PR PodJots

Welcome to CustomScoop’s latest running feature, a weekly rundown of some of the more interesting PR podcasts (first edition available here).

We are continuing to work our way through Shel and Neville's “Podroll” over at “For Immediate Release,” but feel free to suggest other new or interesting PR podcasts as you come across them.

Despite the fact that we led off with FIR last week, I feel compelled to include it again, as they marked their milestone 250^th episode:

For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report – June 18, 2007 – 250^th podcast celebration

Shel and Neville reached a milestone this past Monday, namely they celebrated their 250^th podcast.  In a montage of brief audio clips provided by fellow podcasters, industry experts, and friends extolling their personal experiences and congratulations, it’s easy to realize the positive effect and influence that the bi-weekly podcast has had on the industry. 

Carmen Van Kerckhove from the Addicted to Race podcast shared two lessons she learned from the duo.  She thanked them for helping her understand that PR strategy is more than just media relations.  While the media plays a role in PR, the concept is also about “shaping the conversation, about advocacy, and it really envelopes all kinds of communication about your company.”  Van Kerckhove also expressed appreciation for learning the value of authenticity and speaking like a real person on her podcast, opposed to being overly academic and unapproachable.

CustomScoop's own Chip Griffin of the Disruptive Dialogue podcast also gave accolades to the pair for their successful podcast.  Griffin revealed that FIR was the first podcast that he listened to and that it inspired him to learn more about the industry, which eventually led to him starting his own podcast.  Griffin noted that in honor of FIR’s landmark podcast, CustomScoop would be offering a 25 percent discount to customers who mention the show and sign up for a free trial before July 1^st.

Additional featured listeners who shared congratulatory messages and thoughts include:

Luke Armour http://armourpr.wordpress.com
Doug Haslam http://topazpartners.blogspot.com
Francis Wooby http://www.wooby.tk
Rob Safuto http://www.awakenedvoice.com
Sallie Goetsch http://www.podcastasylum.com
Terry Fallis & David Jones http://www.insidepr.ca
Anna Farmery http://theengagingbrand.typepad.com
David Phillips http://leverwealth.blogspot.com
C.C. Chapman http://www.managingthegray.com
John Wall http://www.themshow.com
Karin Hoegh http://www.podblog.dk
Michael Bellina http://www.theadvertisinglunatic.com
Donna Papacosta http://www.trafcomnewspodcast.com
Dan York http://www.disruptiveconversations.com
Mitch Joel http://www.twistimage.com
Lee Hopkins http://www.leehopkins.net

On the Record with Eric Schwartzman - June 14, 2007 – NYT Columnist David Carr Weighs in on Social Media

David Carr joins Eric Schwartzman to discuss how the Web has changed journalism, blogs and the influence of social media. Of note, Eric points out that Carr was the first blogger at the NYT, and wonders if “The Grey Lady” loses credibility as it joins the blogosphere. Carr hasn’t found that blogging has tarnished the Times’ reputation, as the journalists blogging maintain the same journalistic standards to their posts as they would to officially filed articles.

I find it interesting that he applies that standard, as the debate continues regarding the application of journalistic ethics to citizen journalism. He notes that there are also standards of decency applied to journalist blogs, and they might nix a link to an innocuous site because of its affiliation with another site that doesn’t belong “in a family newspaper.”

Carr makes another highly notable quote: “Influence is the only metric where blogs come up roses.” He argues that certain blogs can move the needle even more than traditional media, mentioning Gawker as an example of a blog that can influence large MSM outlets.

Also in the discussion (from the show notes):

• The importance of “scoops” in the age of the blog.
• The business of newspapers and how the audience has changed and continues to change.
• How newspapers battle to keep their share holders happy, the departments staffed and the community well-served.
• Carr on Rupert Murdoch's controversial bid to purchase the Wall Street Journal.

Public Relations/Public Affairs Ideas - June 18, 2007 – Corporate Reputation – Where’s your “Sustainability Sweet Spot?”

Andrew W. Savitz, author of “The Triple Bottom Line,” joins Ernie Landante of Novita Issue Communications to discuss sustainable business practices and corporate reputation.

Savitz discusses the “sustainability sweet spot,” the balance between a company’s business interests and corporate social responsibility. He defines sustainability as “the intersection of what you need to do for your business, and what society tells you you need to do,” using the Toyota Prius as a prime example. Traditionally, corporations participate in philanthropy to fulfill their CSR, but by changing the business model, Savitz believes companies can improve their bottom lines while still helping improve society.

“Philanthropy is about giving money away, sustainability is about growing, running, and protecting your business.” It’s an interesting concept. Why shouldn’t a company work both to help society and continue to promote and sell their products? And is this bad for PR? (That is, does it make a company look too self-serving?)

Also discussed:

• “Strategic philanthropy”
• Mapping profitability and impact on society
• GE and Pepsi’s sustainability culture
• Dupont’s move from chemistry to biology
• Companies that get sustainability wrong