Public relations: “An interactive marketing communications strategy that seeks to create a variety of media designed to convey the organizational philosophies, goals, and objectives to an identified group of publics for the purpose of establishing a relationship built on comprehension, interest, and support.”

SO REALLY BROAD! But also basically what you think of when you think of PR.

PR can be connected to publicity and media relations, but the true PR is much broader than that. Community relations is also very significant, and it’s important to remember that the org doesn’t normally control the media directly.

• Media relations
  • Proactive media relations means putting info specifically out there, not just reacting
  • Be proactive as much as possible, though will always need to be reactive as well
• Community relations
  • Player-initiated, team-initiated, or league-initiated
  • Examples of charity events put on by leagues, players, etc.

Public relations in the sport marketing mix: the example of the Michael Phelps Foundation is an excellent illustration of using good PR and media savvy to promote a big event and maximize publicity

Public Relations Functions:

• Provision of information and general communication
• Image shaping or enhancement through org. publicity
• Community relations
• Employee relations
• Educational efforts to gain political or popular support for the organizational agenda
• Recruiting and business development
• Launching new products or innovations
• Obtaining feedback and reaction
• Coping with crisis
  • Oy vey the examples get dark

Examples of contacts the media director must have:

• Alumni
• Government
• Media
  • Digital media
  • Social media
• Coaching staff
• Organizational hierarchy
• League or association
• Vendors
• Fans
• Community business
• Sport competitors
• Sponsors

Television and entertainment influence on public relations: a breakdown of ESPN TV network. A venue for PR from teams, meeting a critical need.

Now that I’ve read this chapter I can see why chapters 11 and 12 are combined into one lesson.