April 2014
Vol 12 # 2
In this issue:
5 Things Journalists Really Hate
The PR Committee was tasked by the ARRL Board of Directors to research soliciting Powerpoint presentations from ARRL members that ARRL would host. While there are a number of issues that need to be ironed out (such as design and content criteria, quality control, etc), the basic premise is that members can submit a PowerPoint presentation on a topic and, if accepted, it will be hosted on the ARRL web site.
This will be a great opportunity for you or your club to give back to the community by teaching a skill or bringing awareness on a particular facet of Amateur Radio. Get your thinking caps on!
ARRL at 100: A Century of Ham Radio DVD now available!
the ARRL’s new DVD “ARRL at 100: A Century of Ham Radio” is now available. Produced by former ARRL PR Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, and featuring QST editor Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, this half-hour presentation chronicling the last 100 years of the ARRL and ham radio in general is certain to be a big hit at your next club meeting. It will show you just how far we’ve come in the last century, both as a service and hobby as well as an organization.
Response has been very positive from Amateurs all around the world. There are even versions with Portuguese and Romanian subtitles, thanks to hams in those countries. We are even working on a Spanish version; look for that soon.
You can watch it on our YouTube channel, or if you’d like to own an official copy on DVD (and support the League at the same time), you can purchase a copy of it for $10.95 plus shipping.
We're always looking for Public Information Officers to help promote Amateur Radio. These are all the PIOs who have joined us since January 1. Congratulations and welcome aboard!
David Pechey, KD2BMU - Hammond, NY
John Copeland, N8DXR - South Rockwood, MI
Randall C. Lorenz, AF7HD - Reno, NV
Richard Hillyer, W2RWH - Cape Coral, FL
Roxanne Powell-Baxter, AA7RX - Papillion, NE
Tucker McGuire, KK4UNZ - Efland, NC
Richard M.Kimitsuka, KH6OM - Kailua, HI
Robert Rasa, W5CPU - Houston, TX
Gary Roberts, AG1T - Logan, UT
Warren A. Hoyt, KG4QBE - Tuscaloosa, AL
Matthew Sheets, KB4MBS - Birmingham, AL
Bruce Delphia, N4TGZ - Ashland VA
Thanks for volunteering!
McGan Awards - Time Is Running Out!
The ARRL Philip McGan Award is handed out to the ham who demonstrates excellence in promoting Amateur Radio to the non-Amateur community. Awards nominations are due by May 23, 2014. It’s never too early to consider a ham’s effort for a McGan award. Do you have somebody in mind that’s really helped deliver the message of Amateur Radio to the general public? Go here for all the details!
While it may still seem a little cold for Field Day in parts of the US & Canada, it’s perfect weather for beginning to work on your Field Day PR outreach. The 2014 Field Day packet has been uploaded to the ARRL web site, which includes sample press releases, proclamations and other swell stuff every PIO needs to get the word out. Work on your press contacts, and call or email them now to get your foot in the door early. The fourth full weekend in June will be here before you know it, so start your prep work now and get a head start; more prep time now means more operating time later!
5 Things Journalists Really Hate
We all want to get our press releases acted on. In order to increase our rate of success, let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the folks on the receiving end of or releases: the journalists. Here’s a list of 5 big no-no’s from Marsha Friedman, founder of the public relations firm EMS Incorporated:
When was the last time you freshened up your press contact list....not just for Field Day, but for summer events. If you live along the ocean, it will be Hurricane Season before you know it. While we all hope that it will be as mild as last year, one can never know for sure. Inland hams might face thunderstorms or flooding, or even a public service event coming up in the spring or summer months. Do your prep work now. Re-establish ties with your press contacts, or develop new ones. Nobody wants to send out a press release, only to discover your contact from last year has moved on to greener pastures. A little homework now can avert frustration and embarrassment later.
Plans are gearing up for the ARRL Centennial Convention in July. We hope you are planning to attend, because it’s going to be a great time! We are pushing the hashtag #ARRL2014 on Twitter and FaceBook now; if you use those social media resources, please start using #ARRL2014 and help us generate some buzz. Thanks.
Until next month,
Sean Kutzko KX9X
ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager
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