Piaras Kelly PR - Public Relations in Ireland

I called someone who works in the newsroom at a radio station yesterday to meet for a coffee. After I dialed I glanced at my computer screen and noticed the time. I was two dial tones into the call and immediately jumped and slammed down the receiver. Why? Because it was 3pm. Still don’t get it? Never ring anybody who works in the news department of a radio station on the hour because funnily enough they’re doing the news.

It’s one of the simplest mistakes to make, but something that can make you look really stupid. I rang him back fifteen minutes later and had a good laugh about it. Knowing your media is one of the most important things you have to learn in PR - what deadlines do specific journalists work to; depending on the day, who to issue photocall notices to; etc, etc, etc.

There’s been lots of talk recently about pitching bloggers. Numerous slagging matches ensued and everyone chipped in with their two cents. At the end of the day common sense dictates how we should govern our relationships with journalists, bloggers, etc.