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.
Showing posts with label PR agency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PR agency. Show all posts
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
DJs, bands, artists prepare for launch
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Hyperlocal website wins new sponsor
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
PR-savvy Danny back in print
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.
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.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Arts hub boost for online Swansea
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.
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.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
South Wales tour so good for PR
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Facebook fear for Welsh marriages
Matrimonial lawyers at Peter Lynn and Partners regularly use online platforms platforms such as Facebook to gather evidence in divorce cases.
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:
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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A marketing boost - from the PTA
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.
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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Video blog: Cardiff move for Nigel
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.
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.
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