Find The Boots

Rantings from a few corporate types about life, technology, travel, guns, politics, and everything good in the world.

Save Jericho: Great PR

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

CBS's PR department could learn a few tricks from the "Save Jericho" movement. Last night I received an email from fellow night owl Lisa L, who sent me this recording of a radio interview. It's extremely well done and professional. I've taken the classes they give executives in how to talk to the press, TV, and radio, and she does everything perfectly. There's passion in her voice, and she stays right on message.

Instead of spending weeks discussing various options, gathering political support, and bumbling around like a huge corporation, Lisa saw something she thought would work and struck out on her own and did it. It's the power of independent action by the members that makes the monster so agile.

There's a classic debate in the business world between paid advertising and "free" PR campaigns. Advertising is easier to track, but is expensive and people get their defenses up because they know they're being advertised to. PR is much less expensive, but very hard to pull off because it's difficult to control the message or distribution. But when it works, it's a thing of beauty.

A thing of beauty. Just like Lisa's interview.

4 Comments:

At 1:19 PM, Tom Mosier (falconr10) said…

Boondoggie, as usual, great article, insights, etc....but here's some breaking news (if you didn't get my e-mail earlier):

Ausiello, from TV Guide, has broken the story that by days end, CBS could be announcing the return of Jericho....in an order of at least 8 episodes, to be aired as a mid-season replacement show....

Boondoggie, the usual kudos aside, you have been instrumental for your part in making TV/Media history....as the Monster slew the behemoth.

Maybe CBS should hire YOU to be their new PR spin-doctor. ;)
At 1:21 PM, Donna said…

Thanks so much for posting that interview! Nothing like publicity in the heart of Jericho country. Great job Lisa!!!
At 5:39 PM, Anonymous said…

Ok..so I gotta read YOUR BLOG for life! It's official! TYVM Mr. Boondoggie. I'm flattered beyond measure!
At 7:39 PM, Unknown said…

falconr10 - Read my posts. Have I ever claimed that I don't work for CBS?

Find The Boots

An executive goes on a business trip. When he arrives, it's raining cats and dogs. To avoid ruining his shoes, he purchases a pair of galoshes for $15, which he expenses under "Misc." on his expense report. A week later, the accounting department rejects his expense report, with a post-it note that says that the company does not reimburse for items of clothing. The next trip, the executive turns in an expense report without the galoshes, but with a post-it note that says "FIND THE BOOTS!".