Magazines at Birmingham-based Southern Progress Corporation saw big drops in ad sales comparing the first quarter of 2008 and 2009:
But Hoffman Media saw an increase in ad sales during the same quarter for one magazine:
U.S. magazines lost 20.6 percent in ad sales overall during the first quarter.
Birmingham journalists are facing tough times in the industry. Some are already out of work, while others are working harder than ever while facing budget and job cuts.
One option: public relations.
Washington blogger Lori Russo shares her ideas in a post called “Helping Reporters Out … In a Different Way” on her All Thoughts Considered blog. Russo worked previously as an assignment editor and sports producer at a Baltimore TV station. Now, she serves as vice president of Stanton Communications, a PR firm.
She lists attributes that journalists possess that would make them good PR practitioners:
And she writes:
For journalists (or soon-to-be former journalists) looking to launch new careers, the field of public relations is a logical place to begin. Having made the transition from television to PR 10 years ago, I can confirm that there is a great deal of cross-over between the two industries and that a journalist’s skills translate very nicely into PR. We’re all storytellers – we just happen to be on different sides of the curtain.
If you’ve made the jump from journalism to public relations, let us know how it’s gone for you.
Posted in In the news
Tagged All Thoughts Considered, career, journalism, Lori Russo, public relations, transition
The Society of Professional Journalists wants to restore the public’s faith in the press by equipping the public with tools to evaluate all forms of journalism and we want to increase the dialogue between the public and the press. SPJ feels that the more the public understands how and why journalists do their jobs, the more likely they are to understand the valuable role the press plays in democracy.
Montgomery is one of 12 U.S. cities holding this event.
Note: Wade Kwon will be on the panel and welcomes any Birmingham MOB members to tag along. We’ll leave at 4 p.m. and return around 11 p.m. Contact him for ride details.
Also, please note that SPJ is offering a six-month dues waiver for current members laid off from their full-time positions. Fill out this waiver (PDF) to apply.
Posted in Local events
Tagged ethics, Jenn Rowell, Kevin Smith, Montgomery, Society of Professional Journalists, Town Hall
Update: See video from this event.
It’s Earth Day Eve. Carols, presents, cards, stockings, but let us not forget the true meaning of Earth Day with these simple rules:
It’s the Media of Birmingham April networking mixer at the Barking Kudu in Lakeview. Enjoy Happy Hour prices and specials, whatever they may be.
Join the MOB any time between 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Anyone in media, advertising, PR and Web should stop by — please tell your colleagues, friends and enemies to join us. Complete details are available on the EventBrite invitation.
Questions? Contact us or leave a comment.
P.S. Please join our free mailing list for all the updates straight to your In box.
Posted in Our events
Tagged 2009, April, Barking Kudu, event, lakeview, Media of Birmingham, MOB, networking, Southside
Welcome to Media of Birmingham, a news and information site about journalism, advertising, public relations, new media and marketing based in Birmingham, Ala. The site went online in 2006, and the group behind it was founded in 2003.
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