PRII Digest
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Public Relations Institute of Ireland
07 June 2006
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If you have a news item or details of an event you’d like to include in the PRII Digest, please e-mail your contribution to info@prii.ie. Visit www.prii.ie or call (01) 661 8004 for more information on training workshops, or to register.
********************************************** In this issue **************************************************
Institute News
Workshop: Measuring and assessing PR and media relations activities
Tuesday Forum: Journalism in a changing media landscape
Industry/PRCA News
Excellence Awards – final call for bookings for the grand finale!
Nicky Crichton appointed account director at Murray Consultants
Dublin Me Arts!
National Concert Hall celebrates 25th anniversary with world music festival
IPRA Summit – diary date
Job Opportunities
Account Executive – MediaMarket
Account Director, Senior Account Manager positions – MRPA KINMAN Communications
Head of Communications – Health Service Executive
Account Manager – Cullen Communications
Account Director – Plunkett Communications
UK & International News
Coordinating international PR: It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world
Avian flu – panic or pandemic? Getting the balance right in risk communication
Institute News
*** Two places left ***
Thursday 15 June 2006
Measuring and assessing PR and media relations activities, presented by Padraig McKeon, MPRII
The ability to set and achieve clear PR goals and objectives is greatly enhanced when there is robust and relevant research to track, measure and evaluate communications activity. This workshop is designed to highlight the various options and tools currently available to organisations in this regard. The key criteria for measurement will be outlined first – volume of coverage; location/position of coverage; tone adopted in coverage; and audience impact – followed by an in-depth look at the methodologies available to assess this. Throughout the day, you will have plenty of opportunities to drill down to the finer details that need to be considered, and to review practical examples of measurement and evaluation techniques in action.
Full details available at www.prii.ie. Course fees: PRII members €330, non-members €420.
Tuesday 20 June 2006
Tuesday Forum: Journalism in a changing media landscape
The Georgian Suite, Buswell’s Hotel, Dublin 2
Our final Tuesday Forum before we slow things down for the summer addresses the topical issue of the fast-changing Irish media landscape – and its impact on journalists and journalistic practices in this country. Taking place at Buswell’s Hotel on Tuesday 20 June, our guest speakers for the occasion are the editor of the Sunday Business Post, Cliff Taylor, and the editor of Newstalk106, Garrett Harte. Issues to be covered on the night include:
- The current media landscape: Source of stories, fragmentation of readerships, the power of celebrity, pressure from advertising etc.
- The changing nature of journalism: How and why article focus and work practices differ now from five or ten years ago – and its relevance for journalists and PR practitioners alike
- Newstalk106’s proposition in an era of increased competition for listeners and readers
- What the future holds – in light of the rise of blogging, online news services, 24-hour rolling news alerts, two free morning papers and competition from digital and cable media.
The Forum is free to members of the PRII and costs €20 for non-members. To book, e-mail info@prii.ie. We will be kicking off at 6pm sharp to ensure those of you anxious to catch the start of Sweden v. England at 8pm won’t be disappointed!
Industry/PRCA News
Excellence Awards – final call for bookings for the grand finale!
With just a week to go to the night of the year, it’s time to book your tickets for the 2006 PR Excellence Awards. This year’s Awards ceremony takes place on 14 June at the Round Room at the Mansion House with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, lined up as our guest of honour. Final bookings will be accepted on Friday and tickets are individually priced at €180. Tables of 10 and 12 can also be booked. To view the full shortlist, or to book, visit www.prii.ie, or call us here in the office on (01) 661 8004. See you there!
Nicky Crichton appointed account director at Murray Consultants
Nicky Crichton has been appointed account director at Murray Consultants, where she will head up the company’s growing consumer and brands division which includes clients such as Heineken, Cadbury and Golfing Union of Ireland. Nicky has over eight years’ experience in the areas of brand marketing and consumer PR, and also has extensive experience in the not-for-profit and cause related marketing sectors. Previously employed as a client director at Fleishman Hillard, Nicky is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and holds a postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Fitzwilliam Institute.
Dublin Me Arts!
Dublin City Council has announced the launch of "Dublin Me Arts!" This community arts directory includes information and contact details on over 200 community arts groups including dancers, actors and puppeteers – all of whom are available for events, photocalls or stunts. To download a copy of the directory visit www.dublin.ie.
National Concert Hall celebrates 25th anniversary with world music festival
On Saturday 22 July 2006 the National Concert Hall throws open its doors for a world music festival entitled ‘World Routes’. Hosted by RTÉ presenter John Kelly, the festival will take place on Earlsfort Terrace in celebration of the National Concert Hall's 25th anniversary. Musicians who will perform for the occasion include world music maestro Toumani Diabaté from Mali, jazz pianist Michel Camilo and world-renowned flamenco guitarist Tomatito. In addition, music, dance and drumming workshops, garden tours, musical talks and more will take place in the Iveagh Gardens and the NCH throughout the day, providing a fun day out for all the family. Tickets from €5 can be booked from the NCH Box Office on (01) 417 0000, or book online at www.nch.ie.
IPRA Summit – diary date
This year’s International Public Relations Association (IPRA) PR Summit takes place in London on 1-2 November at the Waldorf Hotel. For more information, and details of the early booking rate, visit www.iprasummit.org.
Account Executive – MediaMarket
MediaMarket is Ireland’s largest provider of media intelligence services including 24*7 monitoring of all media sources and in-depth media analysis and evaluation services. MediaMarket works with most of the top companies in the financial, telecom, insurance and professional services sectors as well as clients in the government and public sector, media groups, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organisations. Our services include media content analysis and PR evaluation, stakeholder studies, reputation risk analysis, brand profiling, corporate communications effectiveness and competitor benchmarking. Due to continued growth and expansion we now have a vacancy for an energetic account executive.
This position will involve media production duties including scanning and clipping of press clips using specialised software applications. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for looking after client requirements, editing and uploading media clips to client websites, updating client briefs and writing media analysis reports. The intended outcomes of the role are to: Track public opinion; measure the effectiveness of PR initiatives; and gather marketing intelligence to stay on top of key trends.
Essential requirements include:
- Excellent PC skills
- Very strong attention to detail
- Good communication and administrative skills
- Previous office experience.
Early morning starts may be required. Salary commensurate with experience. Please submit your application, together with a current curriculum vitae, to fiona.power@mediamarket.ie. Closing date for receipt of applications is 16 June 2006.
Account Director, Senior Account Manager positions – MRPA KINMAN Communications
MRPA KINMAN Communications is seeking to recruit a number of people for its growing team.
The firm is one of the largest communications consultancies in the country, representing many leading Irish and international businesses and influential representative bodies and organisations. The firm offers a broad range of services with a particular focus on corporate communications and public affairs.
The company is now recruiting for a number of senior positions including account director and senior account manager. The candidates should have significant experience at a senior level in either a consultancy or an in-house role. They should have proven experience in leading and developing teams of individuals and the capability to manage a portfolio of high performance clients.
Interested candidates should submit their CVs for consideration to Ray Gordon, Managing Director, by e-mail to ray@mrpakinman.ie by return.
Head of Communications – Health Service Executive
Effective and open communication is essential to unify the Health Service Executive (HSE) and support the many changes and improvements it is making to the way it serves the community.
To achieve this, the HSE has established a National Communications Unit and is seeking to appoint a head of communications to lead this unit.
This is a key appointment and a unique opportunity for a highly effective communications professional to influence the development and execution of the HSE’s communications strategies during this exciting and challenging time. Candidates for this senior role must demonstrate that they:
- Have significant communications experience at a senior level and strong leadership and management abilities
- Can communicate ideas, positions and information clearly and convincingly while also being sensitive to wider issues
- Can review complex issues and see the contribution communications can make to advance these issues and subsequently provide counsel to senior management and members of the National Communications Unit succinctly and with confidence
- Have excellent interpersonal, networking and team building skills
- Can identify and evaluate the longer term and broader issues that can impact on the organisation’s development.
The salary is commensurate with the responsibilities for this senior position.
For more details and to make an application log onto our website at www.publicjobs.ie.
Closing date for receipt of application for both positions is Monday 12 June 2006. The Public Appointments Service is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Cuirfear fáilte roimh chomhfhreagras i nGaeilge. LoCall: 1890 449 999 International +353 1 858 7400.
Account Manager – Cullen Communications
Cullen Communications is seeking to recruit an account manager, with PR agency experience, to independently manage a number of clients in the automotive and tourist sectors.
Knowledge of the above sectors is not essential but PR and marketing experience, combined with good organisational and presentation skills, are essential. The ability to gain the confidence of clients is especially important, while creative thinking and accurate writing are also integral to the role.
This post is well suited to a go-ahead person with sound commercial acumen and a track record in PR and marketing (including media contacts), but who is seeking more autonomy in managing a variety of clients and tasks.
Reporting to the chief executive, this role carries an attractive remuneration package and offers the potential to quickly progress to account directorship.
To apply, please send a CV in the strictest of confidence to Frank Cullen, Cullen Communications Ltd, Clyde Lodge, 15 Clyde Road, Dublin 4, or e-mail fcullen@cullencommunications.ie. Closing date for receipt of applications is 9 June 2006.
Account Director – Plunkett Communications
Plunkett Communications is seeking an account director with a minimum of five years experience to work in consumer areas of healthcare, travel and fashion.
This is an exciting and challenging career opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic, creative and efficient account director who works well under pressure. A proven track record in delivering results will be key and the candidate must be able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the media.
The successful applicant is likely to have a degree in communications, public relations or journalism and/or a professional qualification in PR.
Please apply in writing to Sharon Plunkett, e-mail sharon@plunkettcommunications.com, or at 16 Morehampton Road, Dublin 4. Alternatively call for a chat in confidence to (01) 678 1460. Closing date for applications is Friday, 23 June 2006.
These articles require free registration to view them
Coordinating international PR: It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world
http://www.prandmarketing.com/topstory
Avian flu – panic or pandemic? Getting the balance right in risk communication
PR Influences, Australia
These days, public relations is a legitimate communication tool used in every form of commercial life, supporting the marketing of products, communicating the merits of Stock Exchange moves for public companies, handling crises and building corporate reputation, to name a few.
But for communication purists, PR really comes to the fore in large-scale public information campaigns, where a whole range of communication tools need to be used to reach a diverse range of audiences. Furthermore, in most instances, the cause is pure and there is a discernable public benefit from being better informed.
However in 2006 for Australia, and most of the developed world, the international information campaign that is in the minds of most communicators is Avian Flu, or what is more commonly known as ‘Bird Flu”.
So what is Australia doing? How are we doing compared with other countries? Has the Government done the necessary groundwork? What is our likely approach? Are we going to inform, educate and arm the public before this pandemic breaks? Or are we going to largely deal with the crisis when it breaks?
Risk and crisis communications models strongly suggest that it is wise to take a proactive and inclusive approach. This includes:
- Showing commitment
- Providing transparent and consistent messages in a timely manner
- Acknowledging the uncertainty
- Involving the public
- Exhibiting trust and empathy
Australia doesn’t have to develop its approach in isolation. More thought and discussion has probably gone into how to prepare the peoples of the world for this pandemic than any other similar crisis in the history of mankind.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken the lead with its pandemic planning guides for public health emergencies with some specifically for Avian Flu. WHO sees its role as setting the standards but for each country to interpret its environment and undertake campaigns in the ways and with timeframes they are comfortable with.
The major countries which Australia should model itself against, the US, the UK and Canada, have all done a great deal of background work through their Health Departments in setting up resources, such as websites and developing operational strategies.
However, among these it is the US that has sought to engage the public the most.
In addition to developing Pandemic Guidelines the US has community websites up and running and the Department of Health and Human Services has already developed communication tools using Message Mapping and these are now available publicly for use. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/rcommunication/pre_event_maps.pdf
In May this year a US movie shown on the ABC: “Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America” was a fictitious account of how the pandemic could pan out. The Department of Health and Human Services used this as an opportunity and prepared a Viewer’s Guide with the hope that they could help inform, not panic, the public.
Interestingly, despite this work, a recent US report released by the Trust for America’s Health and the Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University showed all was not well regarding journalists views on a possible pandemic. Journalists believed there were weaknesses in government planning included unclear government leadership and poor communication with the business community and public on how to maintain day-to-day life during a pandemic.
Surprisingly it is our near neighbour, New Zealand, which seems to be leading the world in preparing their communities for Bird Flu. Their Ministry of Health (MoH) began their public awareness campaign about Bird Flu in 2005. Their campaign included a 10 day TV-based campaign sharing key messages about the importance of planning for an infuenza pandemic. Additionally, Radio NZ created a series of public service announcements, website information with guides, FAQs, brochures and posters.
Polling by MoH in November 2005 revealed that 80 percent of New Zealanders had a very high awareness of the possible pandemic. Not to rest on those figures, early this year a nationwide letterbox drop containing information on emergency kits, hygiene and guides to running businesses from home, were disseminated. Avian Flu is very much on the public agenda just three hours from our shores!
However, Australia appears to be taking a more cautious approach to alerting, let alone involving, the public. An Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza was released last June, a critical component of which was the Communication Plan which apparently follows the WHO alert periods and actions phases.
The Australian Department of Health and Ageing has the key role for informing the public and liaising with key stakeholders. Exercise Eleusis, a three day simulation involving ‘lead response agencies’ was held last year. In addition, the Health Department’s website carries considerable information and an 1800 toll number for the public. And in March this year the Australian Science Media Centre ran a seminar “What everyone should know about bird flu”, a briefing for journalists.
The framework and planning is clearly in place. But as yet no obviously visible public communication campaign has been released.
It raises the question as to why are Australia and New Zealand following completely different communication strategies? Is New Zealand over-reacting? Or is Australia being complacent? And can two near neighbours afford to have completely different strategies given our closeness?
Given Australia appears to have taken a deliberate strategy not to engage (or entrust!) its public with the dangers of the Avian Flu why has it done so? Does it assess the risk as low? Is the Australian psyche different? Does research support a different strategy? Is the Government ‘gun shy’ following its terrorist, “be alert but not alarmed’ campaign?
It would be fascinating to know how aware, concerned and informed the Australian public feels about Avian or ‘Bird’ flu. Equally, it would be interesting to run a survey among Australian media similar to that run in the US.
Watch this space. If and when a public campaign does unfold in Australia it will be interesting to see how it is run. And should the Avian Flu get to Australia before the government gets around to a campaign it will be even more interesting.
Best regards,
Cyrilla Costello
Marketing Manager
