Public Affairs
Creating movements that move communities forward
Before you can create lasting, positive change within communities, you’ve got to affect public opinion. We raise awareness and generate quality-of-life improvements through public campaigns and elections. And we’ve done it so well, our work has earned our public affairs team the title of “Change Agents.” It’s a title we take seriously, and we have the expertise, connections and know-how to craft effective public affairs messages that benefit communities and clients alike.
Our Thoughts
The tragedy in Tucson reminds me: "How do you have patience for people who claim they love America, but clearly can’t stand Americans?"
This quote from The American President came to mind as the mass murder unfolded in Arizona this weekend. What could drive a person to devastate so many lives? Was it possible that this horror was the direct or indirect result of an increasingly desperate political discourse? News reports indicate that the suspected gunman suffered from some degree of mental illness and was not likely motivated by any mainstream political platform. So as a country, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief: the killer was not motivated by a political tantrum, from either side of the aisle.
But the fact that any of us, even for a second, came to the conclusion that political rhetoric could have feasibly caused such a tragedy should be a wake-up call. If anything positive can come from this, maybe it is that we begin to give each other the benefit of the doubt a little more often, or that we remember how to respect those with whom we debate. Most importantly, it should be that we deepen our appreciation for our elected officials, whether it’s our school board members or members of congress. Because although we may not agree with every vote or action, we know that they share our love for America and are dedicating their time and effort to try to make it better.
Jan 12, 2011by Kelli EppOur team helped SAISD get a bond approved by a majority of voters. Along the way, we discovered new lessons and reaffirmed old ones. To find out for yourself what this election taught us, check out my behind-the-scenes take on the campaign here.
Nov 18, 2010by Anamaria Suescun-FastDelaware Senate Candidate Christine O’Donnell reminds us of one of the most important rules in PR: never tell people what you are not. This week, she unveiled a new campaign ad that opens with the statement, “I am not a witch.”
The statement addresses something she said decades ago on camera and that her opponents have successfully used to their advantage. Believe it or not, it had actually become old news by media standards. That is until Christine herself reminded us in an eerie ad with dark lighting and creepy soft music that people have called her a witch. (Side note: If you’re trying to convince people you’re not a witch, black background probably isn’t the way to go.) And just like that, what was old is news again.
So how you can avoid the same mistake? Remove any sentence that begins with “I am not…” or “My business is not…” from your vocabulary. Instead, tell us what you are and what you want us to believe about you or your brand.
Oct 6, 2010by Anamaria Suescun-FastWhat’s the future of public relations and social media? The shift from simply broadcasting a message to actually listening to your audience. Read more about it in this great article. It covers: multimedia, shareable press releases; using niche networks as social platforms; current limitations and solutions; connecting with other PR pros; and remembering the human factor.
Sep 16, 2010by Anamaria Suescun-Fast"Sometimes, progress is painful." That's the latest mySA story on Bexar County Flood Control, a client we help with PR/PA strategy. We know the transition will be tough, but we wholeheartedly support their mission to better control San Antonio's flood problems. What do you think of projects that hurt in the short-term but help in the long run?
Aug 12, 2010by Anamaria Suescun-FastRepeat after me, LeBron. It’s not what you say, but how you say it.
In this new world of social media and 24/7 cable television, newsmakers enjoy the freedom that comes with un-edited, un-filtered storytelling. While direct communication has its perks, it also exposes the true soul of the newsmaker. No longer can we blame a biased reporter for an un-flattering story or claim that a quote was taken out of context. Hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth means the public will see the horse in all his premeditated glory – and the result isn’t always pretty.
Take LeBron James, a man who until a few days ago enjoyed a reputation as nothing other than a talented basketball player. Overnight, he became an egotistical maniac, the likes of which professional basketball has never seen. And the reason is that James wanted to break his news, his way. A simple press release would have done the job with fewer repercussions, if not fewer torched jerseys. Now I’m not saying that an hour-long, highly promoted announcement with all the proceeds going to charity is a bad idea. It’s just that in this case, the means didn’t really fit the message.
Public relations hasn’t changed much, despite the evolution away from a TV/print/radio-only news world. PR pros still guide you through the thorny process of determining when to break your news, who to break it to, and how to say it. But with so many new ways of communicating with the public, it’s more critical than ever to have a true strategist in your corner to look at the big picture and give objective advice.
Jul 12, 2010by Anamaria Suescun-Fast
