David’s PR prowess pips Henson

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.

Online PR strategy crucial to Welsh business

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!

July 27's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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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July 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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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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July 21: Swansea Media - social media special

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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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July 14's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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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July 13's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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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July 12's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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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July 6's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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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July 1'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 - 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

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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

... 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

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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 24's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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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 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 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

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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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June 17'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 - The BBC is facing an onslaught of criticism amid claims its commitment to Wales is being downgraded. The Assembly Government, Institute of Welsh Affairs and Ofcom Wales Advisory Group have had their say.
Commercial – Sales growth has stuttered at supermarket Sainsbury's, although its trade in World Cup-style vuvuzela horns has been good.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
News - Mumbles Pier is to get a multi-million pound facelift featuring a new hotel, cafes, restaurant and RNLI base. Click
Competition - To The Sea is the new album from Jack Johnson and all this week The Wave is offering the chance to win the trip for two to see him live next month in New York City. Click
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Online Radio Tircoed 106.5fm Click
Events - A fine what's on section includes Wales Book of the Year nominee Terri Wiltshire at Pontarddulais Library (June 21), blood donor sessions in Waunarlwydd, Neath, Uplands and Port Talbot, The Canterbury Tales at the Dylan Thomas Theatre (to June 19) and workshops for the Pennard Carnival Choir (from June 22). Good luck to all. Click
Commercial – Enterprises in the advertiser's directory include Alexandria Training, Andy's Aerials, the Brinjal diner and British Gas. Click
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June 16's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Words – Nice little debate about the biggish issue of citizen journalism; the Evening Post is inviting volunteer reviewers, some readers would prefer payment. Click
Pictures – Splendid photo gallery here from the weekend's Escape Into the Park - lots of shapes, flesh and fun. Click
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Bay Radio 102.1fm Click
Commercial - It's Shop Port Talbot Week on Bay Radio, supporting independent local traders such as appliance retailer VJ Bailey, Margam's Tollgate bathrooms, Anglia Window Blinds of Forge Road. Click
Community – Bay Radio's giving its backing to this summer's Pontardawe Festival (Aug 20-22), featuring folk/jazz/world specialists Sheelanagig, Swansea shantymen Baggyrinkle and powerpoppers Dodgy. Click
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BBC Cymru Wales Click
Audio - Aberdulais-based marine biologist Judith Oakley talks about the rich natural beauty of the south-west-wales coastline. Click
Business - Radio Wales show Jamie and Louise is celebrating non-food products made in Wales, including bras made by Swansea's Nerys Evans. If you run a business they could feature email the Media Master to find out how - apearson@effcom.co.uk. Click
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June 15'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 – A hundred years ago today, Captain Scott set sail from Wales on his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole.
Commercial – Institute of Directors Wales director Robert Lloyd Griffiths makes his opinions known on the new Office for Budget Responsibility's first report on national finances. Pages 5 & 21.
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Broadcast Real Radio 105-106fm Click
News – A multi-million pound campaign is being launched today, aiming to get hundreds of Neath Port Talbot people back into work through social regeneration organsation NSA Strides. Click
Music – Songs from 6.45-7am today: Scissor Sisters, Fire With Fire; Texas, I Don't Want A Lover; Eternal, I Wanna Be The Only One; Girls Aloud, The Promise; Kings Of Leon, Sex On Fire.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Most commented story – Work on Swansea's European boulevard could start at the end of next year: I urge planners to visit Bath, a wonderful place to aspire to be, Tony, Mayals; Imagine a monorail system from Mumbles Pier to the West Pier, James, Killay;  Why haven't the council and AMs fought to deliver heritage status to the Copperworks district? Gowerview, SA1. Click
Commercial – The local business services directory offered by Evening Post sister titles is a useful tool for tradespeople. Check it out ... and look forward to its expansion to south-west Wales. Click
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June 14'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
News - Details of £1bn plans to overhaul Swansea city centre will be revealed this summer, with developers Hammerson and Urban Splash now due to outline their vision to councillors.          
Commercial – Well done to Mark Lingwood, landlord of Swansea's Westbourne Hotel: his pub regulars can help themselves to a dollop of sun cream as they place their orders at the bar.
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales 93-104fm, 657 & 882mw Click
News - The final touches are being put to a five-day music festival at Pembrey Country Park. Beach Break Live starts tomorrow despite disturbance concerns from some locals.
Sport - All Blacks boss Graham Henry has started the mind games in the build-up to Saturday's first-of-two clashes with Wales.
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Online Swansea Sound 1170mw Click
World Cup - Football fans are being urged to go easy on the booze during the World Cup. Sara Plant's an expert on divorce law with Peter Lynn and Partners in Swansea - she says the fallout from alcohol-related domestic violence is horrendous.
Other news - Applause has been heaped upon Swansea Bay big names recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours. They include Swansea Sound's Kevin Johns MBE, actress Catherine Zeta Jones CBE and musician John Cale OBE.
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