By: Erica Batyko
World traveling, national conferences and networking are the three things that summarize the best parts of my college experience. From all of these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about the world of PR. This semester, I’ve taken a closer look at global communication and the entertainment industry. These are my key takeaways from my research in the U.S.
1. If you to take an artist into a foreign country and there are no clips you didn’t do your job. – Eugene Shelton, Professor at Kent State University
Gene Shelton has done PR for some of the biggest names in music. He traveled across the world and worked with media stateside and abroad. He definitely knows a thing or two about media relations. When I spoke with him, he stressed the importance of always leaving proof you were there. You need to make sure your artist/performance makes an impact and gains media coverage. That may mean finding the media yourself or hiring an independent agency.
2. Never eat lunch alone. – Gary Wells, Senior Managing Director at Dix & Eaton
Mr. Wells has done PR work from India to Brazil, Cleveland to London. One of the most important parts of his job is building relationships with the media. Sometimes meeting a reporter for coffee can help place your story on the front page. PR is all about building relationships and as Mr. Wells said, “you have to eat lunch anyways.” Meeting with the media and getting to know what they need and what interest them can help make sure you get your story placed.
3. It’s not a 9-5 sector; it’s a lifestyle. – Priscilla Clarke, President & CEO of Clarke and Associates
Ms. Clarke spoke at the 2014 PRSSA National Conference on the world of entertainment PR. She said working in this field takes a lot of commitment and passion. You never know when your client will need something or when the phone will ring. You need to be prepared 24/7 for crisis communication and working with the media. A career in the entertainment world is more than an occupation; it’s a lifestyle.
1. If you to take an artist into a foreign country and there are no clips you didn’t do your job. – Eugene Shelton, Professor at Kent State University
Gene Shelton has done PR for some of the biggest names in music. He traveled across the world and worked with media stateside and abroad. He definitely knows a thing or two about media relations. When I spoke with him, he stressed the importance of always leaving proof you were there. You need to make sure your artist/performance makes an impact and gains media coverage. That may mean finding the media yourself or hiring an independent agency.
2. Never eat lunch alone. – Gary Wells, Senior Managing Director at Dix & Eaton
Mr. Wells has done PR work from India to Brazil, Cleveland to London. One of the most important parts of his job is building relationships with the media. Sometimes meeting a reporter for coffee can help place your story on the front page. PR is all about building relationships and as Mr. Wells said, “you have to eat lunch anyways.” Meeting with the media and getting to know what they need and what interest them can help make sure you get your story placed.
3. It’s not a 9-5 sector; it’s a lifestyle. – Priscilla Clarke, President & CEO of Clarke and Associates
Ms. Clarke spoke at the 2014 PRSSA National Conference on the world of entertainment PR. She said working in this field takes a lot of commitment and passion. You never know when your client will need something or when the phone will ring. You need to be prepared 24/7 for crisis communication and working with the media. A career in the entertainment world is more than an occupation; it’s a lifestyle.
