Rob Walters of the Frederick News-Post in Maryland writes Saturday about the strange ways that some companies have tried to gain coverage in the paper.
Walters writes, “Assistant Business Editor Ed Waters has seen a number of odd releases, from a bottle of Tabasco sauce that stated something ‘hot’ was coming, to a tire pressure gauge and valve caps from rubber manufacturers looking to promote tire safety.
“Police reporter Gina Gallucci did not know what to make of a press release she received from the American Association of Retired People. It came with a wristband that stated ‘I Heart Social Security.’
“‘Kinda weird since I was about 24 when I got it,’ Gallucci said.
“Some companies must believe reporters have a problem with personal hygiene. A former News-Post health reporter received a box of sanitary wipes. A couple of weeks ago, a nationally known company sent business reporter Ike Wilson a box with baby lotions and shampoo. Wilson covers agriculture, not toddlers.
“Even at this writing, press releases continue to come in. Business Editor Cliff Cumber just received a box of pink trash bags from a company promising a 25-cent donation from each package to fight breast cancer.”
OLD Media Moves
Strange attempts at getting coverage
April 26, 2008
Rob Walters of the Frederick News-Post in Maryland writes Saturday about the strange ways that some companies have tried to gain coverage in the paper.
“Police reporter Gina Gallucci did not know what to make of a press release she received from the American Association of Retired People. It came with a wristband that stated ‘I Heart Social Security.’
“‘Kinda weird since I was about 24 when I got it,’ Gallucci said.
“Some companies must believe reporters have a problem with personal hygiene. A former News-Post health reporter received a box of sanitary wipes. A couple of weeks ago, a nationally known company sent business reporter Ike Wilson a box with baby lotions and shampoo. Wilson covers agriculture, not toddlers.
“Even at this writing, press releases continue to come in. Business Editor Cliff Cumber just received a box of pink trash bags from a company promising a 25-cent donation from each package to fight breast cancer.”
Read more here.
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