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.
Showing posts with label Port Talbot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Port Talbot. Show all posts
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Swansea Bay news media support
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.
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.
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 26's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Comic star Eddie Izzard will be backing Labour with a guest appearance at Swansea University today.
Commercial – The Evening Post has joined BreakFree Holidays to offer readers weeks away for as little as £15 per person. Locations include Riviere Sands Holiday Park in Hayle, Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay and Perran Sands Holiday Park in Perranporth. Click
...
Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The countdown is on for Wednesday's Local Hero Awards night being hosted by The Wave and sister station Swansea Sound. Wales rugby skipper Ryan Jones is one of the judges.
Commercial - Typical ad break: Trade Centre Wales, webuyanycar.com, caravansinwales.com, FRF Vauxhall Swansea & Bridgend.
...
Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Sport - Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley insists the Championship play-off pressure has shifted to Blackpool. Click
Video fun - A machine that carries British hopes of shattering the world land speed record for a lawnmower has been unveiled at a beach in Carmarthenshire. Click
...
Community Radio Tircoed Click
News - A man has died following a fire at a house in Port Tennant.
Charity - The station is supporting a new fund-raising push for children's hospice Ty Hafan. Click
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Comic star Eddie Izzard will be backing Labour with a guest appearance at Swansea University today.
Commercial – The Evening Post has joined BreakFree Holidays to offer readers weeks away for as little as £15 per person. Locations include Riviere Sands Holiday Park in Hayle, Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay and Perran Sands Holiday Park in Perranporth. Click
...
Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The countdown is on for Wednesday's Local Hero Awards night being hosted by The Wave and sister station Swansea Sound. Wales rugby skipper Ryan Jones is one of the judges.
Commercial - Typical ad break: Trade Centre Wales, webuyanycar.com, caravansinwales.com, FRF Vauxhall Swansea & Bridgend.
...
Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Sport - Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley insists the Championship play-off pressure has shifted to Blackpool. Click
Video fun - A machine that carries British hopes of shattering the world land speed record for a lawnmower has been unveiled at a beach in Carmarthenshire. Click
...
Community Radio Tircoed Click
News - A man has died following a fire at a house in Port Tennant.
Charity - The station is supporting a new fund-raising push for children's hospice Ty Hafan. Click
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
DNA build their Swansea Bay Gnolledge base
Photographer Andrew Jenkins tells me he's been out and about on behalf of one-man publishing phenomenon Nigel Dudley.
One of the new clients for Nigel's colourful magazines in the Neath and Swansea Valley areas is the splendid DNA Cleaning Services - web copy crafted by the Media Master himself.
Andrew hoped to take images of DNA working on one of their multi-national contracts. However, head office permission was needed so the job was carried out instead in the more homely setting of Pontardawe RFC. Good luck to all concerned.
On the subject of Nigel, this is the final week for him sorting out featured businesses in the next issues of the Neath Gnolledge and Valley View.
He told Media Master: "Feedback from the the March/April issues has been phenomenal, with many businesses receiving more than 30 enquiries last month.
"One business says that in one publication it delivered more business than a large coloured directory did in a whole year!"
More good news for businesses wishing to promote their services around Neath and the Swansea Valley: a new campaign for the coming months means a reduced page price.
Nigel says: "Many businesses are using the publications as a cost-effective newsletter reaching their client base five times a year. We have a solicitor who does this in the Valley View and results have been exceptional.
"Marketing/promotion is all about consistency over a period of time so that each time readers pick up the publication, they see the same business but with a slightly different focus.
"We're confident that we can deliver on expectations over the year and will give a high return on investment in many ways for businesses."
To be part of future issues contact Media Master in the first instance - 07758 745240. I'll tell you more about Neath Gnolledge, Valley View and new title, Port Talbot Sea View.
One of the new clients for Nigel's colourful magazines in the Neath and Swansea Valley areas is the splendid DNA Cleaning Services - web copy crafted by the Media Master himself.
Andrew hoped to take images of DNA working on one of their multi-national contracts. However, head office permission was needed so the job was carried out instead in the more homely setting of Pontardawe RFC. Good luck to all concerned.
On the subject of Nigel, this is the final week for him sorting out featured businesses in the next issues of the Neath Gnolledge and Valley View.
He told Media Master: "Feedback from the the March/April issues has been phenomenal, with many businesses receiving more than 30 enquiries last month.
"One business says that in one publication it delivered more business than a large coloured directory did in a whole year!"
More good news for businesses wishing to promote their services around Neath and the Swansea Valley: a new campaign for the coming months means a reduced page price.
Nigel says: "Many businesses are using the publications as a cost-effective newsletter reaching their client base five times a year. We have a solicitor who does this in the Valley View and results have been exceptional.
"Marketing/promotion is all about consistency over a period of time so that each time readers pick up the publication, they see the same business but with a slightly different focus.
"We're confident that we can deliver on expectations over the year and will give a high return on investment in many ways for businesses."
To be part of future issues contact Media Master in the first instance - 07758 745240. I'll tell you more about Neath Gnolledge, Valley View and new title, Port Talbot Sea View.
AM's backing so good for Swansea Bay media folk
Now based in Port Talbot town centre after losing their Afan Lido base to fire, the broadcast crew have some good reasons to celebrate.
Indeed, a press release from Dr Gibbons is headlined: "Grant award tops great month for Afan FM."
It follows the success Afan enjoyed in becoming one of six community radio stations to receive grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Radio Fund.
The announcement, made by Culture Minister Alun Ffred Jones, saw Afan get a share of the £100,000 fund.
The stations were chosen for their commitment to their communities in a number of areas, including; encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting training and social enterprise for excluded and vulnerable people.
Dr Gibbons told Media Master: “The receipt of this grant caps a great month for Afan FM as they have also recently received The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan award.
"I've been an enthusiastic supporter of Afan since the idea was first mentioned. I know many people have put in a lot of time and effort to deliver this community resource, and they should be commended for their work
“Afan FM plays a valuable role reflecting the issues affecting people living in our community particularly our younger citizens.
"The station is more than the sum of it parts as it also provides opportunities for residents to gain new skills by volunteering for the station and - in some cases - to gain employment."
Dr Gibbons is pictured with with Afan FM's Rachel Harrison and Hash Piperdy.
For the record, other community stations to receive a share of the WAG fund included BRFM in Blaenau Gwent, Tudno FM in Llandudno, Bro Radio in the Vale of Glamorgan, GTFM in Pontypridd and Calon FM in Wrexham.
April 20's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – Education: A county-by-county investigation of the future of schools in Wales has uncovered tens of thousands of spare desks as falling rolls affect virtually every county.
Clegg-spot 1 – The man of the moment makes it to page 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 18 ... "a new poll shows his party has surged into second place among Welsh voters."
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Police are hunting a female bag-snatcher who robbed two pensioners in Swansea's Sketty Park area over the weekend.
Clegg-spot 2 – Nick Clegg is launching an attack on "reckless and greedy bankers" as a school photo of the Lib Dem leader is revealed. Click
...
Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial 'most viewed' – "It has been a total nightmare," says man jailed after being wrongly convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. Click
Clegg-spot 3 – Reader comment from "Heather, Mumbles" ... I overheard two bimbos who were jogging on the sea-front the other morning talking about this Clegg bloke and how sexy he was. I've never gone for looks, I far prefer brawn, and lots of it. Click
...
Online Radio Tircoed Click
Morning Show - Phil England is back on air - with croaky voice. Welcome back.
News - A 19-year-old girl is in hospital after being attacked by a gang on Llanelli beach.
Clegg-spot 4 (well, he's famous now!) - Labour's dominance of politics in Wales is coming to an end, according to the Lib Dem leader.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – Education: A county-by-county investigation of the future of schools in Wales has uncovered tens of thousands of spare desks as falling rolls affect virtually every county.
Clegg-spot 1 – The man of the moment makes it to page 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 18 ... "a new poll shows his party has surged into second place among Welsh voters."
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Police are hunting a female bag-snatcher who robbed two pensioners in Swansea's Sketty Park area over the weekend.
Clegg-spot 2 – Nick Clegg is launching an attack on "reckless and greedy bankers" as a school photo of the Lib Dem leader is revealed. Click
...
Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial 'most viewed' – "It has been a total nightmare," says man jailed after being wrongly convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. Click
Clegg-spot 3 – Reader comment from "Heather, Mumbles" ... I overheard two bimbos who were jogging on the sea-front the other morning talking about this Clegg bloke and how sexy he was. I've never gone for looks, I far prefer brawn, and lots of it. Click
...
Online Radio Tircoed Click
Morning Show - Phil England is back on air - with croaky voice. Welcome back.
News - A 19-year-old girl is in hospital after being attacked by a gang on Llanelli beach.
Clegg-spot 4 (well, he's famous now!) - Labour's dominance of politics in Wales is coming to an end, according to the Lib Dem leader.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April 6's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – A Gower businessman whose son died in a mysterious plane crash off Brazil two years ago has still not been able to hold a funeral.
Commercial – Great to see a new business – Jenkins Garden Machinery - rising in Cross Hands, supported by an informative half-page ad.
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Swansea Council has approved the closure of two children’s homes as part of a services review.
Commercial – Typical ad break – Blazers Caravans, Argyle Cleaning Services, Towers Hotel & Spa Bon Jovi tribute night.
...
Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Work to transform the fire-ravaged remains of Neath's Gwyn Hall into a multi-million pound arts venue starts this month. Contractor Morgan Ashurst plans a meeting with local traders over safely measures. Click
Commercial – Google Ads on the home page include ... The Crown Training Academy, Store-It Wales and JobRapido.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – A Gower businessman whose son died in a mysterious plane crash off Brazil two years ago has still not been able to hold a funeral.
Commercial – Great to see a new business – Jenkins Garden Machinery - rising in Cross Hands, supported by an informative half-page ad.
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Swansea Council has approved the closure of two children’s homes as part of a services review.
Commercial – Typical ad break – Blazers Caravans, Argyle Cleaning Services, Towers Hotel & Spa Bon Jovi tribute night.
...
Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Work to transform the fire-ravaged remains of Neath's Gwyn Hall into a multi-million pound arts venue starts this month. Contractor Morgan Ashurst plans a meeting with local traders over safely measures. Click
Commercial – Google Ads on the home page include ... The Crown Training Academy, Store-It Wales and JobRapido.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Media boosts Swansea Bay Super League first
Thursday, April 1, sees the first professional rugby league game in Swansea Bay.
Super League outfit the Crusaders - complete with Gareth "Alfie" Thomas - are set to face London rivals Harlequins RL at Neath RFC citadel The Gnoll from 7.30pm.
It's great news for the area and great for the Crusaders, coached by league giant Brian Noble, that they can make a splash so far away from their new Wrexham home.
Andy Pearson Publicity was engaged to help publicise this evangelical sporting mission to South Wales and readers of the South Wales Evening Post over the past few days won't have missed three front page ads for the game.
They were one of the publicity options taken by the club's marketing man Richard Jones. Others included special ticket offers into some of the area's biggest employers, including Swansea Council thanks to internal communications manager Debbie Williams.
Those who've not seen pro-rugby league before are encouraged to attend - it's a tremendous sport played by incredible athletes.
Ball-in-play time is huge, the try-count is generous and the collisions are muscular and make the hardest of us wince.
Moreover, Wales' only Engage Super League club have made a styong start to the 2010 campaign and I predict a healthy win over the Quins.
Get there in good time ... the Engage Super League authorities like to see colourful family entertainment before kick-off.
Crusaders prop Mark Bryant told Media Master: "The people down in South Wales were fantastic when we were based there last year - they gave us some amazing support.
"Some of them still travel to Crusaders games, both home and away, which is phenomenal, so it's good to go back down there. We're really looking forward to playing at The Gnoll."
Alfie, by the way, is likely to wear the full-back's No 1 jersey.
Ticket prices for Crusaders v Harlequins start at just £8 (adults) and £4 (kids) - great value. Call 0871 221 9511.
Super League outfit the Crusaders - complete with Gareth "Alfie" Thomas - are set to face London rivals Harlequins RL at Neath RFC citadel The Gnoll from 7.30pm.
It's great news for the area and great for the Crusaders, coached by league giant Brian Noble, that they can make a splash so far away from their new Wrexham home.
Andy Pearson Publicity was engaged to help publicise this evangelical sporting mission to South Wales and readers of the South Wales Evening Post over the past few days won't have missed three front page ads for the game.
They were one of the publicity options taken by the club's marketing man Richard Jones. Others included special ticket offers into some of the area's biggest employers, including Swansea Council thanks to internal communications manager Debbie Williams.
Those who've not seen pro-rugby league before are encouraged to attend - it's a tremendous sport played by incredible athletes.
Ball-in-play time is huge, the try-count is generous and the collisions are muscular and make the hardest of us wince.
Moreover, Wales' only Engage Super League club have made a styong start to the 2010 campaign and I predict a healthy win over the Quins.
Get there in good time ... the Engage Super League authorities like to see colourful family entertainment before kick-off.
Crusaders prop Mark Bryant told Media Master: "The people down in South Wales were fantastic when we were based there last year - they gave us some amazing support.
"Some of them still travel to Crusaders games, both home and away, which is phenomenal, so it's good to go back down there. We're really looking forward to playing at The Gnoll."
Alfie, by the way, is likely to wear the full-back's No 1 jersey.
Ticket prices for Crusaders v Harlequins start at just £8 (adults) and £4 (kids) - great value. Call 0871 221 9511.
Swansea Bay media scene preps for wedding season
South Wales Evening Post telesales manager Amanda Nicol has let me know the ad prices of a forthcoming new special.
It should provide a decent promotional opportunity for any business connected with weddings.
The paper's South Wales Wedding Planner magazine is due out in June, edited by Swansea Life editor Wyn Jenkins. Amanda says that 7,000 will be printed, on sale for £1 across Swansea Bay in supermarkets and newsagents. It will be free to advertisers, key wedding suppliers and fairs.
A glossy A4 publication, it's due to feature 112 pages of info, style tips and beauty advice.
The magazine format should mean a long shelf life - readers will keep it a lot longer than they would a traditional newspaper supplement.
Ad prices ain't half bad for a niche publication with a tight geographical spread and with the daily marketing push of the Evening Post.
A double page spread is £562.50 (exc vat) for the launch edition and £450 if you take one in the follow-up October edition.
Full pages are £343.75 (£275) and half pages £225 (£180).
Premium rate pages such as the back and inside cover are available as are directory listings and £25 hyperlinks from the sister website, http://www.southwalesweddingplanner.co.uk/. Already on the website, incidentally are Smooch Wedding Rings and household heating experts Calor.
If your business is bridal gowns, hair, beauty, photography, wedding transport, jewellery, floristry or venues, give me a shout to discuss your options ... and a few tips on how to get the best out of this opportunity.
It should provide a decent promotional opportunity for any business connected with weddings.
The paper's South Wales Wedding Planner magazine is due out in June, edited by Swansea Life editor Wyn Jenkins. Amanda says that 7,000 will be printed, on sale for £1 across Swansea Bay in supermarkets and newsagents. It will be free to advertisers, key wedding suppliers and fairs.
A glossy A4 publication, it's due to feature 112 pages of info, style tips and beauty advice.
The magazine format should mean a long shelf life - readers will keep it a lot longer than they would a traditional newspaper supplement.
Ad prices ain't half bad for a niche publication with a tight geographical spread and with the daily marketing push of the Evening Post.
A double page spread is £562.50 (exc vat) for the launch edition and £450 if you take one in the follow-up October edition.
Full pages are £343.75 (£275) and half pages £225 (£180).
Premium rate pages such as the back and inside cover are available as are directory listings and £25 hyperlinks from the sister website, http://www.southwalesweddingplanner.co.uk/. Already on the website, incidentally are Smooch Wedding Rings and household heating experts Calor.
If your business is bridal gowns, hair, beauty, photography, wedding transport, jewellery, floristry or venues, give me a shout to discuss your options ... and a few tips on how to get the best out of this opportunity.
Monday, March 29, 2010
March 29's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Reporter Richard Youle meets a Swansea City fan about to visit his 92nd top soccer ground, completing his Football League set. This season he's travelled 5,000 miles watching football.
Opinion - Campaigners fighting to keep Swansea Tennis Centre open could succeed in their efforts.
Commercial – Half-price afternoon tea offer at Swansea's Baguette du Jour. Good tie-up for the cafe and the Evening Post.
...
Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The Environment Agency is investigating a significant sewage spill in Swansea Bay. It's affecting part of the seafront cycle track near Swansea's Singleton Park. Click
Commercial – Bigging up its own success (quite rightly), The Wave’s website flags up October as launch date for its new all-Wales news service in partnership with key Wales Live partners. Click
...
Online Andy Pearson Publicity Click
Blog 1 – New Nation Radio breakfast jock Allan Lake aims to make a splash on his big return. Click
Blog 2 - Buzz mag flies media flag for South Wales comedy, with Paul Merton and Rhod Gilbert. Click
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Reporter Richard Youle meets a Swansea City fan about to visit his 92nd top soccer ground, completing his Football League set. This season he's travelled 5,000 miles watching football.
Opinion - Campaigners fighting to keep Swansea Tennis Centre open could succeed in their efforts.
Commercial – Half-price afternoon tea offer at Swansea's Baguette du Jour. Good tie-up for the cafe and the Evening Post.
...
Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The Environment Agency is investigating a significant sewage spill in Swansea Bay. It's affecting part of the seafront cycle track near Swansea's Singleton Park. Click
Commercial – Bigging up its own success (quite rightly), The Wave’s website flags up October as launch date for its new all-Wales news service in partnership with key Wales Live partners. Click
...
Online Andy Pearson Publicity Click
Blog 1 – New Nation Radio breakfast jock Allan Lake aims to make a splash on his big return. Click
Blog 2 - Buzz mag flies media flag for South Wales comedy, with Paul Merton and Rhod Gilbert. Click
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Nigel and Andrew head off on photo odyssey
A busy day approaches for photographer Andrew Jenkins and the man behind glossy independent publications Neath Gnolledge and Valley View.
The snapper - a former military man, don't you know - is to accompany Nigel Dudley as material is gathered for the publications' forthcoming editions.
Nigel tells me: "Tuesday 30 March sees me and Andrew spend the day taking professional photographs of businesses in our next issues.
"They're due out for 3 May ... and I'm also planning a new Port Talbot issue.
"I have a number of appointments set up with new and existing customers. I've invited those who need new photos of the people and teams in their business to contact me.
"My belief is that people buy from people more than from anything else. The Neath Gnolledge and Valley View are set up to give background information about the people within the local businesses we promote.
"We illustrate how they are different, what they can add and why to choose them with real stories and testimonials.
"It all goes to build up a picture of the business, the people involved and who they are."
Another key feature of Nigel's commercial offering is that he puts a call tracking feature on the businesses that request it.
With call tracking, dialled numbers can be used in either customer after-sales or marketing campaigns.
Nigel's a decent guy so if you'd like to do business with the Neath Port Talbot area, give him a shout - 01639 607 152, nigel@neathgnolledge.com.
The snapper - a former military man, don't you know - is to accompany Nigel Dudley as material is gathered for the publications' forthcoming editions.
Nigel tells me: "Tuesday 30 March sees me and Andrew spend the day taking professional photographs of businesses in our next issues.
"They're due out for 3 May ... and I'm also planning a new Port Talbot issue.
"I have a number of appointments set up with new and existing customers. I've invited those who need new photos of the people and teams in their business to contact me.
"My belief is that people buy from people more than from anything else. The Neath Gnolledge and Valley View are set up to give background information about the people within the local businesses we promote.
"We illustrate how they are different, what they can add and why to choose them with real stories and testimonials.
"It all goes to build up a picture of the business, the people involved and who they are."
Another key feature of Nigel's commercial offering is that he puts a call tracking feature on the businesses that request it.
With call tracking, dialled numbers can be used in either customer after-sales or marketing campaigns.
Nigel's a decent guy so if you'd like to do business with the Neath Port Talbot area, give him a shout - 01639 607 152, nigel@neathgnolledge.com.
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Editorial - An independent review into the funding and management of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is to take place, the Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed. Click
Time travel - Fans of Doctor Who will be able to catch exclusive footage of the latest series when a roadshow visits the Swansea Castle Square Big Screen on 1 April. Click
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – New figures reveal that Swansea’s recycling habits are helping Wales to get ever nearer its 2010 waste reduction target.
Commercial – Typical ad break: WAG/Fire service fire safety/arson reduction; Tile & Bath Co; Abba tribute night at Blanco’s, Port Talbot.
...
Print Llanelli Star Click
Editorial - The grieving mum of an epilepsy sufferer is urging others not to risk their lives by ignoring their condition.
Commercial – One of Wales’ hidden gems should be a little more visible now thanks to it winning the Camra Carmarthenshire Pub of the Year award for a second time. Well done to the Prince of Wales, Mynyddygarreg.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Editorial - An independent review into the funding and management of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is to take place, the Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed. Click
Time travel - Fans of Doctor Who will be able to catch exclusive footage of the latest series when a roadshow visits the Swansea Castle Square Big Screen on 1 April. Click
...
Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – New figures reveal that Swansea’s recycling habits are helping Wales to get ever nearer its 2010 waste reduction target.
Commercial – Typical ad break: WAG/Fire service fire safety/arson reduction; Tile & Bath Co; Abba tribute night at Blanco’s, Port Talbot.
...
Print Llanelli Star Click
Editorial - The grieving mum of an epilepsy sufferer is urging others not to risk their lives by ignoring their condition.
Commercial – One of Wales’ hidden gems should be a little more visible now thanks to it winning the Camra Carmarthenshire Pub of the Year award for a second time. Well done to the Prince of Wales, Mynyddygarreg.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Swansea Bay celebrations for successful media bidders
There's a big new name on the Swansea Bay media landscape ... and it's one the good folk at Swansea Sound and The Wave can be very excited about.
The Government has today named Wales Live as the winning bid to run an independently funded news consortium (IFNC) pilot projects in Wales. The Wales Live bid featured the two local stations under the banner of parent company UTV.
Meanwhile, Llanelli-based independent TV production company Tinopolis is part of a similar success story for Scotland.
Wales Live is a collaboration between Swansea Sound/The Wave owners UTV and North Walian publisher NWN Media.
Michael Wilson, managing director of UTV Television , said: “What a fantastic achievement for the Wales Live team!.
"We put our hearts and souls into winning this bid. With our partners NWN Media, we look forward to delivering a fresh and authoritative news service to the whole of Wales across TV, online and radio with the current ITV Wales News Team.
"The process is still on-going and we remain fully committed to moving forward on contracts."
The IFNCs will receive a total of £47m in Government funding over two years to provide local news content across the web, mobile and other new platforms, along with the TV slot currently occupied by ITV regional news. Funding comes from a £130m under-spend in the licence fee.
Wales Live will take over the ITV Wales news service - although a Tory Government could spell trouble for the whole IFNC scheme.
Government decision-makers said the winning bidders "understood the implications of convergence, demonstrating how television, local newspapers, the internet, local radio could work together in new and interesting ways."
They said UTV had a "clear vision for an innovative community-based approach in conjunction with citizen journalists and its newspaper partner, NWN Media."
Reserve bidder for Wales was Tinopolis, with a consortium featuring Swansea University, Bay Radio, the South Wales Evening Post, the South Wales Guardian, ITV journalists and others being left out in the cold.
The Government has today named Wales Live as the winning bid to run an independently funded news consortium (IFNC) pilot projects in Wales. The Wales Live bid featured the two local stations under the banner of parent company UTV.
Meanwhile, Llanelli-based independent TV production company Tinopolis is part of a similar success story for Scotland.
Wales Live is a collaboration between Swansea Sound/The Wave owners UTV and North Walian publisher NWN Media.
Michael Wilson, managing director of UTV Television , said: “What a fantastic achievement for the Wales Live team!.
"We put our hearts and souls into winning this bid. With our partners NWN Media, we look forward to delivering a fresh and authoritative news service to the whole of Wales across TV, online and radio with the current ITV Wales News Team.
"The process is still on-going and we remain fully committed to moving forward on contracts."
The IFNCs will receive a total of £47m in Government funding over two years to provide local news content across the web, mobile and other new platforms, along with the TV slot currently occupied by ITV regional news. Funding comes from a £130m under-spend in the licence fee.
Wales Live will take over the ITV Wales news service - although a Tory Government could spell trouble for the whole IFNC scheme.
Government decision-makers said the winning bidders "understood the implications of convergence, demonstrating how television, local newspapers, the internet, local radio could work together in new and interesting ways."
They said UTV had a "clear vision for an innovative community-based approach in conjunction with citizen journalists and its newspaper partner, NWN Media."
Reserve bidder for Wales was Tinopolis, with a consortium featuring Swansea University, Bay Radio, the South Wales Evening Post, the South Wales Guardian, ITV journalists and others being left out in the cold.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24's Swansea Bay Media Highlights – Online Special
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - An industrial park that could create 1,500 jobs is on the cards for a site in Carmarthenshire or Neath thanks to Halal Industries UK. Click
Commercial – Congrats to media students from Swansea University for their splendid video of the Evening Post Fashion Addict event at the National Waterfront Museum. Click here and tap on the video panel to the right
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Swansea Sound Click
Downloads – You can now buy music via Swansea Sound. Top of the tree this week are Changes by Will Young, Coming up Easy by Paulo Nutini and Cry Me Out by Pixie Lott. http://www.swanseasound.co.uk/music Click
Commercial – Swansea Sound is backing a new homes show at Parc y Scarlets on March 27/28 fronted by Charles Church and Persimmon Homes. Click
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BBC Wales Click
News - Outside experts will continue to oversee the work of Swansea Council's social services department a year after they were first appointed. Click
Sport – The Swans have taken Burnley's Canada U20 defender David Edgar on loan until the end of the season. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - An industrial park that could create 1,500 jobs is on the cards for a site in Carmarthenshire or Neath thanks to Halal Industries UK. Click
Commercial – Congrats to media students from Swansea University for their splendid video of the Evening Post Fashion Addict event at the National Waterfront Museum. Click here and tap on the video panel to the right
...
Swansea Sound Click
Downloads – You can now buy music via Swansea Sound. Top of the tree this week are Changes by Will Young, Coming up Easy by Paulo Nutini and Cry Me Out by Pixie Lott. http://www.swanseasound.co.uk/music Click
Commercial – Swansea Sound is backing a new homes show at Parc y Scarlets on March 27/28 fronted by Charles Church and Persimmon Homes. Click
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BBC Wales Click
News - Outside experts will continue to oversee the work of Swansea Council's social services department a year after they were first appointed. Click
Sport – The Swans have taken Burnley's Canada U20 defender David Edgar on loan until the end of the season. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Swansea parks people add to media mix
And their contribution to the area's media spectrum is colourful.
Out now is the spring edition of their Junior Park Rangers free newsletter, JPR News.
Targeted directly at young children and their parents, it's a lively mix of ideas, educational info and brain-teasers.
In the great Blue Peter tradition, it's big on animals, crafts, sport and discovery.
There's great instruction on how to make a wormery in a big jar, some tag rugby tuition from The Ospreys and a diary of events ... Brynmill Park's April 15 "water safari" catches the Media Master's eye.
Oh, and jokes ... Q: Why was the crab arrested? A: Because it kept pinching things!
Pick up the newsletter at council venues such as the Civic Centre and libraries.
March 23's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
News - An undercover police operation provided the evidence that sent a corrupt South Wales former head of CID to jail.
Opinion - There should be uniform standards in food standards law relating to separate machinery being used for the preparation of raw meat and ready-to-eat food.
Online – Don’t miss this Warren Gatland video ... a hard man talking. Click
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Broadcast Scarlet FM Click
News - Motorists in Llanelli and Carmarthen have been fined for throwing cigarette stubs out of their windows in a new council crackdown on litter ... and a new, improved online news feed here.
Online – Here’s the month’s cheekiest media competition ... win tickets to Pembrey’s new Go Ape attraction. Click
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Online Swansea Council Click
Editorial – Swansea and Neath Port Talbot businesses and voluntary organisations are being urged to be thoroughly prepared for the worst in future. Business Continuity Awareness Week is being held until Friday. Click
Recommended – Swansea Council is asking for public comments on trails being developed to conserve, enhance and allow access to the city's heritage. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print Western Mail Click
News - An undercover police operation provided the evidence that sent a corrupt South Wales former head of CID to jail.
Opinion - There should be uniform standards in food standards law relating to separate machinery being used for the preparation of raw meat and ready-to-eat food.
Online – Don’t miss this Warren Gatland video ... a hard man talking. Click
...
Broadcast Scarlet FM Click
News - Motorists in Llanelli and Carmarthen have been fined for throwing cigarette stubs out of their windows in a new council crackdown on litter ... and a new, improved online news feed here.
Online – Here’s the month’s cheekiest media competition ... win tickets to Pembrey’s new Go Ape attraction. Click
...
Online Swansea Council Click
Editorial – Swansea and Neath Port Talbot businesses and voluntary organisations are being urged to be thoroughly prepared for the worst in future. Business Continuity Awareness Week is being held until Friday. Click
Recommended – Swansea Council is asking for public comments on trails being developed to conserve, enhance and allow access to the city's heritage. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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Monday, March 22, 2010
March 22's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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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
Editorial – Police are appealing for anyone who saw a Swansea man in the hours before his unexplained death.
Opinion – Well done to each and every person who joined in Sunday’s Sport Relief effort in Singleton Park.
Commercial – Wales’ rugby shirts are to be sponsored by Admiral Insurance, with a substantial Swansea workforce; page one and 13 exposure for the big-money link-up.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial – Two Swansea firefighters are celebrating after successfully rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for charity.
Commercial – Typical ad break ... Days Motability, Army Recruitment, FRF Vauxhall, ATS Euromaster Tyres, British Gas.
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Online Andy Pearson Publicity Click
Blog 1 - Swansea student media folk excel at poll time. Click
Blog 2 - Media Master plunges in with Swansea Bay Business Life. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Police are appealing for anyone who saw a Swansea man in the hours before his unexplained death.
Opinion – Well done to each and every person who joined in Sunday’s Sport Relief effort in Singleton Park.
Commercial – Wales’ rugby shirts are to be sponsored by Admiral Insurance, with a substantial Swansea workforce; page one and 13 exposure for the big-money link-up.
...
Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial – Two Swansea firefighters are celebrating after successfully rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for charity.
Commercial – Typical ad break ... Days Motability, Army Recruitment, FRF Vauxhall, ATS Euromaster Tyres, British Gas.
...
Online Andy Pearson Publicity Click
Blog 1 - Swansea student media folk excel at poll time. Click
Blog 2 - Media Master plunges in with Swansea Bay Business Life. Click
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Links Twitter | Website
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Sunday, March 21, 2010
Media Master plunges in with Swansea Bay Business Life
With Media Master's own business looking to consolidate a more focused market, a new lane is being strolled this month: advertising.
For the first time, Andy Pearson Publicity has booked space in Swansea Bay Business Life which - by now - will have been mailed to more than 5,000 business people and decision makers.
It'd be welcome if some of them took serious notice of my advertorial. I'll report back in future weeks to discuss the response rate.
The ad, incidentally, features new logo artwork by Swansea's Sigga Design.
In the meantime, here's my blurb as it appears in the high-gloss mag, part of the South Wales Evening Post empire.
IN picking up Swansea Bay Business Life, you made a wise choice. I’m similarly astute in promoting my services here.
The magazine hits thousands of local decision makers, with content finely tuned for the vibrant local business sector.
That’s why you’re reading it and why those like myself, with brilliant professional services to offer, pay to ensure our profiles are raised in its pages.
However, this magazine isn’t the only place I’ll flag up my rebranding. Indeed, I urge all businesses to view the whole media picture in its full widescreen glory.
There are an increasing number of great opportunities for publicity because, thanks to production technology, the Swansea Bay media sector has fragmented markedly.
Choice was once limited to the South Wales Evening Post, Western Mail and Swansea Sound. Now there’s a thriving, multi-tiered communications industry featuring everything from fresh new local-interest websites such as http://www.gowernews.co.uk/ and music fanzines to high-end glossy mags covering style, the arts and lifestyle.
There are new niche broadcasters such as Afan FM and Nation Radio. Whisper it here, but even Swansea Bay Business Life has keen competitors in its lucrative market.
All this means that, although the promotional opportunities are there, the local media landscape has become increasingly difficult terrain.
That’s why Andy Pearson Publicity is essential in ensuring that every penny spent on your media strategy is wisely invested. Editorial pieces should be pitched at the right time to the right journalist, ad campaigns should be carefully considered and soundly structured, promotions should be placed to maximise sales effects.
My own unique database lists, in great detail, around 50 media operations with a foothold in Swansea Bay. It’s there to be used.
Swansea student media folk excel at poll time
You've got deadlines to deal with, an approvals process with the Students Union ... and you've got the volunteer nature of the journalists involved.
So well done to editor James Snaith and his team at Waterfront.
The day after the final votes had been cast in Swansea University's all-important union elections, the tabloid's 2010 Election Special was eagerly being picked up all around campus.
When many were still discussing the newspaper's previous splash - on Florence and the Machine coming to play June's Summer Ball - plenty more were now gripped by the poll coverage.
Laura Richards and Angharad Williams penned the front page lead which focused on a hotly contested race for Educational Officer.
Alun Rhys Chivers and Collette Bird weighted in with a page one piece on the 3am anointing of Luke Young as union president to extend his reign.
Inside the impressive eight-page special there are by-lined election pieces by Charlie Teasdale, James Taylor, Ben Donovan, Lleu Williams, Kimberley De Selincourt, Sophie Evans and David Lewis.
Photographic by-lines go to Tim Bird and Silvia Gremlichaun Mandler.
With the Easter holiday approaching the special edition was a good way in which to go out for this term.
Well done to all involved.
Friday, March 19, 2010
March 19's Swansea Bay Media Highlights
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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Editorial - A suspended Llanelli orthopaedic surgeon has been reinstated to the medical register and says she plans to become a prison doctor. Click
Recommended - A bi-lingual presentation of music, history, myth and science based on Gower’s 20,000-year-old Red Lady is to premiere in Carmarthen. Click
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Broadcast Real Radio Click
Editorial - Port Talbot-based singer Paul Potts is to undertake a seven-day sponsored walk from the town to London to help the relief effort in Haiti.
Commercial - Typical ad break: Greggs bakery, Persimmon Homes, The Sun, Cymraeg Kids, Watts Truck and Van Cardiff.
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Print Llanelli Star Click
Editorial - Half of Llanelli’s churches could close in a major Church in Wales shake-up. Click
Commercial – Let the battle of the photographers commence – Terry Morris has a quarter-page Easter offer and Pure Creations go large with a full page promo.
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Links Twitter | Website
...
For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
...
Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Editorial - A suspended Llanelli orthopaedic surgeon has been reinstated to the medical register and says she plans to become a prison doctor. Click
Recommended - A bi-lingual presentation of music, history, myth and science based on Gower’s 20,000-year-old Red Lady is to premiere in Carmarthen. Click
...
Broadcast Real Radio Click
Editorial - Port Talbot-based singer Paul Potts is to undertake a seven-day sponsored walk from the town to London to help the relief effort in Haiti.
Commercial - Typical ad break: Greggs bakery, Persimmon Homes, The Sun, Cymraeg Kids, Watts Truck and Van Cardiff.
...
Print Llanelli Star Click
Editorial - Half of Llanelli’s churches could close in a major Church in Wales shake-up. Click
Commercial – Let the battle of the photographers commence – Terry Morris has a quarter-page Easter offer and Pure Creations go large with a full page promo.
...
Links Twitter | Website
...
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