Manor showdown there'll be mentions on five daily promo slots and a few "live reads" by presenters.

Over the three days of the competition there'll be mentions on four daily updates from the course along with more live reads.

The presenter with the rather tasty job of reporting every three hours on the progress of the European and American teams is Gareth Williams, a regular on TCB's saturday sport output.

Nice work if you can get it ... and a tempting promotional hook-up.

PR boost for Swansea show exhibitors

2010-09-17T10:40:00.001+01:00

A number of healthy enterprises have enjoyed some useful PR on the back of an event in Swansea.

It was great to meet professionals associated with the firms exhibiting or simply visiting the Liberty Stadium Business Show.

And it's good to read a substantial story about the event in today's South Wales Evening Post.

Those mentioned in the piece include Vodafone, Finance Wales, Swansea City, Gower College Swansea and St John Training.

Mingling

My Effective Communication colleague Tracy Marsh had a busy day, mingling and explaining to potential new clients how we can help push their businesses forward. She also had a good response from those eager to learn more about membership of Swansea Business Club.

Incidentally, she was thankful to the ever-helpful Robert Lloyd Griffiths, of the IoD, who helped her out with a technical glitch.

Amongst the other exhibitors enjoying a the splendid eyeball-to-eyeball marketing opportunity were accountants Clay Shaw Butler, Swansea's Pennant Homes, website specialists W3 Web Designs, the splendid Fruity Bouquets, Swansea-based Days Contract Hire and go-ahead Xerox concession Pinnacle Office Equipment.

Clay Shaw Butler's Amanda Russell told me the firm was working hard on raising its profile, especially throughout Carmarthenshire.

Strong

Pennant are enjoying an increasingly strong take-up of Assembly low-cost homoeowner plan Homebuy and w3's engaging Lee Ann Smith talked of some great recent e-commerce work with the likes of West Wales-based Nona Jewellery.

Fruity Bouquets make fabulous gifts and table displays - chocolate-dipped fresh fruit creations which at first glance look like traditional flower bouquets. Jan Holmes founded the company and, from her base in Bridgend, now operates all over South Wales. She has exciting plans.

Days marketing coordinator Sharon Crocker told me that business remained brisk and that more trade than ever was being done via the web.

Eyecatching

The office solutions guys from Cardiff-based Pinnacle had one of the most eyecatching stands, complete with a stunner of a racing motorbike. Their big sales pitch was on a new-generation photocopier that uses wax-based ink blocks rather than wasteful plastic cartridges. Swansea area account manager Gavin Lewis revealed that he's genuinely excited by the product.

However, it didn't stop him and his colleagues having an unscheduled game of ball in the main show space as the day drew to a close!

Ryder Cup marketing chance for Swansea business

2010-09-16T05:10:00.001+01:00

Businesses with a concerted Swansea PR or marketing drive planned for the coming weeks would do well to consider advertising in a Ryder Cup special planned by the South Wales Evening Post.

The ads team down Adelaide Street tell me the plan is for a 16-page full-colour tabloid supplement previewing the Celtic Manor's golfing showpiece.

They also say it'll be editorially led which means a good chance of decent stories which will hold the attention of readers.

Among those featured will be Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie.

The Ryder Cup is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime treat for many of us in Wales so why not ensure that, when the story's told in many years to come, there's a little piece of your business in a dusty drawer filled with commemorative newspaper pull-outs?

If you’re interested give me a shout on 07890 953402.

Advertising Opportunity
Publication South Wales Evening Post
Supplement Ryder Cup
Format Tabloid, full colour, 16 pages
Publication date Wed Sept 29 (tournament runs Oct 1-3)
Editorial content Interviews with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Europe team captain Colin Montgomerie & major Welsh players.
Key target audience Golf lovers in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli
Ad prices include:

“In association with” sponsorship incl 5x8 supplement p1 ad & full page on the back - £750
Full page - £500.
Half page - £250
4x8 ad - £120

Swansea PR booster from Community Times

2010-09-15T04:45:00.001+01:00

Lorna Davies was on form when we sat down to discuss PR and marketing opportunities for some Swansea businesses yesterday.

One of the two women behind the city's pair of Community Times titles, she exuded confidence in the magazines but - equally importantly - excitement and pride at being involved.

Mumbles Community Times, helmed by Joanne Caulfield, has now clocked up well over half a decade on the Swansea media scene. That's some track record and suggests that it has found a useful little niche.

Its newer sister publication focuses on Sketty, Uplands, Dunvant, Killay, Upper Killay and Tycoch. It's been around for a year, was originally tabled as a 48-pager but has since gone up as high as 72 pages.

Another title is planned.

High footfall

Between them, the A5 bimonthly glossies hit around 10,000 homes through door-to-door delivery; another 2,500 are made available for free pick-up in high footfall places such a hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants and surgeries.

They mix editorial and advertising steadily in a lifestyle-oriented manner. Existing advertisers include the Village Hotel, Swansea, solicitors Peter Lynn and Partners, SIP Financial Management and builders Barber & Co.

Columnists have included the Yummy Mummy aka Victoria Blandford, BBC TV Wales rugby pundit Stuart Davies and cosmetic medical specialist Stephen Bassett, of Shape Cymru.

My favourite remains the junior sport player profile - a page of none-too-searching questions posed to a young local rugby or soccer starlet.

One of this year's featured Mumbles Rangers football six-year-olds was Charlie Smith.

Q Favourite teacher?

A Mrs Hurley.

So there you are, Mrs H - proof that promotion in Community Times works!

Welsh butcher enjoys his own recipe for PR fun

2010-09-14T10:06:00.000+01:00

One of Swansea's finest proponents of grassroots PR is about to hang up his hotline to the Evening Post.

Roger Thomas has been one of the city's finest butchers but now plans to retire.

He'll be missed not only for his range of exquisite meats, pies and ready-made meals but also for his passion for publicity.

Being the owner of a small business is tough, not least when you're competing against the big boys who seem to have marketing budgets the size of a nation state's GDP.

But Roger simply got on with the job in hand, ensuring that Sketty-based Howard Thomas and Sons - the business launched by his father - achieved more than its fair share of photo stories in the Evening Post.

Topical

Rugby was his favourite topical hook. If Wales won a Grand Slam he'd create a sausage with ingredients favoured by each of the defeated opponents - beef for England, malt whisky for Scotland ...

Invariably, a Post reporter would hear about the new offering, see it as a fun way of illustrating a big story and send out a photographer. Roger and his staff would be pictured with a string of their new bangers.

Only this summer he was still at it. Roger's World Cup sausage was a South African-style concoction of beef, pork, coriander, nutmeg, Worcester sauce, vinegar, garlic and thyme.

I'm ashamed to say that the Media Master family failed to make the short trip to Frogmore Avenue. Our loss.

What Roger did show is that a little creativity and cheek can go a long way in getting news of your business out there. Well done, Roger - now you'll have more time to enjoy reading your bulky scrapbook of press cuttings!

Welsh PR pedals an upbeat Swansea message

2010-09-13T06:00:00.002+01:00

The Swansea PR machine has been in top gear for today's leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

As the men with jerseys brighter than the 2010 Mensa champion prepare to hit the city streets, the media has been fed a saddlebagful of info.

It wasn't enough to stop the Evening Post pointing out - in pictorial grandeur no less - that there were one or two potholes amongst the Constitution Hill cobbles.

But the public relations onslaught has since had the desired effect of raising the neighbourhood profile of the Tour's visit.

On two fronts it's been important - the Swansea public need to know about the day's road traffic changes, and the city must generate positive publicity for its economic well being.

Bigging up

The council media team has trawled its contacts book to issue quotes bigging up the day. Those tapped for comments include council culture chief Iwan Davies, cafe owner Nigel Evans, Federation of Small Businesses official Mike Jones, Tourism Swansea Bay chairman Tony McGetrick and city tourism manager Steve Hopkins.

The front page Tour picture in the current edition of council tabloid The Leader was predictable but there was also page one exposure via glossy mag What's On in Swansea, a decent build-up on Real Radio and increasingly excitable material in the Evening Post.

Post reporter Jason Evans has provided the journalistic highlight, cycling some of the long, hilly route himself and even managing to conquer the daunting incline of Constitution Hill (now with potholes repaired).

The media interest shows what can be achieved with an informed and coordinated promotional effort.

Good luck to all concerned - saddle sore or not.

Henson gimmick is a Wales masterstroke

2010-09-10T09:40:00.000+01:00

Welsh expertise in marketing, promotion and PR has come a long way since John Toshack posed with Barry John and Gareth Edwards on the Cardiff Arms Park turf.

A black and white image of that early 70s rendezvous - with all three in loose-fitting cotton Wales rugby jerseys and Tosh clutching a brown leather oval ball - adorns a wall of Pontcanna's Cameo Club.

It was there for all to admire yesterday as Effective Communication colleagues met to discuss fabulous plans for a key area of our business.

I wonder if Gavin Henson's new promo shot for Wales' latest Under Armour skin will be in the bistros and cappuccino haunts of Cefneithin, Blaengwynfi and Tonyrefail in years to come?

Probably not - but it's everywhere now! A few puzzled sentences of reaction from past and present Wales internationals has ensured that.

Gimmick

Others have been a little more informed in their pronouncements: "It's a good sales gimmick."

And in Welsh rugby's professional era we should expect many more examples of such creative thinking, activity which encourages media-friendly mild outrage.

Those involved in top-flight Welsh rugby know the sport is a dog-eat-dog pressurised world of hirings, firings, hard-fought commercial deals, tight margins and underwhelming ticket sales.

The players know full well that promotional activity is key - if the Henson stunt does have a negative effect on the sensitivities of a few then more fool them.

Just contrast the number of fans at tonight's Ospreys-Treviso game with the number of people around the UK who know what Wales'new shirt looks like, who the sponsor is, who the manufacturer is and which rugby star's on Stricty Come Dancing.

No contest. Yet despite this being the Italian club's (slightly) historic first Magners League appearance on British or Irish soil what creative energy have the Welsh galacticos put into getting bums on seats at the Liberty Stadium today? Put up Scott Johnson and a few players at a Tuesday press conference by the looks of it.

It's 2010 not the days of It's a Knockout. Publicity images of three guys with a ball in front of an empty stand now do little to trigger merchandise sales and to raise profile.

The Henson stunt is a masterstroke. Well done to all concerned.

PR roller coaster - all in a Swansea day's work

2010-09-09T07:16:00.001+01:00

When you're trying to enhance the profile of Welsh business through the medium of PR it can be a roller coaster ride.

Yesterday was a case in point. Going about Effective Communication everyday business in Swansea, activities moved swiftly between highs and lows.

More precisely, my public relations tasks switched rapidly from helping delighted solicitor Peter Lynn sponsor a Gorseinon charity gig by Swansea bands Doctor Watson, Freeflow and Honeyslave to being instructed to help manage expected media interest in the sad tale of a business collapse.

The day had begun on a high as the South Wales Evening Post used with great prominence a commentary on financial prudence by Richard Croydon, of Effective client Brewin Dolphin.

They're one of the UK's most successful personal investment management operations and the feature was based on sound expertise.

Crisis management

The day went on to bring a hook-up with a down-in-the-dumps businessman who needed some crisis management.

His company has had a little difficulty with the courts and, pleasant guy that he is, now seeks to undergo a programme of rebuilding the trust and goodwill of his community.

We'll ensure that, punishment over, he'll look back in a few months and thank his pal who recommended Effective to him.

To end on a high, Robert Lloyd Griffiths of the Wales IoD, was in demand from BBC Wales.

They invited him along to their Llandaff studios to comment on a key issue and he was thrilled to do so, keeping his profile high with it.

Robert also tipped me off about a BBC Radio Wales slot he has coming up this Monday. He'll be rising early to be the morning's newspaper reviewer on the station's breakfast show.

Good stuff, Robert - it's a shame that everyone's not on such a roll at the same time!

Wales holiday business on the PR hunt

2010-09-08T06:15:00.000+01:00

PR and the media will be very much on the agenda when tourism professionals gather in Swansea on September 28.

And I'm delighted to report that I'll be there, hosting an informal - but highly informative - Q&A session with Rupert Hall, the South Wales Evening Post's very engaging business reporter.

He's agreed to reveal to visitors at the Tourism Swansea Bay Marketing Mix Roadshow how to make their businesses essential to editors.

The big question, no doubt, will be: "How can I tempt a journalist to write a great story about my business?"

Spotlight

We hatched the plan over tea and coffee in Morgans Hotel and are both looking forward to our half-hour in the spotlight at the nearby LC.

It goes without saying that successful PR involves developing good relationships with the journalists you may have to deal with in future months and years.

The writers and broadcasters themselves seek to build a great contacts list - so get yourself along to the show and add a few more crucial names and numbers to your Windows Contacts.

Other speakers include Visit Wales head of campaigns and digital marketing Gillian Berntsen, South West Wales Media advertisement director Lisa Cameron and The Wave and Swansea Sound station director Helen Bowden.

Twitter: A prime PR tool for Swansea

2010-09-07T07:50:00.000+01:00

They often say that Swansea - Wales' second city - is simply a big village.

That's (largely) meant as a great compliment, explaining how so many people know each other.

This close-knit nature means that citizens are highly likely to follow local acquaintances through the magical new media world of Twitter.

Each tweet may only be short but every day now brings lovely examples of 140-character Swansea PR bursts. That's why professional communicators Effective Communication now offer social media services to back up their expertise in dealing with the traditional media.

Today my own twitterfeed includes:

Earn 75p per ticket commission for selling Calvin Harris tickets! pointing to an online promo for the Oceana club

NHS in Wales faces £380m cutbacks BBC Wales web page

Come to Swansea City Reserves v Swindon Town Reserves Tuesday 14:00-16:00. Facebook event promo

Have you ever made a costly mistake at work? Nation Radio Facebook page

We're reviewing our houses in multiple occupation licensing policy and welcome your views Swansea Council web page

Breakfast Show Blog The Kev Johns blog page on Swansea Sound's website

Online PR strategy crucial to Welsh business

2010-09-06T09:20:00.000+01:00

A weekend with other communications professionals underlined the need for Welsh business to health-check its online PR and marketing activity.

Our Cardiff gathering, Writing for the Web, explored the wide issue of driving traffic to web-based shop windows and keeping it there.

Delegates included Wales-based PR and marketing folk, journalists and lecturers from locations between Carmarthen and Usk.

Organisations represented ranged from union giant Unison to sole trader Grey Pebble Productions and from the National Union of Journalists to cycle business Wheelies and the University of Glamorgan.

Passionate exponent

Our guide was Simon Williams, a passionate exponent of good web practice.

We all took much from his guidance. My own focus was on developing skills to help push client websites ever higher in Google searches.

Action points being passed on to Effective Communication clients include:

get busy on the web in a way that directly relates to customers - blog, contribute to forums and use social media, in all cases using links and key words widely and wisely;
take a fresh look at your website - ensure it appeals to punters, guides them smoothly and enables them to find what they want;
ensure that your online content is good quality - don't compromise.

A strong, well considered online strategy can enhance the profile - and profits - of every business. Hands up who's got one!

Nigel's making plans for Gorseinon

2010-09-03T07:44:00.001+01:00

Nigel Dudley is a man on a mission.
The publishing whirlwind is about to add a third title to his South Wales portfolio.
Eye on Gorseinon will service one of the Swansea area's most populous areas which boasts a town centre with plenty of local trade alongside some high-profile nationals.
It's in the throes of climbing away from its post-industrial dip and suffered a little in media terms when the small-circulation Llwchwr edition of the Llanelli Star ceased publication a couple of years back.
Nigel now believes the time's right for his fresh-faced advertorial magazine-style approach.
Building on the success of his Neath and Swansea Valley titles - Neath Gnolledge and Valley View - he is busily preparing for launch in the coming weeks. Expect a football programme-sized glossy with features of one and two pages. The majority will be delivered door-to-door.
When we last met he was planning a 13,000 circulation of his new free and had already got a healthy number of businesses on board. He was looking for an MoT/Servicing garage to add to the mix.
I'm meeting him this morning on behalf of a client from the hospitality sector and will be interested to see how far his planning has come.

Facebook generation still enjoy the glossies

2010-09-02T07:29:00.000+01:00

New mums have so much to think about that some even forget to Facebook.
Others, however, use those rare moments when baby's dozing to post a few offspring images for social media followers.
All want to learn more about the new landscape in which they live - parenthood. And all - well, most - adjust their household budgets and spending habits.
Which is where a new twice-yearly magazine from the South Wales Evening Post stable comes in.
Swansea Bay Early Years is due out this month - free in some places, £1 in others - and its design is being masterminded by the editor of Swansea Life and Swansea Bay Business Life, Wyn Jenkins. That suggests it'll be a good looking glossy that'll hang around coffee table for some weeks to come.
He promises that the A4 glossy will cover Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire and that it'll be targeted directly at those with children aged one to five. Print run: 7,000.
Advertisers on board already include clothing and equipment retailers, childcare providers, private schools and hotels with a key interest in the family market.
Facebook remains one key option for interested businesses, of course, but Swansea Bay Early Years may also be worth a punt. Book prices include around £340 for a full page ad and Wyn would be happy to hear from those with potential editorial content. I have contact details for those keen to know more.

Rugby bloggers predict a Blues blast

2010-09-01T06:00:00.001+01:00

Magners League rugby returns this weekend. The Ospreys visit Ulster on Friday, the Dragons, Blues and Scarlets kick off on Saturday against Connacht (a), Edinburgh (h) and Treviso (a) respectively.
There'll be much build-up in mainstream media such as the Western Mail and South Wales Evening Post but it's increasingly worth checking out online coverage.
The Rugby Blog is a case in point. It's run by forward-thinking company Front5 and is fast gaining credibility in oval-ball circles.
Its Magners club-by-club guide is already online, penned by Matt Kellett and predicting a final table of: 1 Leinster, 2 Blues, 3 Ospreys, 4 Munster, 5 Glasgow, 6 Edinburgh, 7 Ulster, 8 Dragons, 9 Scarlets, 10 Connacht, 11 Treviso, 12 Aironi.
Choice comments include:
Blues Dan Parks, from Glasgow, could prove to be the best signing of the summer.
Dragons Wing Aled Brew needs to be a key player if the Dragons are to finally push for a top-half finish.
Ospreys If they can navigate their way through the long season to the top four, they’ll have what it takes to claim back-to-back titles.
Scarlets Centre Regan King has become one of the best players in the league and is the heartbeat of this team. Can he lift the team into the top half?
Whether you use traditional media or the online variety - or both - enjoy the ride!

Picture power helps Gwalia impress

2010-08-31T07:24:00.000+01:00

Today's South Wales Evening Post highlights a fabulous example of how a new building can marry beautifully with its stunning natural environment.
Gwalia is creating new-generation care scheme Cwm Aur at Llanybydder, near Newcastle Emlyn, and they went to the trouble of taking a landscape photograph of the site under construction.
The result shows how strong imagery can help media exposure: the Post use the photo and accompanying text prominently in today's Find a Property supplement.
For more about the £6.5m development in Carmarthenshire's rolling green hills, tune in to S4C's Sioe'r Ty this Friday.
Meanwhile, Swansea Council are unlikely to be impressed with two more big pictures in the Post.
The authority plans to repair cobbles and screen a collapsed wall before TV cameras follow Tour of Britain cycle racers up historic Constitution Hill on September 13. But that's not stopped the Post flagging up the issues with big-style photos - and the concerns of one resident - on pages one and three.

Celebrity PR gets to work on all levels

2010-08-27T08:37:00.000+01:00

The power of celebrity has been evident this week at grassroots level in southwest Wales.
It's brought decent PR for a wonderfully wide range of organisations and causes.
Everybody from global rock icons the Manic Street Preachers to a homespun community swimming facility have benefited.
The latest editions of newspapers on the Media Master desk reveal some telling tales of what makes journalists sit up and take notice as publicity is sought.
The Manics, for instance, are busy plugging new single (It's Not War) Just the End of Love. The internet has been alive with news of the accompanying video for a few weeks now and South Wales' Nation Radio tweeted a link to the film yesterday - http://tumblr.com/xqegslanw.
It's main point of interest is that Newport and Port Talbot boy Michael Sheen stars in the video. And today's South Wales Evening Post records the fact with a photo and page lead by reporter Paul Lewis.
The same issue uses a more sporty celeb to promote the forthcoming first Gower Cycling Festival. Former Wales rugby skipper Colin Charvis, a Swansea resident, is pictured with event organisers at Blackpill's Junction Cafe. He plans to join two of the festival's rides.
Meanwhile, the latest Carmarthen Journal taps in to the hint of Hollywood glamour brought to Wales this week by actress Minnie Driver.
Her presence as she works on new film Hunky Dory has provided the Evening Post and Western Mail with images and stories of her filming in rainswept Swansea. The Journal focuses on the fact that Driver has used Twitter to ask fans for ideas to raise money for Brynamman Lido.
Campaigners have been fighting to save the historic facility against a background of council cuts. Little did they know that helped would come their way in the form of such celebrity PR.
Well done, Minnie Driver ... and good luck to all those who support and use the lido.

There's an art to magazine success

2010-08-26T07:32:00.002+01:00

It's good to see two Effective Communication friends benefit from exposure in one of Swansea's new breed of community magazines.
Near neighbours the Village Hotel and Peter Lynn and Partners have substantial presences in the August issue of The Bay. Both are impressed by the good-looking nature of the journal, a football programme-sized free which last clocked 88 pages.
The hotel takes a full-page ad extolling the virtues of its Christmas offerings: "Gold? Frankincense? More!"
The solicitors use a two-page advertorial penned by partner Sophie Pincott and flagging up the firm's family services.
The elegance of The Bay can be largely attributed to designer Simon Williams whose inventive way with advertisements has impressed since issue one last year.
This month's highlights include a hand-drawn illustration of hotel and restaurant Norton House by night. The image is like something from a sumptuously colourful 1930s railway poster for weekend trips by GWR to the Cornish Riviera.
Meanwhile, Angela's seaside shop - specialising in crepes and waffles for visitors to Caswell beach, offers a different style of fun factor with imagery reminiscent of Britain's traditional saucy postcards.
A cafe in Southgate continues with its eyecatching Enid Blyton style drawing of a family picnic. "Boy: Crikey! There's no food left. Mum: Never mind, we'll all go to the Three Cliffs Coffee Shop."
When seeking exposure in the print media it's worth first of all checking that the title itself takes pride in what it delivers in it money-spinning advertising space. If it features irresistibly attractive pages then it's safe to feel positive.
After all, when did you last see an ugly ad in Tatler or Vogue?

Blogs in demand at the Evening Post

2010-08-25T05:54:00.000+01:00

The long gone days of early summer saw South Wales Evening Post digital publisher Abigail Edge issue an invitation for readers to channel their blogs through the newspaper's website.
It's not a bad idea for those bloggers worried about how they'd otherwise promote their toils.
However, there seems to have been slow interest. Today's www.thisissouthwales.co.uk blogs signpost leads to just three platforms - the Post itself, the National Botanic Garden of Wales and this autumn's Neath Food Festival.
The latest garden post was penned by work placement students Sarah Trinder (University of York) and Charlie Long (Durham University). It reveals how they're getting a kick out of helping the professionals to DNA barcode more than 1,100 species of Welsh flora.
The foodie blog reveals that Neath's second annual food extravaganza already has 44 exhibitors signed up. I'm glad to see that backers include the Neath Abbey-based Bay Radio.
That's a shame because the Post, as southwest Wales's dominant print media, has great online possibilities.
To all bloggers, I say: "Give the Post a go."
To the Post, I say: "Promote your blogs in the paper - potential bloggers need encouragement."

Village people on song for new challenge

2010-08-24T07:55:00.004+01:00

Well done to Andrew Petherick for securing a tidy piece of positive media coverage for Swansea's Village Hotel.
He was phoned by South Wales Evening Post business reporter Rupert Hall late last week, the newspaper eager to record the imminent arrival of a new Premier Inn at Swansea's SA1 quarter.
Andrew's the general manager of the Village and was quick to articulate his confidence about the future. Yes, the economy's tough, he told Rupert, but the Village has much to offer.
Since it was established in SA1 more than three years ago it has built a fine reputation for its accommodation, food and drink and leisure club.
Andrew succeeded in getting Rupert to mention all these in his story which appeared as a page lead in the Business in the Bay section of yesterday's Post.
Morgans managed similar success albeit with quotes from a faceless "spokeswoman" but the Dragon missed out with a bland "refused to comment."
So good on yer, Andrew ... and thanks for coming to Effective Communication for a little advice.

Full story http://bit.ly/9UbJBr

Craig's list of PR hits helps Cardiff

2010-08-23T08:10:00.000+01:00

Some see it as going for broke - others call it a potential timebomb for the changing room.
But Cardiff City have certainly started seeing the benefits of having Craig Bellamy on board.
The club bagged three points as they started to eye promotion to the Premiership, they sold every seat in their new ground and they shifted a shedload of shirts.
In PR terms too the many thousands of pounds the club's paying the striker began to bear fruit.
My own weekend snapshot highlighted some priceless national publicity for the Bluebirds. It included a substantial feature on Saturday lunchtime's BBC TV Football Focus, albeit with some churlish downbeat comment from the increasingly predictable pundits.
The Beeb followed it with a splendidly upbeat piece to kick off that night's Football League Show. It included interviews with fans, Neil Kinnock, Bellamy and manager Dave Jones. It would only have been bettered had the show presented an insight from the Doncaster Rovers keeper who had seemed surprised as a 30-yard Bellamy shot scooted past him.
Saturday's web was alive with Bellamy, including high-profile pieces on betting industry sites and on any site dedicated to soccer or to sport from South Wales or South Yorkshire.
Yesterday's Media Master household invested in the Wales on Sunday and The Observer. The Welsh tabloid went big on the 4-0 win as expected so more significant was the Guardian stablemate's decision to put Bellers all over the front of its sports section.
Of course, things could all still go pear shaped - but at this early stage in the Welsh international's npower Championship adventure, you can only give everyone involved a big PR thumbs up.

Radio, golf ... and Royal Porthcawl bacon butties

2010-08-20T07:51:00.001+01:00

Ever fancied dipping a toe into local radio advertising?
Well, South Wales' new kid on the broadcasting block is offering an innovative trial run opportunity.
It features an ad package, membership of a new business club, online presence, a round of golf and a lively networking session.
South Wales Radio account manager Matthew Anderson revealed all when we sat down for a cuppa in the Uplands Diner, Swansea.
His offer applies to all the local and regional stations in the group - Bay Radio (covering Swansea Bay), Scarlet FM (Llanelli), Radio Carmarthenshire, Bridge FM (Bridgend), Radio Pembrokeshire, Radio Ceredigion and Nation (South Wales).
He said that for £450 each business will get 50 half-minute ads shared between one or two stations. You'll also be a launch member of the Swansea Wales Radio Business Club which he'd like to develop strongly through 2010 with offers and gatherings.
The deal includes a rather attractive event at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on Tuesday, November 9. There's coffee and bacon rolls to start, a shotgun start for the four-man teams, 18 holes, dinner in the clubhouse then a presentation and auction/raffle with charity and celebrity hooks.
It's a pleasurable way for Matthew to attract some new business - and it sounds like an effective way for golfers to network and gain radio exposure.
I'll be preparing a brief today for Effective Communication clients but if you'd like more info just give me a shout.
Matthew, by the way, was previously seen on the South Wales media circuit as an account manager with Swansea Bay Business Life. I get the impression he's relishing the new challenge.

South Wales Radio group. Monthly reach stats include: Bay - 55,000, Bridge - 48,000, Nation - 143,000

Fashion Addict returns with a big publicity opp

2010-08-19T07:28:00.005+01:00

Eleri Walters is a dynamic bundle of energy and ideas. She's events manager at South West Wales Media and has loved her first year in the role.
We met yesterday to discuss one of her current major projects, creating the South Wales Evening Post's second Fashion Addict extravaganza. It's due in November and follows the roaring success of March's inaugural event.
A mightily impressive aspect of Fashion Addict is how SWWM staff promote it fully across their substantial portfolio. It was, perhaps, the most expansive promotional activity ever staged by the Post, its website http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/ and sister titles such as Swansea Life and Swansea Bay Business Life.
The knock-on effect for commercial backers must have been very handy.
The focal point of the forthcoming Fashion Addict will be a Swansea catwalk show highlighting the fashion world's winter collections. More than 1,000 guests are expected on the night, city boutiques and big name stores are already on board and promotional coverage is well under way. You can check out the Facebook page here.
From a PR and marketing perspective the early planning means a potential three months of coverage for those who hop aboard now. March's main sponsor, the Sancta Maria Hospital, has stood aside due to business changes so that leaves a huge opportunity for a successor who'd like a greatly raised profile in the months leading up to Christmas. The core audience will be Swansea, ages 25-45.
The main sponsor's branding, ads, advertorials, photos and other messages will appear regularly on SWWM platforms across southwest Wales and into southeast England.
There are also 10 VIP tickets for the show which, in itself, should be great fun and a superb networking opportunity.
I'll be preparing a brief for Effective Communication clients today. If you'd like more info just give me a shout.
Oh, and good luck, Eleri - I applaud the energy with which you're attacking this fun and sassy project.

Gower Getaways featured in Swansea What's On

2010-08-18T06:22:00.001+01:00

Good luck to new business Gower Getaways, featured in the latest edition of glossy mag What's On in Swansea.
The holiday lettings agency is run by former architectural illustrator Andrew Hilton and has the makings of a fine addition to the South Wales tourism scene.
Andrew hired Effective Communication to write copy for his What's On feature and he should get good results from the splash.
From local people he's looking for high-quality properties to let. To visitors he offers great accommodation and an innovative concierge service.
The first few sentences of Andrew's What's On feature follow.

Unforgettable Gower Getaways
A FAMILY renowned for capturing the Swansea areas's glory on canvas has launched a new holiday lettings agency, Gower Getaways.
The new enterprise delivers a full management service to the owners of beautiful homes across Swansea and Gower. What sets Gower Getaways apart is its concierge service, an innovation which will greatly enhance the experience of visitors.
Andrew Hilton, who heads Gower Getaways, says: "There are many wonderful things to do on Gower but a lot of visitors don’t have the time to find out about them before they travel and find that the activities they’d like to do are fully booked when they arrive .
“Our concierge service addresses that issue. It allows visitors to make the most of every minute here, helps tourism businesses and encourages repeat bookings for our property owners."
Gower Getaways is based at Mumbles Fine Art Gallery owned by Ron and Mary Banning, the parents of Andrew’s wife Arwen. Ron is one of the peninsula's most respected landscape painters, Arwen is renowned for her paintings of figures.

Cardiff polo - and the best of Welsh

2010-08-17T08:26:00.000+01:00

If there's one new sports photo you see this month, make it the polo double-page spread on pages 24 and 25 of Sporting Wales. It's a beauty, with colourful kits, gorgeously groomed horses and Cardiff Castle as a dramatic backdrop.
For three years, photographer Steve Pope and editor Hamish Stuart have worked hard on their fledgling publication, employing glorious imagery, elegant design and intelligent wordcraft.
They deserve praise for Sporting Wales - and it duly came with the pair being named journalists of the year by the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
The magazine's distributed free across Wales and has a refreshing agenda, happily embracing the lesser publicised sports as well as the usual suspects. The latest edition features activities such as extreme adventuring, Paralympians, swimming and cycling.
For businesses wishing to be associated with a quality product and dynamic Welsh sports performers it might be worth exploring possible commercial hook-ups with the magazine. I can happily advise.
Advertisers in the latest edition include the Celtic Manor, insurers CCV, retailer InterSport and the St David's Centre, Cardiff.

Radio bosses club together for South Wales business

2010-08-17T07:41:00.000+01:00

Good news from Town and Country Broadcasting, whose portfolio includes Bay Radio, Scarlet FM, Radio Carmarthenshire and Nation Radio.
As part of their evolving commercial scene they're about to launch a business club.
Its membership features will include on-air and online promotional offerings with this young company whose reach stretches across South Wales with around 330,000 listeners every month. They have an interesting mix of demographic markets, including the young rock lovers who enjoy Nation to the West Walian audience of Radio Ceredigion.
Its Swansea Bay presence is a strong alternative to the more established Wave and Swansea Sound and offers a greater listenership than community stations such as Radio Tircoed and Afan FM.
The South Wales Radio 2010 Business Club is due to tee off in November, with a golfing-themed event.
I'm due to meet Town and Country account manager Matthew Anderson this week so will report fully on his proposals after that coffee.

July 30's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-30T07:35:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
7.24am - SouthWalesNews: Amman valley OAP who launched terror campaign on ex-partner is jailed ... http://trim.li/nk/310H
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Print Carmarthen Journal Click
News - International rugby referee Nigel Owens believes Ammanford's Alex Jones will cope well with her new role as BBC TV One Show presenter. He said: "She'll keep really level-headed.".
Education - Recipients of honorary degrees from Carmarthen's Trinity University College included rugby star Gerald Davies, tenor Dennis O'Neil and Castell Howell Foods founder Brian Jones.
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Broadcast Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News - Last night saw the station's Real People of the Year Awards, with an exclusive performance by Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue. The band are planning a reunion.
Sport - Former Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas has tipped Llanelli's Dai Greene to become the 400m hurdles European Champion in Barcelona tomorrow (Saturday).
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 29's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-29T07:08:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
03.47am - colliderfrosty: a cool video interview with Michael Sheen for TRON: LEGACY in the End of Line Club at Comic-Con http://bit.ly/aF2wcj
10.49pm - VitalSwansea: Pintado's Goal vs Haalandia http://bit.ly/bsO9ga
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Broadcast The Wave Click
News - Plans to cut traffic congestion in Swansea, with plans which include a European-style boulevard close to the seafront, are due to be discussed by councillors today.
Sport - Swansea City's pre-season preparation continued in Holland last night with a 4-1 win over Haalandia.
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Online Llanelli Town Click...
News - Llanelli Historical Society is hosting the Llanelli Festival, designed to promote the positive aspects of the town and celebrate the society’s 10th anniversary, on August 21. More than 70 organisations are due to take part. Click
Sport – The Scarlets' 2010/2011 Heineken Cup campaign first four games: Oct 9, Perpignan, 3.45pm, Parc y Scarlets; Oct 17, Leicester, 3pm, Welford Road; Dec 11, Benetton Treviso, 3pm, Parc y Scarlets; Dec 18, Benetton Treviso, 2.35pm (local), Stadio Communale de Monigo. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 28's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-28T06:12:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Good News – A mining company has revealed Neath Valley expansion plans to safeguard more than 200 jobs and create an extra 45. Energybuild plans a new infrastructure at Aberpergwm Mine near Glynneath. Click
Bad News – Llanelli's £4.6m Technium Performance Engineering building employs just 27 people. It was meant to create 800 jobs with the centre itself accommodating up to 100. Click

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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Summer Fun - The No Fit State circus company will bring a spectacular aerial playground and open house programme of taster sessions, rehearsals and workshops to Pontardawe Recreational Fields from August 7-14. Click
Music Selection – Tunes played from 5-6am today included: Wet Wet Wet, Love Is All Around; Erasure, Sometimes; Kylie Minogue, Spinning Around; Carole King, It's Too Late; Ronan Keating, When You Say Nothing At All.
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
News 1 - Glamorgan CCC are to ban a group of around 20 supporters from home matches following abusive behaviour during Sunday's one-day win over Sussex at St Helen's, Swansea. The county said they were from Ynysygerwn CC, near Neath. Click
News 2 - Two artists are so worried about the plight of honey bees that they've formed a choir to sing a special piece of music based on bee sounds. It was being debuted at Swansea University yesterday with public events to come on August 6 and 9. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 27's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-27T08:22:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter Swansea
6.56am – KevJohnscymru: The Apple iPhone named as the 'Coolest Thing on the Planet' http://www.swanseasound.co.uk/blog?id=8014
9.02pm – SwanseaCouncil: Fancy winning some Ryder Cup Tickets? Find out how by looking at the 'News' section of our digital TV channel http://bit.ly/c9nWTR
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Print Western Mail Click
News 1 – It'll be a while before you can escape Alex Jones, the new BBC TV One Show presenter who hails from Ammanford. She's on at least four pages of today's Western Mail, including the front and on her own spread in the WM pull-out.
News 2 – Wales' first free park and share car scheme is about to stay open round the clock. Swansea Council says its free car park facility close to the M4's J46 will soon be open seven days a week.
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
News 1 – Difficulties with the planning process have seen the Swansea Valley's National Showcaves of Wales shelve a plan for hydro-electric power generation.
Typical ad break – Securahome conservatories, FRF Toyota, Autoglass, Safer Swansea Partnership, BT Vision.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News – A wedding reveller sparked a 1am rescue operation by Port Talbot Lifeboat as he walked into the sea at Aberavon. He was described as being in "a highly intoxicated state." Click
Top ads – Super League at the Gnoll, Neath - Crusaders v Harlequins, Sat Aug 7 - Click. Samsung smartphones - Click.
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 26's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-26T08:10:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
5.36am - realwalesnews: Nurse Stabbed To Death In Hospital Car Park: A murder hunt has been launched ... http://bit.ly/9vLdWA
7.38pm - bbcwales Sport: Glamorgan cling on to beat Sussex http://bit.ly/b30LJM
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - The family of Swansea novelist Iris Gower has been paying tribute to the writer who has died after a short illness.
Commercial – Swansea is about to get two new nightclubs. Odyssey plans to open in Little Wind Street, The Surf Club in Castleton Arcade, Mumbles.
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News - Home Secretary Theresa May is due to outline a new structure for policing across the UK today, including the opportunity for locally elected force commissioners.
Sport - Super League side the Crusaders strengthened their play-off chances with a 30-24 win over Castleford Tigers at the Gnoll, Neath, yesterday. It was their first game in South Wales since they moved to Wrexham at the end of 2009.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News - Real Radio is throwing its support behind the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale from July 30-August 7. Visitors expected, 160,000. More here - http://bit.ly/dndl0Y
Celeb - Ever wondered what happened to Craig David? Perhaps not - but here's a Real Radio video interview with the Southampton songster anyhow ... http://bit.ly/aB408T
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 22's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-22T07:48:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter Swansea
6.45am - KevJohnscymru: The UK's favourite pick and mix sweets are revealed in a poll this morning http://www.swanseasound.co.uk/blog?id=7955
8.15pm - VitalSwansea: Swansea manager Rodgers 'Very Impressed' So Far http://bit.ly/9vq50J
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Print Western Mail Click
News 1 - Parts of Swansea and Neath were caught unawares by torrential rain as floods inflicted damage on Wales after summer storms.
News 2 – Rugby great Gareth Edwards has been appointed honorary president of Carmarthenshire's National Botanic Garden of Wales.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
News 1 - Leading Swansea policeman Mark Mathias says the South Wales force is working hard with young people to keep them from committing crime. Measures include taking them fishing.
News 2 - Last night saw the launch of The Wave/Swansea Sound Culture and Lifestyle Awards, with a chance for the business community to mix with celebrity and glamour. Click
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Online Radio Tircoed 106.5fm Click
Volunteers wanted- Radio Tircoed Needs You! Anybody who has ever wanted to become a radio presenter is inviting enthusiasts to train as cover presenters - Welsh speakers a bonus. Email mailto:feedback@radiotircoed.com
On sale now! – Community station Radio Tircoed is now offering its own branded merchandise for sale ... beginning with a fine drinking vessel: "This is a great mug to drink out of, perfect for your morning cup of coffee or your late cup of chocolate."
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 21: Swansea Media - social media special

2010-07-21T06:18:00.003+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Twitter Swansea
1.01am - SouthWalesNews: Serious flooding hits homes in Swansea: PARTS of Swansea were hit by serious flooding last night. http://trim.li/nk/2TAK
12.01am - pontardawe: Our festival office is open at the Gwachel Mon - Fri 11am - 5pm. Call in for a chat or phone 01792 830200 for any info.
11.03pm - VitalSwansea: 5-Star Swansea City Ease Past Llanelli http://bit.ly/czabYm
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Facebook Swansea
Swansea Bid – July 6: Free one hour car parking in all NCP car parks in Swansea at Salubrious Place, Orchard St and The Kingsway. http://bit.ly/baXQEN
Volcano Swansea – May 12: Volcano photos from Kirsten McTernan Photography & Design ... http://bit.ly/9Ii5DI
Badger Miles - Sunday: I'm gonna change my profile photo because you can't send a concerned message to a mate when you're profile photo says MLARGHHH! http://bit.ly/9DOZdF
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 20's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-20T08:40:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter Last night
9.47pm – swanseacity: Swans to open Pratley talks http://retwt.me/1NUXc.
10.45pm – bbcwales News SW: Woman, 85, is trapped under coach http://bit.ly/b7O3RI.
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Print Western Mail Click
News – More than 52,000 people visited day one of the Royal Welsh Show yesterday. Two pages of coverage inside the paper.
CZJ Watch – Catherine Zeta Jones is competing with Angelina Jolie to play the role of Elizabeth Taylor in what promises to be an exlposive movie about the legendary actress' love affair with Richard Burton.
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
News – It's the end of an era today for Swansea primary school Arfryn. It closes today in a council cost-cutting measure.
Community – Swansea Sound, Blazers and Sunnyhaven Caravans, and Norton House Hotel host The Culture and Lifestyle Awards in September Nominations are sought for categories such as restaurant, hotel, coffee culture, visitor attraction, live entertainment, retail, design and innovation, boutique fashion, salon and business enterprise. Click
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News – Mystery surrounds the future of major Swansea hotel the Dolphin which has been closed since January. There 's speculation that the 66-room venue, or at least some of it, may be turned into flats. Click
Ad – Showcase Cinemas, nearest venue Nantgarw, Pontypridd, flag up movies such as Get Him to the Greek, Inception, Predators, Shrek Forever After, Toy Story 3, Twilight Saga: The Eclipse. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 19's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-19T08:41:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
simmo68 - Don't forget to RSVP the 1st Year Anniversary Party! Swansea Life Magazine will be there!!!! http://www.witchesofchriswick.co.uk/
thetimmorgan - Just traveled from Wales to NYC to see the game on Thursday. Am I the first Swansea City and NY Red Bulls fan in the world?
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - The man jailed for stealing Ben Bellamy's bank card before he was murdered five years ago could be released in a matter of weeks.
Commercial – Super League outfit the Crusaders have two games in Neath coming up - on July 25 and August 7 against Castleford Tigers and Harlequins - so they've snaffled the Post's main front page ad today.
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News 1 - The Royal Welsh Show starts in Powys today with the NFU warning farmers not to break the law by killing badgers.
News 2 - A Swansea man missing for 12 days in Italy has been found dead.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
Presenters - Breakfast: Every day Jagger and Woody reflect on five things they have learned about the world. Recent gems: Woody was up for the Robbie Williams Take That reunion, Jagger disagreed … Real's Facebook fans agreed with Jagger; Tom Cruise's passionate Top Gun clinch with Kelly McGillis was the movies' voted the best love scene of all time.
Commercial - Real has joined forces with Newport's Discount Tyres to offer listeners a free Real Radio car air freshener. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 16's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-16T09:33:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
08:50, thecolourmill - Congratulations to all Swansea Metropolitan University students who are graduating today.
09:07, SwanseaUni - Massive Increase in Research Investment at Swansea University: Research investment is set to soar at Swansea... http://is.gd/dp6BT

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Print Llanelli Star Click
Commercial 1 - Llanelli's refurbed Greenfield Mediterranean Restaurant advertises an "opening extravaganza" complete with belly dancing.
Commercial 2 - A half-page ad for the National Botanic Garden of Wales flags up two outdoor theatre shows - Romeo and Juliet (Aug 1) and Great Expectations (Aug 15).
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Print South Wales Guardian Click
News 1 - The fight to keep Ammanford courthouse open was being taken to Westminster this week. Local MP Jonathan Edwards was arguing for the retention of the 97-year-old facility during what was likely to be an impassioned debate at Westminster Hall.
News 2 - Monty the python is still on the loose in Tycroes, the man on his trail has disclosed. Reptile expert Geraint "The Snakeman" Hopkins has received around 30 calls from concerned members of the public after last week’s Guardian reported the hunt for the African Royal.
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Print Carmarthen Journal Click
News 1 - Nolan Nicholas established Nolan Windows to create a service-focused business. As the Carmarthen-based firm approaches its 20th anniversary, Nolan believes this ethos has led to it becoming one of Wales' largest independently owned uPVC companies.
News 2 - Visitors from Mexico said an award-winning public toilet in Carmarthen was so disgusting they would have preferred to have gone in the street. The operators denied there was a problem.
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 15's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-15T09:10:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
HolidayPlanner - Going to Ireland? Read review of Fastnet Line Swansea-Cork ferry on @greentraveller. Kids will love the bunkbeds! http://bit.ly/dy0aVd
KaveyF - My review of Gower Cottage Brownies in Swansea on Qype: http://qy.pe/lp
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Print Western Mail Click
News - Welsh Queen of Harps Catrin Finch is lined up to play Swansea's Singleton Park in September in an event which will link up with the Royal Albert Hall's Last Night of the Proms.
Business – Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Wales director of the IoD, says that Assembly plans to make the bulk of £163m spending cuts this year rather than next are wise.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Key local story - Swansea Crown Court yesterday saw the jailing of a high-flying Crown Prosecution Service lawyer who agreed to take a £20,000 bribe.
You heard it here - Morriston Comprehensive School is to get a £21m revamp. The work, funded by the Assembly and Swansea Council, is due to start next year.
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Online Llanelli Town Click
Editorial - Llwynhendy Carnival takes place this Saturday, July 17, organised by Communities First Llwynhendy and sponsored by Llanellitown.com. There'll be a parade, fancy dress competition and more carnival treats. Click
Sport – The Wales football team is coming back to Llanelli. The venue for the Luxembourg friendly on August 11 will be Parc y Scarlets. Tickets £5-£10. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 14's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-14T06:12:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Video – Oops! Council workers are spotted throwing cut grass over a wall in Penclawdd, Gower - to the upset of local recycling supporters. Click
Features – The Evening Post now uploads many of its features supplements shortly after print publication. Check out last night's property guide here.
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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Social Media - New online community What's It Like is being given a big push by Bay Radio. Lots of videos - slogan: "Lots of Reality: No hype." Click
Music – Last night's tunes included: Elton John - Your Song , Eagle-Eyed Cherry - Falling In Love Again,
Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms, Take That - A Million Love Songs, Jack Johnson - Better Together.
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
Issues - Listen again to Monday's Jamie & Louise show when the presenters discussed how Swansea-based Grwp Gwalia was using opera to highlight the growing problem of dementia care. Click here and fast-forward to 1:43:30.
Sport - Swansea City lost 2-0 in a friendly at Hereford United despite chances from Alan Tate, Stephen Dobbie, Nathan Dyer, Angel Rangel, David Cotterill, Shefki Kuqi, Gorka Pintado, Scott Donnelly and Casey Thomas. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 13's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-13T06:46:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
News Scotland - Accies boss Reid rebuffs Swansea: Billy Reid rejects the opportunity to take up the managerial vacancy ... http://bit.ly/aY6g5b
stephenfry - Must say Cardiff is looking spankingly good in the late afternoon sunshine. Castle is gleaming, Town Hall glowing. Much to like here.
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
News – Politician Dr Dai Lloyd wants to see a greater use of the organ donor system. The Plaid AM for South Wales West believes we should move to a "presumed consent" model.
Sport – Swansea City have been denied the chance to talk to Sheffield United coach Gary Speed over the possibility of him taking over from Paulo Sousa in the Liberty Stadium hotseat.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News 1 – Tributes are continuing to pour in for a Carmarthen solider and proud Welshman who died “doing the job he loved." Click
News 2 – Drugs cops who busted the Swansea Valley cocaine gang said the criminals thought they were untouchable. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 12's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-12T08:35:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
06:59 from News Wales - Football: Curtis making sure his stars are fighting fit for new Swansea City boss ... http://bit.ly/ajQDm4
06:29 from vaishuabhinav - Burglary accused found hanged in Swansea prison cell - Western Telegraph - http://www.askbiography.com/bio/David_Roberts_(mayor).html
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News - Firefighters have been tackling a serious blaze at a Neath Abbey recycling centre this morning. Materials alight include plastics.
Sport - Scottish soccer giants Celtic have named Cardiff City's Joe Ledley in their squad for a pre-season tour of America. His signing for the club hasn't been formally announced yet.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News - Announcing: Shakin Stevens' 30th anniversary tour! Dates include Cardiff, 16 October. Click
Health - Breakfasted yet? Here's a Real Radio recipe for a "skinnier" cooked breakfast, featuring Parma ham to replace bacon and toasted soda bread instead of fried bread. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 9's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-09T08:17:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
06.00am - DaveTencin RT @WAFC_headlines: Jones staying with Wigan despite Swansea rumours - Wigan http://aggbot.com/docs/link.php?id=10031569&r=tw&c=54
02.36am - MAILfootball Coleman set for Swansea, Coventry eye King and Doncaster want Keogh http://bit.ly/9EuRuY
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Broadcast Scarlet FM 97.5fm Click
News - A new bowling alley could soon be built in Carmarthen thanks to an £800,000 funding boost agreed by the Big Lottery Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Morning Show - Presenter Tommo greets Scarlets commercial chief Rupert Moon looking forward to the region's week ahead and to the July 19 season tickets launch.
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Online Western Mail Click
News - Hundreds of temporary jobs within the Assembly Government and quangos are being axed to save money in the current financial year, we can reveal. Click
Sport - Journalists Jon Doel, Simon Roberts and Andy Howell debate which Welsh players need a big season to make the World Cup. Chat about Gavin Henson, Dwayne Peel, Tom Shanklin. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 8's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-08T07:17:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social media Twitter #Swansea
6.07am - stupid_tuesday: Up and preparing for 4N Swansea at the Village Hotel this morning - 160 mile round trip!
6.11am - sqfMelvin: Swansea City ... Who will replace Sousa at the Liberty Stadium?: The bookies hardly ever get it wrong - http://bit.ly/cee7L9
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - Solicitor Sophie Pincott, of Swansea-based Peter Lynn and Partners, is to undertake an arduous sponsored trek soon in aid of disability charity Scope. She'll be accompanied by city barrister Lucy Leader. Click
Arts – Geraint Morgan, aged 17, is the latest actor to portray Jesus. He has the lead role in this Saturday's two performances of 70s hit musical Godspell at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, by the Class Act Theatre School. Click
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Key local story - Swansea Bay politicians are calling for more to be done to save the Linamar car components plant after plans were announced to take its work to Mexico.
More local news - A new report claims that not enough is being done to exploit all opportunties created by the Welsh beer and cider industry. A comparison is drawn with the interest created in Ireland for drinks such as Guinness.
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Online Gower News Click
News No 1 - The annual Gower Show takes place on 1 August in the beautiful grounds of Penrice Castle Park, overlooking Oxwich Bay. Click
News No 2 – A celebration of country living will take place from today to Saturday from 10am-6pm at Cheriton Church, Gower. Tomorrow's attractions include a concert by the Trinity Choir and Friends. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 7's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-07T06:11:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Twitter #PortTalbot #Llanelli
3.00am – darlingdipu: Tree disease halts Swansea Bay Rally - South Wales Evening Post http://dlvr.it/2N7nf
9.00pm – Disclosure2009: UK UFO Sighting: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire-3rd July 2010 http://bit.ly/ciKysL
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South Wales Evening Post Click
News – Heidi Kirkpatrick, the wife of Llanelli's Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, looked on as the coffin of her husband was driven through Wootton Bassett. He died last month in the Afghan campaign. Click
Sport – Fans have called for stability after Swansea City FC lost its second manager in 13 months. Paulo Sousa quit the club this week to join fellow Championship club Leicester City. Click
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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Social media - Listeners can now follow Bay Radio on Facebook. Click
Today's "burning question" – Wales could introduce a 7p charge for plastic carrier bags from next year in a bid to cut down on the amount we waste. Do you support these plans? Click
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
News - Video: Wales manager John Toshack believes that Gary Speed could be the candidate to take over as Swansea City boss following the departure of Paulo Sousa. Click
Photos - Fabulous images of beautiful birds of prey from the Spirit of Gwendraeth Festival at Ffos Las. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 6's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-06T07:38:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Social Media Twitter #Swansea
7.00am – EdwMayor1 ... Collins on the mend to fire Ospreys ambitions: “This year now is a massive one, not only for me personally ... http://bit.ly/9w3IPM
6.36am – BelTel_Sport ... Magilton ready for return to management with Swansea City: JIM Magilton is poised to return to football management... http://bit.ly/cEdaxE.
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Print Western Mail Click
Paulo – Gareth Southgate, an early favourite to become new Swansea City manager, has distanced himself from the vacancy.
Dylan – A new walking trail is being developed in Laugharne to celebrate the life and work of Dylan Thomas. A £12k grant will help the Laugharne Corporation in its plan.
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
News – Trade union Unite is to take legal action against the Ford Motor Company, accusing it of mis-selling pensions to workers including hundreds from its former Swansea plant.
Commercial – Ads this morning included: Acorn Fencing, Swansea Regional Business Awards.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News – A Gower 77-year-old has had her bid to quash her three-year Asbo rejected by a judge and two magistrates at Swansea Crown Court. Click
Awards – Evening Post advertisement director Lisa Cameron invites readers to the paper's first Women in Business Awards luncheon at the Mermaid Restaurant, Mumbles on 30 September. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 5's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-05T07:19:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - A family were thrown off Gower's Carreglwyd Camping and Caravan Park after taking air guns on holiday with them. Meanwhile, a man has been fined for releasing a 4ft python into a field near Ammanford.
Sport – Paulo Sousa is no longer manager of Swansea City, the Evening Post understands. He's left for Leicester City.
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News - A five-year-old South Wales girl has died after becoming trapped by an automatic sliding gate.
Sport - The BBC understands that Paulo Sousa has left Swansea City to join Championship rivals Leicester City.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
Sport - Hendy-based Robert Croft is hoping to break the 1,000 first class wicket barrier for Glamorgan in today's County Championship match against Northamptonshire .... oh, and Paulo Sousa's gone.
Commercial - Key home page ads include: Nathaniel Cars, Bridgend; Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro from 02; Anadin.
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Links Twitter | Website
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July 2's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-02T08:16:00.001+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Llanelli Star Click
News - Ammanford firm TRJ has been awarded the contract to build Llanelli's £14.6m theatre complex, featuring main and smallers auditoriums, teaching rooms, social enterprise facilities, bar, cafe and admin areas.
Commercial - Full page ad for Swansea's Ebony Sofas and Dining; bosses plan a store refurb.
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Broadcast Scarlet FM 97.5fm Click
News - Network Rail are being criticised by Amman Valley politician Kevin Madge for failing to repair part of a faulty level crossing in Garnant.
Events - Tomorrow (Saturday) brings the 65th anniversary Pembrey and Burry Port Summer Carnival, with air displays, rides and competitions. Click
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Online Western Mail Click
News - Salesman John Jones is celebrating after cornering the Prince of Wales and winning royal backing for small Llandysul firm Teifi Harps. Click
Web drama - New and innovative! The Western Mail's internet service WalesOnline has launched a drama series. Mini-series Pizzaman is from film fans Teilo Trimble and James Robson; it follows the trials and tribulations of a South Wales fastfood deliveryman. Click
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July 1's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-07-01T07:45:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
News - More than 20,000 Welsh local government jobs could be lost as Treasury cut-backs begin to bite, warns trade union Unison.
Commercial – It's unusual and it sure catches the eye ... a sideways half-page ad for Cardiff's Coleg Glan Hafren.
Picture - Lovely shot of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall leaving Tenby's retro-look Pembrokeshire Pasty & Pie Co shop.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
News - A study reveals that nearly half of adults in Wales are struggling with mortgage payments and are having to cut back in other areas of spending.
Promo - Eating out places now have the chance to hook up with a weekly voucher promotion with The Wave and sister station Swansea Sound. The Big Gourmet Giveaway sees the release 60 discount vouchers every day. Today's offer: Il Padrino Restaurant, Wind Street, Swansea. Click
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Online Gower News Click
Editorial - The editor of Gower News took a microlight flight over the peninsula, piloted by local photographer Alun Morris Jones (http://www.gowerscapes.com/). Here's the resulting glorious three-minute film. Click
Events – Forthcoming sporty temptations include: British Heart Foundation Gower Bike Ride, 4 July, with routes of 16 or 29 miles; Gower Peninsula Triathlon, 24 July, Port Eynon, described as "tough but fair", http://www.gowertriathlon.co.uk/. Click
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June 30's Swansea Bay Media Highlights - Online Special

2010-06-30T05:48:00.002+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
News – A Llanelli dad died serving his country in Afghanistan on the same day thousands gathered across Britain to honour the Armed Forces. Click
Commercial – Main home page ad: Redrow. Click
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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Editorial - The Chancellor's austerity budget will cost more than a million jobs across the UK, according to unpublished Treasury papers on the effects of the spending cuts. Click
Community – Bay Radio is a sponsor of Margam Festival (July 4-30). Other backers include Tata and Neath Port Talbot Council. Events include an evening with soccer legend Tommy Docherty and and evening of operatic arias with Viva to the Diva. Click
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
News - The approach to Swansea railway station has improved with the help of artwork from Swansea Metropolitan University students who have installed murals that reflect iconic scenes from around the rail network. Click
Community - It's Co-operative Fortnight (June 19-July 3) and here's a lovely piece of audio from Radio Wales' Jamie and Louise show in which Llanmadoc's village shop is the centre of attention. Click
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June 29's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-29T08:09:00.000+01:00

... For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
Community – Swansea Sound has teamed up with South Wales Police to fight anti-social behaviour. The station is running a create-an-ad campaign for schoolchildren. Click
News – South Wales firefighters are concerned at the rising number of attacks on personnel. The figure stands at 24 in six months. Click
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News – Police have kicked down doors across Neath and Port Talbot during a two-day blitz on suspected drug dealers. Operation Anvil also saw officers arrest people on suspicion of offences ranging from assault to shoplifting. Click
Most commented story – Six minutes on a sunbed left a Swansea 14-year-old so burned she had to take time off school, according to her mum. Comments include: She's your daughter, your responsibility, Peter, Swansea; Does she comply with other age-related laws such as smoking, drinking, driving? R, Swansea; Maybe this will teach the girl to follow the rules, Stuart, Swansea. Click
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June 28's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-28T08:06:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - Thousands enjoyed Saturday's gay festival Pride in Swansea's Singleton Park. Acts included Llanelli rockers Void, commercial backers include Swansea law firm Peter Lynn and Partners. Click
Business – The Evening Post and glossy mag Swansea Bay Business Life have launched their 2010 Women in Business Awards. Judges include the CBI's Ian Price and Bid's Jill Burgess. Click
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News - A university study shows that seaside resorts such as Tenby remain crucial to the Welsh economy, pumping millions of pounds into the economy every year.
Sport - A 1960 Blaenau Gwent mining disaster is to be remembered today with the unveiling of a giant steel sculpture of a miner.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News - Real dig into their archive to deliver an expansive feature: Remembering Michael Jackson one year on. Click
Promotion - The first Real People of Wales Awards are being help in association with Ty Hafan. The prize night will take place at the Celtic Manor Resort on July 29. Stars expected. Click
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June 25's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-25T09:10:00.000+01:00

... For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
News - A court has banned a Swansea man from mentioning his assault victim and a witness on Facebook.
Commercial - Key advertisers in this week's Motors supplement include: FRF Vauxhall, Morriston; Bassetts Honda, Swansea; Stadium Cars, Skewen; Gravells, Kidwelly.
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Broadcast Scarlet FM 97.5fm Click
News - The Prince of Wales is in Ammanford today and will tour Corgi Hosiery. He will also see other locations around Carmarthenshire.
Events - Burry Port Male Choir annual concert, tomorrow (June 26); Classic and vintage vehicle show, Llanelli Festival Fields, July 11; D10 Dance Festival with more than 500 professional dancers and groups, Festival Fields, July 17.
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Online Western Mail Click
News - Paul Sergeant yesterday announced he is quitting as chief executive of the Scarlets. Click
Sport - Check out a fine photo slideshow from yesterday's England-Australia one-day cricket international at Cardiff's Swalec Stadium. Spotted at the stadium by Media Master: parties from the Swansea-based St Helen's Balconiers and Peter Lynn and Partners. Click
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June 24's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-24T07:26:00.002+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Key local story - Pink got the party started for Swansea fans at the Liberty Stadium last night. As well as pumping out the hits, she performed a trapeze act and ventured into the audience in a giant plastic ball.
You heard it here - Australia has its first female prime minister ... Julia Gillard, born in Barry, Wales.
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Print Llanelli Star Click
News - Police investigate claims of dirty tricks aiming to scupper Pembrey Country Park's Beach Break Live student music festival - but Carmarthenshire Council hails the event a huge success. Click
Community – Great effort by the Star as it devotes four pages to photos of the Llanelli Waterside 10k and its 1,000 runners. The races were started by football hero John Hartson. Click
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Online Afan FM 97.4 & 107.9fm Click
Key ads - Top home page advertisers include Apollo Cinemas, Sin City and the Grand Theatre, Swansea. Promo – Cute hook-up with Stereophonics: Win a signed guitar from the band in an Afan FM competition. Click
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June 23's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-23T05:53:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Most commented story – Job cuts fear for thousands of public sector workers in Swansea: Stop moaning and pull yer belts in ... the problem is that people are too greedy these days and need to learn to live on less ... Pull em in, Portmead.
Home page ads include – Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Old Oak Insurance Brokers, Teifi Valley Wealth Management.
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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Editorial - This Saturday's Shane Williams Beach Rugby Wales tournament is celebrating its fifth year -and Bay Radio is a sponsor, along with Student Digz, Harrington Howells, Ponty Butchers, Walkabout, Shane Williams Promotions, purerugby.com and the Ospreys. Click
Music – Today's songs from 05.22-05.36: Never Be Lonely by The Feeling, Save Tonight (Eagle-Eyed Cherry), America (Razorlight), Ticket To Ride (The Beatles), You Know Me (Robbie Williams). Click
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
Austerity - Fabulous photos of bygone times as an Amman Valley "make do and mend" group helps people learn sewing and craft skills. Click
Art - The last artist to paint Dylan Thomas alive has opened an exhibition of his work at Swansea's Dylan Thomas Centre. Gordon Stuart's list of subjects reads like a roll call of major figures of the 20th century. Click
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June 22's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-22T08:34:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
News – Draconian cuts in today's Emergency Budget could lead to the loss of 50,000 Welsh jobs and the end of European aid for some of Wales' poorest communities, Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain claimed last night.
Commercial – With British sporting success in the US Open fresh in the memory and with 100 days to go to Wales's Ryder Cup, the Western Mail covers two pages with 100 golfing facts. They include: The 2008 Ryder Cup is estimated to have benefited Louisville, Kentucky, to the tune of $1bn.
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Broadcast Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
News – New measures are being put in place across Wales to help employees tackle domestic abuse.
Sport – Andy Murray is due to open his Wimbledon campaign today with a Centre Court game against Jan Hajek.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
News – Rock star Stuart Cable was laid to rest yesterday to the raucous sound of high decibel rock music. Up to 5,000 fans brought Aberdare to a standstill as they turned out in force to pay homage to a local boy. Click
Movies – The Evening Post has a handy collection of movie trailers. Well worth checking out before you invest in a night out or a download. H2Oil seems topical - and the most epic include Japan's Rashomon from all the way back in the early 1950s. Click
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June 21's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

2010-06-21T07:17:00.000+01:00

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Business - Emergency Budget: Swansea-based investment manager Richard Croydon, of Brewin Dolphin, says the Government's proposed changes to capital gains tax would have a devastating effect on savers and buy-to-let investors.
Music – The Storys' penultimate gig, at Swansea Grand Theatre's intimate Depot venue on Friday, is reviewed by arts writer Graham Williams: "At a time when the Welsh music industry is mourning Stuart Cable it's heartening to see another iconic Wales-based outfit going out in style."
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
UK - The Chancellor's putting the final touches to tomorrow's Emergency Budget. He says painful spending cuts are inevitable.
Wales - The chief executive of the Ars Council of Wales says some arts organisations are at risk after a major funding review.
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Online Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News - The funeral of original Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable will take place today at St Elvan's Church, Aberdare. It's expected to feature a horse-drawn carriage. Click
Commercial - Yesterday saw auditions for a big wedding promotion. From tomorrow each finalist will try to convince Real Radio listeners that they should be the station's Bride on the Run. Prize: A wedding on the set of the Wales Millennium Centre's Mamma Mia! Click
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