Thursday, June 27, 2013

How Will Al Jazeera Affect PR & TV Viewers?

The 2013 State of the News Media report by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism revealed that the news industry has shrunk 30 percent since 2000 and continues to decline. In sharp contrast to that news, a New York Times feature May 27 revealed that Al Jazeera America is in mass hiring and expansion mode.

As new Al Jazeera employee (former CNN anchor) Ali Velshi stated, "This is the first big journalism hiring binge that anyone’s been on for a long time."

In an era in which nearly all others in the media world are firing, Al Jazeera America is hiring up to 800 people, has taken the studio space at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. which was formerly occupied by ABC's "This Week" program, and plan to open more than 12 bureaus throughout the U.S.

Al Jazeera, which is owned by Qatar's Kingdom, one of the richest countries in the world with seemingly endless oil and gas reserves indeed, financial considerations are less of a concern.

When Al Jazeera was founded they received a $147 million subsidy from the Qatari government and continue to receive $100 million annually in Qatari subsidies according to U.S. Congressional reports.

One wonders how much and how widely budget cuts have affected media viewership?

For example, Nielsen Reports say that in the last quarter 18-24 year-olds watched a weekly average of about 23 and a quarter hours of traditional TV in Q4 2012, 2 hours and 20 minutes less than they did in Q4 2011. Budget cuts, or social media, who knows?

Ad revenues largely fell for TV stations, and today reporters and editors are universally understaffed at TV networks so relationships are hard to develop.

Reporters across the board have very limited budgets – will that change if making money isn’t a concern like at Al Jazeera? Will pros at PR Agencies like 5WPR actually be able to invest time again in long-standing relationships? Perhaps there will be less turnover at Al-Jazeera if indeed they can overpay reporters to ensure they don’t leave?

Indeed, for many of us in the PR world who are used to commiserating with our media contacts about the dire state of the media industry the last few years (most recently ESPN announced up to 400 layoffs), there is a new sheriff in town.

Qatar -- Al Jazeera -- has no budget concerns and indeed will be a tremendously important media outlet for all of us in the PR business to have strong relationships with as the news business continues to evolve.

Ronn Torossian founded 5WPR, and is a finalist for PR Executive of the Year 2013 in the American Business Awards. His book, "For Immediate Release," is a best-selling Public Relations book.


SOURCE http://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/605/2013-05-30/how-will-al-jazeera-affect-pr-tv-viewers.html

Monday, June 24, 2013

5W Public Relations Hired By “Sticky”

In agency news from Ronn Torossian’s 5W Public Relations, leading branding optimizers Sticky have hired the firm to help grow the innovative company’s brand and recognition. Sticky, formerly known as EyeTrackShop, just recently raised $3 Million in funding to support growth of their existing client base which currently includes GroupM, L’Oreal and McDonald’s.

Sticky’s solution allows companies to gauge the effectiveness of online branding campaigns by measuring what is seen and not seen via their eye-tracking technology.The founder of 5WPR, Ronn Torossian, had this to say about his firm’s hiring:

    “In today’s very crowded online advertising marketplace, companies cannot waste money.  Using Sticky allows brands to be tremendously focused, targeted and results oriented with their advertising.  Anyone spending online must use Sticky if they want to be effective.”

As for Sticky’s take on their move to incorporate big time Manhattan PR, President Jeff Bander offered this:

    “Hiring 5WPR as our PR Firm Of Record was an easy decision,  given their proven success rate in the fields of B2B tech, advertising, and analytics platforms and solutions.”

Claiming to be the only media technology platform ensuring ads get seen, Sticky is a disruptive technology company in a world that actually lacks new innovations. With the need for objective data growing ever popular, a company that can provide digital performance is sure to be a big winner in the months and years to come. It will be interesting to see where Sticky goes from here with Torossian’s team heralding the tech.


SOURCE http://everything-pr.com/5w-public-relations-hired-by-sticky/243625/

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Ronn Torossian: Public Relations News Roundup

Random thoughts from the past week:

First - The newest report from research company IBISWorld has come out which estimates that the total revenue of worldwide Public Relations Agencies will be $12.6 billion in 2013.  Growth was 3.1% across all firms in the last year – and is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

And  - A Great story in The Guardian this week about Masters Degree classes in the Public Relations field – as the more smart people we have in our industry, the better for all of us.  As the article said “..the art of public relations is still as vital as ever for individuals and businesses of all sizes.”

Then - I Finally got around to reading the must-read PR book “Edelman and the Rise of Public Relations” by Franz Wisner about the world’s largest PR firm.  Naturally, it is quite an interesting story about an admirable man. The book discusses Daniel Edelman and his relationship with his family, the legendary work he did and the evolution of the firm. Of course, there were some great tid-bits in the book – Like when Charlie Lubin, the founder of Sara Lee, said that thanks to Edelman, his PR budget was worth 1,000 times more than his advertising budget. And plenty of personal tips from the most successful entrepreneur in the public relations industry ever.  Must-read material, this is sure.

Have never met a Public Relations Executive who didn’t love to read – and I saw this quote and just had to share it: “I had always imagined paradise as a kind of library.”  – Jorge Luis Borges -

SOURCE
http://everything-pr.com/ronn-torossian-public-relations-news-roundup/243582

Thursday, June 20, 2013

5WPR Appointed PR Agency Of Record For Soniclean, the First and Only Vacuum to Use Sonic Technology

5WPR, recently named as PR agency of the year by the American Business Awards today announced the addition of Zenith Technologies, makers of the most technologically advanced vacuum cleaning system Soniclean, to its diverse roster of consumer and home brands.

5W Public Relations will implement a comprehensive public relations program designed to increase awareness of the company with the goal of becoming recognized as the leader in the vacuum category.

Introduced earlier this year, Soniclean brings sonic technology into vacuuming for the first-time ever, offering the most efficient and advanced cleaning system on the market as well as the most rewarding at-home cleaning experience for consumers. Soniclean effectively cleans at 12,000 vibrations per minute and the system can tackle both carpet and hard floors. In addition to dislodging and removing blatant dirt and dust, Soniclean effectively removes microscopic particles deeply embedded and ground into carpet - particles that contain allergens, bacteria and more. Incredibly light, weighing only 10.5 lbs, the Soniclean also features sophisticated jam sensor technology, a low profile to clean under furniture and a lifetime belt warranty.

With more than 30 years experience, inventor Mark Bosses is a veteran of the vacuum cleaner industry. Prior to starting Zenith Technologies, he and his family were the owners and founders of HomeCare Industries, the world's largest manufacturer of vacuum cleaner bags, filters and accessories. As an inventor, Mark Bosses holds 26 patents and numerous trademarks, most of which are still in use today. Soniclean is backed by 12 of these patents.

"We've created a product that brings together years of vacuum industry research and experience with the most up-to-date technology," said Mark Bosses, CEO and Founder of Zenith Technologies. "This is the next logical step in vacuum cleaners and we are excited to partner with 5W Public Relations to generate consumer and retailer awareness for the brand."

"We are thrilled to be working with Zenith Technologies to introduce Soniclean to the market," said Ronn Torossian, President and CEO of 5WPR. "Applying our extensive experience in creating and executing successful public relations programs for home and housewares brands, we will bring this most revolutionary and technologically advanced vacuum to the forefront of the market."

Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations 212-999-5585 ronn@5wpr.com

SOURCE 5WPR

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Riots in Turkey and Tens of Thousands Dead in Syria, Caused by West Bank Settlements?

Just imagine…

If in Israel there were widespread protests involving tens of thousands throughout the country calling out Prime Minister Netanyahu, there would be worldwide wall-to-wall media coverage.  Meanwhile, in Turkey, where there is mass rioting and citizens are being beaten in the street, the world reaction is muted. There is no flotilla of human rights activists speeding towards Turkey for example. (Isn’t Turkey the nation that expressed outrage at Israel for the way they treated the so-called “peaceful” protesters on the Gaza flotilla?)

So the Turkish government is facing these mass protests – and is seen as increasingly turning towards extremism. The country recently passed legislation limiting the sale of alcohol, and the Prime Minister said in an interview that anyone who buys alcohol is an “alcoholic.” There were no full-page stories about this in The New York Times like these was over the Women of the Wall fiasco however.

Recently, Turkish subway authorities warned couples not to kiss in public, and asked passengers “to act in accordance with moral rules.” I heard no condemnation from Hillary Clinton like she did when religious extremists in Jerusalem spoke of segregating buses.

Indeed:

    In Turkey, there is widespread police violence and use of force against peaceful protesters.  Tear gas and water cannons were used against young people holding a peaceful sit-in at an Istanbul park. Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said the police were “carrying out their duties” against an “illegal occupation” of the park. Opposition politicians and many others were injured as a result of  these policies of the government.

    People from all walks of life and all political parties have taken to the streets  in protest.  Fans of the three largest soccer teams in Turkey can be seen standing hand in hand in jerseys against the government – this is monumental in the Middle East.  Soccer is seen as a religion in Turkey – opposing fans standing together is monumental.

    Reporters were targeted by the authorities, and state media which is controlled and censored has given out little information. As Erdogan and the Turkish government cannot control social media, they condemn it.  Erdogan recently said “There is now a menace which is called Twitter. The best examples of lies can be found there. To me, social media is the worst menace to society.” Imagine the international uproar if the Israeli government were to speak like this?

If this is the beginning of another Middle East revolution, one wonders what the new map of the Middle East will look like even 2 years from now. Amazing how times change – only five years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert asked Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to mediate peace negotiations with Syria.  That wouldn’t have ended well – and today, reports indicate that up to 100,000 people have been slaughtered in Syria.

For the sake of peace, many say Israel should offer concessions to Assad in Syria who has killed tens of thousands of his own people.  They also say that Israel should be more conciliatory towards Turkey, where the police force abuses fellow citizens regularly.

These people talk foolishly of Israeli settlements, or Israel’s “aggressive nature in the Middle East” that leads to violence. Could it be something else? Pigs can’t fly, and the Israelis are not the people who bring violence to the Middle East.

Jewish history – and the “Arab spring” of the last few years teaches us that Israel must only depend upon itself to secure its safety.

Ronn Torossian is CEO of a leading PR agency – and closely observing the Turkey riots. Read more of his writing in Algemeiner here.


SOURCE http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/06/05/riots-in-turkey-and-tens-of-thousands-dead-in-syria-caused-by-west-bank-settlements/

Monday, June 17, 2013

5WPR Ranked Amongst Leading Technology PR Agencies

New-York based 5WPR has been ranked as a leading technology PR agency according to the recently released 2012 O'Dwyer's Public Relations rankings. The O'Dwyer ranking rules require supporting fee and employee totals with income tax and W-3 forms and providing a current account list. O'Dwyer's magazine is a leading publication for public relations and marketing professionals.

"From mobile campaigns to telecommunications, e-commerce to hardware companies, our clients range the gamut in size, specialties and other arenas within the technology area.  We bring our clients resources, results and partnership which differentiate us from any of our competitors," the Founder of 5WPR, Ronn Torossian stated. "It is gratifying to be ranked in so many different practice areas as market leaders."

ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS: 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service PR agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With nearly 100 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty Brands, Food PR, Beverage Publicity, Healthcare, Travel Public Relations), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications. The PR Agency is headquartered in New York.

Contact: Ronn Torossian , 5W Public Relations, Ronn@5wpr.com, 212.999.5585

SOURCE 5WPR

Friday, June 14, 2013

5W Public Relations Again Named Top 25 PR Agency by O'Dwyer's

5WPR, who just relocated to new corporate headquarters in New York City has yet again been recognized as a top 25 PR agency on the nation's list of top public relations firms, according to O'Dwyer's, a leading public relations industry publication. To qualify for the 2012 rankings, companies submitted supporting fee documentation and employee totals, along with income tax W-3 forms and confidential account lists.

Reporting final 2012 income at $14,188,564, the Public Relations firm continues their growth.

"We work tirelessly for the success of our clients and are committed daily to our motto, 'REAL. RESOURCEFUL. RESULTS,'" said the founder of the firm, Ronn Torossian. "As a finalist for the Public Relations Agency of the Year for the American Business Awards, we are further confident that 2013 will yet again be a year of growth for our company. With our new office, great staff, clients, and the growth of the entire industry we look forward to the remainder of the year. Onward and upward."

ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS: 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service PR agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With nearly 100 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty Brands, Food PR, Beverage Publicity, Healthcare, Travel Public Relations), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications. The PR Agency is headquartered in New York.

CONTACT: Ronn Torossian , 5W Public Relations, Ronn@5wpr.com, 212.999.5585

SOURCE 5W Public Relations

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

5W Public Relations Signs Beyond Verbal, a Patented Technology that Decodes Human Emotions through Raw Voice

Beyond Verbal, the developer of a patented technology that can extract, decode, and measure a full spectrum of human emotions from a person's raw voice, named 5WPR, one of the 25 largest independent public relations firms in the U.S, as its agency of record.

Beyond Verbal launched this week after closing a $2.8 million round of funding led by prominent angel investor Kenges Rakishev, and new VC, Genesis Angels. The company's technology was founded on 18 years of research by physicists and neuropsychologists, who studied more than 60,000 test subjects in 26 languages. Bundled into Beyond Verbal's software are emotional detection engines that allow devices and applications to understand individuals' mood, attitude, and decision-making characteristics as they speak.

"5WPR is excited to launch Beyond Verbal, a company that is truly at the cutting edge of a new enterprise technology industry," said Ronn Torossian, CEO, 5W Public Relations. "Through strategic media relations and partnerships, we're confident of delivering a public relations campaign that will elevate their brand to that of a global market leader."

Beyond Verbal is licensing its technology for partnerships in the fields of consumer applications, devices, appliances, and software, to name a few. The first third-party mobile app using its API is set to launch in the coming weeks, while the company is preparing to launch a web tool where people can use the platform to analyze voices.

"Understanding an individual's moods, attitudes, and decision making characteristics while they speak opens up a new field of emotions analytics that we believe will have a major impact on numerous multi-billion dollar verticals," says Yuval Mor , CEO, Beyond Verbal, and 25-year technology veteran. "We're excited to launch our various products and services into the market with the support and direction of 5W Public Relations."

ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS:

5W Public Relations (5W) is a full-service agency known for cutting edge programs that engage people with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 90 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications, Reputation Management, CSR, Sustainability Communications), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results driven approach to communications. Learn more at www.5wpr.com.

Contact: Ronn Torossian , 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585 ronn@5wpr.com

SOURCE 5W Public Relations

5WPR Adds Berricle.com To Client Roster -- PR Agency Continues Rapid Growth

5WPR, the NY based PR agency has been hired by Berricle.com as PR firm of record. The agency will carry out product placement, media relations and provide strategic communications counsel.

With more than 3,000 unique products, Berricle provides a suite of elegant yet affordable jewelry. Every product is individually hand checked to ensure the highest level of quality, and clients shop 24/7 for the finest sterling silver rings, sterling silver earrings, sterling silver necklaces and accessories for any occasion.

"The team at Berricle.com is hard-working and devoted to giving their customers a great experience and we are so pleased they have selected us as their agency.  We will work hard as we do for all our clients to provide them top-tier service and results.  We are eager to help them showcase the variety and quality of their  brand," said Ronn Torossian, the founder of 5WPR.

ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS: 5W Public Relations (5W) is a full-service agency known for cutting edge programs that engage people with businesses, issues and ideas.  The company is a finalist for the American Business Awards PR agency of the year. With more than 100 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications, Reputation Management, CSR, Sustainability Communications), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results driven approach to communications. Learn more at www.5wpr.com.

Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations 212-999-5585 ronn@5wpr.com

SOURCE 5WPR

Friday, June 7, 2013

After weeks of waiting, new Rutgers AD says virtually nothing

New Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann stood in front of the Hale Center yesterday, a pit bull dressed in a matching black and white sweater set and black pencil skirt.

This was Hermann’s first public appearance since her introductory news conference on May 15; her first chance since the maelstrom of news reports that have called into question her hiring, and the process by which she was selected, to go eye-to-eye with the public and do some real damage control.

Hermann did no such thing.

She went on the attack, declaring herself uniquely qualified for this job, asserting she will take her office on June 17, skeletons in her closet be damned.

“I’ll deal with a national embarrassment,’’ she said.

This is what Hermann, and the crisis management firm Rutgers has hired, has failed to grasp. The events of the past three weeks have been more embarrassing to Rutgers than to Hermann.

By virtue of the evasive or contradictory answers she gave to the 10 questions she faced

(17 including followups), Hermann is determined to bury the controversy like a dog buries a bone.

Crisis management experts say it won’t work.

“Let me give you one of the biggest sports scandals over the last five years — Tiger Woods,’’ said Ronn Torossian, president and CEO of 5WPR, a leading, New York-base PR agency with expertise in crisis management.

“You know what Tiger Woods did, he cheated on his wife. If on Day 1 Tiger had given the press conference or interview that he gave on Day 90, that would have been a two- or three-day story.

“You cannot run from these things. You can’t hide from these things.’’

Which is exactly what Hermann — on the advice of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, the crisis management firm hired by Rutgers which orchestrated yesterday’s yard sale of a press conference — tried to do.

Including a rambling introductory statement (in which Hermann lauded the Big Ten for adding Johns Hopkins in lacrosse?!) Hermann spoke for 13 minutes and 30 seconds.

The hurting Rutgers community, which has been yearning for answers for three weeks, was told it is worth less than 15 minutes.

Whatever closure was beginning to take place in the past few days while she and Rutgers battened down the hatches, was blown open.

Hermann initially said she did not remember a meeting with her Tennessee women’s volleyball players in 1997, the one in which she was presented with a letter that stated she verbally abused them by calling them “whores, alcoholics and learning disabled.”

Yesterday, after again denying using those words, despite writings by two former players claiming she did, Hermann trumpeted the ’97 incident as one of the formative experiences of her life.

“That lesson 17 years ago is honestly why I felt I was uniquely qualified, because I’d been a student athlete, been an assistant coach, been a head coach and now been an administrator,’’ she said.

“I’ve been in every spot that exists in an athletic department and I understand the challenges, and I’ve been successful at them and I’ve had a failure at them, and that failure was important.’’

She didn’t do Rutgers any favorites either. She said the Rutgers University search committee did not ask her about the two lawsuits in her past. Was it a search done with blindfolds and ear plugs?

She said Parker Executive Search knew of the pregnancy discrimination lawsuit at Tennessee, which resulted in a $150,000 judgment against Hermann and the school, and the still unsettled gender discrimination suit at Louisville, but she didn’t say if she disclosed that information on her vetting forms.

Yet she had the gall to say, “I feel that I’m completely an open book about all my past experiences.’’

As long as that book can be digested in 13 minutes and 30 seconds.

lenn.robbins@nypost.com


SOURCE http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/after_weeks_of_waiting_she_says_KzCMHp2fvN4EPRk1DNQ8eO

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Riots in Turkey and Tens of Thousands Dead in Syria, Caused by West Bank Settlements

Just imagine…

If in Israel there were widespread protests involving tens of thousands throughout the country calling out Prime Minister Netanyahu, there would be worldwide wall-to-wall media coverage.  Meanwhile, in Turkey, where there is mass rioting and citizens are being beaten in the street, the world reaction is muted. There is no flotilla of human rights activists speeding towards Turkey for example. (Isn’t Turkey the nation that expressed outrage at Israel for the way they treated the so-called “peaceful” protesters on the Gaza flotilla?)

So the Turkish government is facing these mass protests – and is seen as increasingly turning towards extremism. The country recently passed legislation limiting the sale of alcohol, and the Prime Minister said in an interview that anyone who buys alcohol is an “alcoholic.” There were no full-page stories about this in The New York Times like these was over the Women of the Wall fiasco however.

Recently, Turkish subway authorities warned couples not to kiss in public, and asked passengers “to act in accordance with moral rules.” I heard no condemnation from Hillary Clinton like she did when religious extremists in Jerusalem spoke of segregating buses.

Indeed:

  • In Turkey, there is widespread police violence and use of force against peaceful protesters.  Tear gas and water cannons were used against young people holding a peaceful sit-in at an Istanbul park. Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said the police were “carrying out their duties” against an “illegal occupation” of the park. Opposition politicians and many others were injured as a result of  these policies of the government.
  • People from all walks of life and all political parties have taken to the streets  in protest.  Fans of the three largest soccer teams in Turkey can be seen standing hand in hand in jerseys against the government – this is monumental in the Middle East.  Soccer is seen as a religion in Turkey – opposing fans standing together is monumental.
  • Reporters were targeted by the authorities, and state media which is controlled and censored has given out little information. As Erdogan and the Turkish government cannot control social media, they condemn it.  Erdogan recently said “There is now a menace which is called Twitter. The best examples of lies can be found there. To me, social media is the worst menace to society.” Imagine the international uproar if the Israeli government were to speak like this?

If this is the beginning of another Middle East revolution, one wonders what the new map of the Middle East will look like even 2 years from now. Amazing how times change – only five years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert asked Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to mediate peace negotiations with Syria.  That wouldn’t have ended well – and today, reports indicate that up to 100,000 people have been slaughtered in Syria.

For the sake of peace, many say Israel should offer concessions to Assad in Syria who has killed tens of thousands of his own people.  They also say that Israel should be more conciliatory towards Turkey, where the police force abuses fellow citizens regularly.

These people talk foolishly of Israeli settlements, or Israel’s “aggressive nature in the Middle East” that leads to violence. Could it be something else? Pigs can’t fly, and the Israelis are not the people who bring violence to the Middle East.

Jewish history – and the “Arab spring” of the last few years teaches us that Israel must only depend upon itself to secure its safety.

Ronn Torossian is CEO of a leading PR agency – and closely observing the Turkey riots. Read more of his writing in Algemeiner here: http://www.algemeiner.com/author/ronn-torossian/


SOURCE
http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/06/05/riots-in-turkey-and-tens-of-thousands-dead-in-syria-caused-by-west-bank-settlements/