It's always good to get a mention in the Press Gazette and I see their own blog Axegrinder picked up on my recent post about Edinburgh Evening News reporter Adam Morris's promise to "buy everyone in the news room a drink to celebrate" Scotland's historic win over France in Paris.
But even the professionals get it wrong. Axe Grinder has me questioning how much EEN reporter's expenses have gone up "since I worked there three years ago". Try 13 years. I guess I had a bit of a reputation for preferring to be out and about meeting contacts instead of being hunched over a computer screen but I'm sure my absence would have been spotted by now. On the other hand, can I claim 13 years retrospective eccies?
As a postscript to Adam's euphoria-enhanced promise to stand his round in Holyrood Road, he tells me: "The article clearly stated 'drinks', so everyone will be benefiting from a beaker of tap water."
Adam, who was in Paris with the Tartan Army and not on official EEN business, added: "You should have seen the abuse I was getting on the comments section on our website, you would think I'd been sent there purely to file that report. I just got a call for some reaction when I was sitting in a suburban Metro station. Next thing I know I owe everyone a drink. And they'd added a year to my age as well."
Friday, 28 September 2007
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Scottish Sun Shines As Rivals Plod On
Alan Muir, news editor of The Scottish Sun, must have had a larger than normal smile yesterday after his RobaCop splash left his rivals trailing in the Currant Bun's wake. The robbed cop in question was none other than Lothian & Borders Police Chief Constable, David Strang, whose "plush pad in Murrayfield" was broken in to at the weekend . Reminded me of that great 1992 Sun splash at the height of the Fettesgate scandal "Have The Plods Gone Mad?", a story on which Muir was arrested and spent a night in the cells.
Naturally the RobaCop story was followed up by the Edinburgh Evening News but more interesting is the EEN's comments section which allows punters to add their tuppence worth. Leaving aside the fact that these newspaper comments sections tend to be populated by professional whingers, wannabe journalists who criticise every story but never buy the paper, and the certifiably insane, they still manage to act as a barometer as to what the man in the street is thinking.
And for Joe Soap it just doesn't wash that police officers were at the scene immediately and carried out door-to-door inquiries at 32 homes all because of a bog standard house-breaking. Take for example the comment from "Calum", who I suspect is a polisman: "As usual, the force spokesman is completely out of touch with reality - 'Officers attended immediately as the crime had just occurred and there was the possibility the suspects might still be in the area. It is standard practice to carry out door-to-door inquiries near to the scene of a theft.' This is nonsense just to seemingly give an air of equality. Why doesn't the spokesman just say that because he is the Chief Constable it comes with a greater degree of security risk (in this day and age unfortunately) and consequently a greater degree of response. We would understand. But don't lie and try to fool us."
Lothian & Borders Police press office telling it's tax paying public lies - that would never happen. Would it?
Naturally the RobaCop story was followed up by the Edinburgh Evening News but more interesting is the EEN's comments section which allows punters to add their tuppence worth. Leaving aside the fact that these newspaper comments sections tend to be populated by professional whingers, wannabe journalists who criticise every story but never buy the paper, and the certifiably insane, they still manage to act as a barometer as to what the man in the street is thinking.
And for Joe Soap it just doesn't wash that police officers were at the scene immediately and carried out door-to-door inquiries at 32 homes all because of a bog standard house-breaking. Take for example the comment from "Calum", who I suspect is a polisman: "As usual, the force spokesman is completely out of touch with reality - 'Officers attended immediately as the crime had just occurred and there was the possibility the suspects might still be in the area. It is standard practice to carry out door-to-door inquiries near to the scene of a theft.' This is nonsense just to seemingly give an air of equality. Why doesn't the spokesman just say that because he is the Chief Constable it comes with a greater degree of security risk (in this day and age unfortunately) and consequently a greater degree of response. We would understand. But don't lie and try to fool us."
Lothian & Borders Police press office telling it's tax paying public lies - that would never happen. Would it?
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
One Million And Counting For Daily Mash
Smashing news for the boys who run the Daily Mash website. According to AllMediaScotland the Mash has notched up its one millionth page view and is attracting more than 100,000 visitors a month.
Run by "two of the least respected journalists in Britain" the Mash is one of the funniest, sharpest satirical news sites around and the likeable Paul Stokes and Neil Rafferty (no relation) are on to a winner.
Run by "two of the least respected journalists in Britain" the Mash is one of the funniest, sharpest satirical news sites around and the likeable Paul Stokes and Neil Rafferty (no relation) are on to a winner.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Poking, Spanking or Petting Versus Plain Old Linking
If you've not heard of Facebook you've probably been in a Life on Mars style coma. I'm on Facebook, but not, if you know what I mean. I'm registered but don't really use it and have resisted the urge to poke, pet, spank, dropkick or headbutt any of my friends although I have scrawled on the odd wall. And judging by the number of journos that fully engage in Facebook you can tell there's a lot of slow news days around.
But have you heard of LinkedIn? Neither had I till a few weeks ago when I got an invite to join from the unlikeliest source. It came from Scotsman scribe, columnist and sketch writer Rab McNeil and I'm sure he won't mind that tag because Rab would rather go and watch Hearts play hoofball at Tynecastle than embrace modern social networking type thingies.
But interestingly, Rab's connection came via Stewart Kirkpatrick, former award winning editor of the online Scotsman website and all round digital publishing expert (he also publishes a really good blog here).
Then I got a second invite. This time from David Mill. David was my former boss at The Glasgwegian and as a pioneer of newspaper internet sites was Group Online Editor for Mirror Group and Online Editor for the Daily Record and Sunday Mail. He now runs leading online marketing and web publishing agency MediaCo.
And I figured, if two leading lights in online media publishing are LinkedIn then it's probably worth looking at. I've dipped my toe in the water to see if it's a good resource for building business contacts and openings to potential clients. Time will tell if it's any good and if Facebook can face down the LinkedIn challenge.
But have you heard of LinkedIn? Neither had I till a few weeks ago when I got an invite to join from the unlikeliest source. It came from Scotsman scribe, columnist and sketch writer Rab McNeil and I'm sure he won't mind that tag because Rab would rather go and watch Hearts play hoofball at Tynecastle than embrace modern social networking type thingies.
But interestingly, Rab's connection came via Stewart Kirkpatrick, former award winning editor of the online Scotsman website and all round digital publishing expert (he also publishes a really good blog here).
Then I got a second invite. This time from David Mill. David was my former boss at The Glasgwegian and as a pioneer of newspaper internet sites was Group Online Editor for Mirror Group and Online Editor for the Daily Record and Sunday Mail. He now runs leading online marketing and web publishing agency MediaCo.
And I figured, if two leading lights in online media publishing are LinkedIn then it's probably worth looking at. I've dipped my toe in the water to see if it's a good resource for building business contacts and openings to potential clients. Time will tell if it's any good and if Facebook can face down the LinkedIn challenge.
Monday, 24 September 2007
BBC's Nigel Robson Signs Off
BBC stalwart Nigel Robson hangs up his microphone today after 34 years service with the Beeb and a 41 year career in journalism which started straight from school in 1966 when he joined the Berwick Advertiser.
Following a spell with a freelance agency in Huddersfield, Nigel joined the BBC in 1973 and subsequently worked in Hull, London, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh, mainly as radio or tv reporter.
Nigel recalls a couple of embarrassing moments: "While reading a news bulletin during the mid-70s Cod Wars I said a trawler skipper from Hull had had his nuts - rather than nets - cut off by an Icelandic gunboat. I was also was mistaken for TC Campbell in court in Edinburgh."
In that time Nigel has covered all the biggies ranging from Lockerbie; The 'complete' Robert Black (from the first murder in '82 to his ultimate convictions in Newcastle in the mid-90s); the Flixborough, Humberside, chemical works explosion in '74; Berwick Rangers beating Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967; and the Cod Wars with Iceland.
One of the best known faces on the Edinburgh reporting scene and a gentleman to boot, Nigel turns 60 in December but with holidays and long service leave is signing off today.
He adds: "My first venture in retirement is a wildlife photography course. When I first went into journalism I wanted to be a snapper, but there were no vacancies, so I became a reporter instead. Now I can do what I wanted to do."
Following a spell with a freelance agency in Huddersfield, Nigel joined the BBC in 1973 and subsequently worked in Hull, London, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh, mainly as radio or tv reporter.
Nigel recalls a couple of embarrassing moments: "While reading a news bulletin during the mid-70s Cod Wars I said a trawler skipper from Hull had had his nuts - rather than nets - cut off by an Icelandic gunboat. I was also was mistaken for TC Campbell in court in Edinburgh."
In that time Nigel has covered all the biggies ranging from Lockerbie; The 'complete' Robert Black (from the first murder in '82 to his ultimate convictions in Newcastle in the mid-90s); the Flixborough, Humberside, chemical works explosion in '74; Berwick Rangers beating Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967; and the Cod Wars with Iceland.
One of the best known faces on the Edinburgh reporting scene and a gentleman to boot, Nigel turns 60 in December but with holidays and long service leave is signing off today.
He adds: "My first venture in retirement is a wildlife photography course. When I first went into journalism I wanted to be a snapper, but there were no vacancies, so I became a reporter instead. Now I can do what I wanted to do."
Friday, 21 September 2007
Windy Alexander Blows Out Spin Doctor?
Has newly crowned Labour Holyrood leader Windy Alexander, as she is known in certain circles, claimed her first victim? According to Alan Cochrane in today's Daily Telegraph, her spin doctor Brian Lironi is on "sick leave" and considering his position.
You will recall Lironi, former political editor of the Sunday Mail, was last week branded an "idiot" by Labour sweetie wife George Foulkes who claimed mild mannered Lironi had been briefing against him after he whined that MSP's expenses were too low.
Telegraph heavyweight Cochrane reports Lironi is "on the point of resigning after serious disagreements with the leadership.
"He has complained about his role not being properly defined and appeared confused as to whom he was responsible - party headquarters in Glasgow, the Labour parliamentary group at Holyrood or Ms Alexander".
Cochrane also claims Lironi has had to frequently apologise for Windy's timekeeping after she was late for every one of her arranged press interviews timed to coincide with her leadership coronation.
It's said Lironi viewed the personal attack by buffoon Foulkes as only "five per cent of his reason for thinking of leaving" but the episode had "put the tin lid on it".
Makes you think, perhaps the Sunday Mail hothouse wasn't so bad after all.
You will recall Lironi, former political editor of the Sunday Mail, was last week branded an "idiot" by Labour sweetie wife George Foulkes who claimed mild mannered Lironi had been briefing against him after he whined that MSP's expenses were too low.
Telegraph heavyweight Cochrane reports Lironi is "on the point of resigning after serious disagreements with the leadership.
"He has complained about his role not being properly defined and appeared confused as to whom he was responsible - party headquarters in Glasgow, the Labour parliamentary group at Holyrood or Ms Alexander".
Cochrane also claims Lironi has had to frequently apologise for Windy's timekeeping after she was late for every one of her arranged press interviews timed to coincide with her leadership coronation.
It's said Lironi viewed the personal attack by buffoon Foulkes as only "five per cent of his reason for thinking of leaving" but the episode had "put the tin lid on it".
Makes you think, perhaps the Sunday Mail hothouse wasn't so bad after all.
Aberdeen Schools Swinging The Lead
Forgot to mention the primary school teacher who was unashamedly "mine sweeping" at the end of the Marie Curie Aberdeen Brain Game. She went round each of the 15 tables scooping up. But it wasn't drinks she was polishing off but the pencils kindly provided to each brain gamer by oil giant BP.
It seems budget restrictions in Aberdeen schools mean class teachers get one lot of pencils to be handed out to pupils at the start of each school year and after that the kids have to provide their own. C'mon Wee Eck get it sorted - it's all very well promising more teachers but what about the basics?
I'll spare the teacher's blushes but if your kid appears to have a never ending supply of BP pencils you'll know where they've come from.
It seems budget restrictions in Aberdeen schools mean class teachers get one lot of pencils to be handed out to pupils at the start of each school year and after that the kids have to provide their own. C'mon Wee Eck get it sorted - it's all very well promising more teachers but what about the basics?
I'll spare the teacher's blushes but if your kid appears to have a never ending supply of BP pencils you'll know where they've come from.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
BP Deposed As Brain Game Charity Champs
To the Marcliffe Hotel last night for the annual Marie Curie Aberdeen Brain Game. It's a very posh pub quiz (black tie and dinner) with eight rounds of fast and furious questions. But don't let the genteel surroundings fool you, this event is extremely competitive and there was a barely disguised glee that BP failed to make it three years on the trot as Brain Game brain boxes. It was Aberdeen accountancy firm Anderson, Anderson & Brown who took the honours with 115 points, chased home by Gordon Land Ltd and BP Gold joint second with 110.
I was a guest of STATS UK and we finished a respectable eighth which may have been improved but for a tactical blunder by the captain who played our Joker card in a round titled "Sequences". Unfortunately we were all out of sequence but in the next and final round (music) we scored 15 out of 15 which would have doubled with the Joker. Guess I've just talked myself out of an invite next year.
One of the questions in the Who's Who section was: "Who is the editor of the Press and Journal?" which seemed a bit incestuous given the quiz master was that paper's well known diarist Peter Mitchell and a fellow guest was the Press and Journal deputy editor Richard Neville. But it was explained to me this was a late substitution after the original question "Who edits The Scotsman?" was scrapped because it was reckoned no-one in Aberdeen would know the answer. Fair point.
The real star of the evening was Marie Curie Nurse of the Year, Christine Allardyce, who gave a very warm, compassionate speech about her 25 years caring for cancer patients and helping them have a "good death". The term "hero" gets bandied about in the press so much that it loses its meaning but if anyone deserves that title it's Christine and others like her who work in the community, with patients and their families, in the most distressing circumstances.
A superb £12,000 was raised from the event which will be used in Aberdeen and the north east to carry on Marie Curie's excellent work. The Brain Game is a great way to stretch your brain cells and at the same time support a very deserving cause so if anyone is interested in taking a table at next year's event, contact Michael Jamieson at michael.jamieson@mariecurie.org.uk or telephone 01224 647221.
I was a guest of STATS UK and we finished a respectable eighth which may have been improved but for a tactical blunder by the captain who played our Joker card in a round titled "Sequences". Unfortunately we were all out of sequence but in the next and final round (music) we scored 15 out of 15 which would have doubled with the Joker. Guess I've just talked myself out of an invite next year.
One of the questions in the Who's Who section was: "Who is the editor of the Press and Journal?" which seemed a bit incestuous given the quiz master was that paper's well known diarist Peter Mitchell and a fellow guest was the Press and Journal deputy editor Richard Neville. But it was explained to me this was a late substitution after the original question "Who edits The Scotsman?" was scrapped because it was reckoned no-one in Aberdeen would know the answer. Fair point.
The real star of the evening was Marie Curie Nurse of the Year, Christine Allardyce, who gave a very warm, compassionate speech about her 25 years caring for cancer patients and helping them have a "good death". The term "hero" gets bandied about in the press so much that it loses its meaning but if anyone deserves that title it's Christine and others like her who work in the community, with patients and their families, in the most distressing circumstances.
A superb £12,000 was raised from the event which will be used in Aberdeen and the north east to carry on Marie Curie's excellent work. The Brain Game is a great way to stretch your brain cells and at the same time support a very deserving cause so if anyone is interested in taking a table at next year's event, contact Michael Jamieson at michael.jamieson@mariecurie.org.uk or telephone 01224 647221.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Hacks' Atlantic Crossing
Scotland on Sunday reporter Richard Elias has raised the bar as far as stag-do destinations go. Not for him your Dublins, Pragues or Barcelonas. Former Reporter of the Year Richard jetted out to the Windy City for a four day pre-nuptial party. Also on the Chicago shindig was the Daily Record's political editor Magnus Gardham and deputy picture editor Alan Hamilton along with top freelance and former Record colleague Steve Smith.
Being professionals the boys had done their homework in preparation for the France v Scotland match and found the game would be screened in The Globe Pub, the very place rocker Rod Stewart had watched Celtic clinch the SPL last season.
In fact Smithy thought he had cracked it big time and would be able to underwrite the whole trip when he learned Rod had booked two tables at the West Irving Park Road watering hole.
Alas, the wrinkly rocker failed to trap after being held up elsewhere and a golden opportunity to cash in disappeared quicker than a bottle of Bud. Still, with the time difference meaning the Paris match kicked off at 2pm, Smithy and the boys had plenty of time to drown their sorrows at missing Rod and to celebrate that historic win.
Being professionals the boys had done their homework in preparation for the France v Scotland match and found the game would be screened in The Globe Pub, the very place rocker Rod Stewart had watched Celtic clinch the SPL last season.
In fact Smithy thought he had cracked it big time and would be able to underwrite the whole trip when he learned Rod had booked two tables at the West Irving Park Road watering hole.
Alas, the wrinkly rocker failed to trap after being held up elsewhere and a golden opportunity to cash in disappeared quicker than a bottle of Bud. Still, with the time difference meaning the Paris match kicked off at 2pm, Smithy and the boys had plenty of time to drown their sorrows at missing Rod and to celebrate that historic win.
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Praise From Shaun of the Well Read
Apologies in advance for some good old fashioned back-scratching but here goes . . . that nice man Shaun Milne has written some very complimentary things (which you can read here) about my new website and blog.
It mirrors all the very positive feedback I've had over the last two weeks. In fact, the only negatives came from a good pal. But he works for The Herald, so that doesn't count.
Shaun is a former Daily Record colleague and something of a pioneer because he started his blog, Milne Media, back when some journalists were still using typewriters.
Anyway, his day job is director of a really smart design and digital publishing company, Planet Ink, whose clients include Setanta, Scottish Power and Talk 107. If you're looking for a highly professional newspaper-standard produced newsletter, mailshot, annual report, staff magazine or whatever, you really should check out these guys first and Planet Ink It. (is that enough Shaun?) And also check out the photo-biogs of Shaun and fellow director Gerry Cassidy who have changed somewhat since I last met up with them.
It mirrors all the very positive feedback I've had over the last two weeks. In fact, the only negatives came from a good pal. But he works for The Herald, so that doesn't count.
Shaun is a former Daily Record colleague and something of a pioneer because he started his blog, Milne Media, back when some journalists were still using typewriters.
Anyway, his day job is director of a really smart design and digital publishing company, Planet Ink, whose clients include Setanta, Scottish Power and Talk 107. If you're looking for a highly professional newspaper-standard produced newsletter, mailshot, annual report, staff magazine or whatever, you really should check out these guys first and Planet Ink It. (is that enough Shaun?) And also check out the photo-biogs of Shaun and fellow director Gerry Cassidy who have changed somewhat since I last met up with them.
Monday, 17 September 2007
P&J Pete Rests His Pen
One of the Press and Journal's best know faces, Peter Mitchell, will soon pen the last of his daily diaries. Known throughout Aberdeenshire for his distinctive multi-coloured jackets and 'titfer', Peter retires on 26 September after 35 years with the paper. Starting out his journalism career on the Highland News in Inverness where he was a reporter and news editor, Peter had a spell as editor of the Caithness Courier before making the switch in 1972 to Aberdeen Journals.
As an Edinburgh University arts graduate he was stuck in to the features department because "in those days anyone with a degree was treated with suspicion". He joined the subs desk in March '75 where he spent 26 years before moving on to start Mitchell's Diary in March 2001. Mitchell is a familiar figure in the north east of Scotland not only through his couthy newspaper diary but for performing MC and after dinner speaking at a wide range of annual functions and gatherings(and will still be available for dinners, presentations and any other type of occasion).
Sad not to have notched up 40 years in journalism which would have fallen next 8 January, Mitchell will still produce a weekly diary for the Press and Journal each Friday and continues his popular Peter Mitchell's Photo Diary each Saturday and each month in the Journal's Energy supplement.
As an Edinburgh University arts graduate he was stuck in to the features department because "in those days anyone with a degree was treated with suspicion". He joined the subs desk in March '75 where he spent 26 years before moving on to start Mitchell's Diary in March 2001. Mitchell is a familiar figure in the north east of Scotland not only through his couthy newspaper diary but for performing MC and after dinner speaking at a wide range of annual functions and gatherings(and will still be available for dinners, presentations and any other type of occasion).
Sad not to have notched up 40 years in journalism which would have fallen next 8 January, Mitchell will still produce a weekly diary for the Press and Journal each Friday and continues his popular Peter Mitchell's Photo Diary each Saturday and each month in the Journal's Energy supplement.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
On The Rocks
Rarely do adverts live up to their claims but one in today's Mail on Sunday certainly rings true. It reads: "Over 50? Then make the most of your wedge with our Silver Savings Online account. You'll get a better rate of interest and easy access to your money whenever you need it." The company placing the ad? Er, that will be Northern Rock.
Meanwhile in the Sunday Herald Political Editor Paul Hutcheon tell us that Labour MSP George Foulkes has branded recently appointed Labour spin doctor Brian Lironi an "idiot". Bit rich coming from the portly politician who some years ago overindulged at a Scotch Whisky Association reception to the extent that one witness said his behaviour was "like Zebedee on acid" and ended with him punching a cop. An overnight stay in the cells and a £1050 fine for assault and being drunk and disorderly took the wind out of Foulkes' ever billowing sails.
Foulkes was whinging last week about how MSPs are not paid enough and it seems mild mannered Lironi incurred his wrath for allegedly briefing the press against him. He said of former Reporter of the Year Lironi: "Maybe it's difficult for someone who has been a journalist to move to being a press officer". Let's hope Foulkes' ample cupboards are bare of skeletons or he might find Lironi slipping back in to journalist mode and using some of the tabloid skills he honed during his time as a Sunday Mail hack.
Meanwhile in the Sunday Herald Political Editor Paul Hutcheon tell us that Labour MSP George Foulkes has branded recently appointed Labour spin doctor Brian Lironi an "idiot". Bit rich coming from the portly politician who some years ago overindulged at a Scotch Whisky Association reception to the extent that one witness said his behaviour was "like Zebedee on acid" and ended with him punching a cop. An overnight stay in the cells and a £1050 fine for assault and being drunk and disorderly took the wind out of Foulkes' ever billowing sails.
Foulkes was whinging last week about how MSPs are not paid enough and it seems mild mannered Lironi incurred his wrath for allegedly briefing the press against him. He said of former Reporter of the Year Lironi: "Maybe it's difficult for someone who has been a journalist to move to being a press officer". Let's hope Foulkes' ample cupboards are bare of skeletons or he might find Lironi slipping back in to journalist mode and using some of the tabloid skills he honed during his time as a Sunday Mail hack.
Saturday, 15 September 2007
Name Games
Today's Herald has a great little story about a new book which documents the funny, daft and sometimes rude names that parents, with a sense of humour or perhaps spite, have christened their kids. Bertha Venation; And Hundreds of Other Funny Names of Real People by Larry Ashmead (published by Profile Books on 27 September) contains beauties such as: Hedda Lettuce, Formica Dinette, Shanda Lear (daughter of the private jet firm boss) and Archbishop Cardinal Sin. On the risque side we have Lotta Dix, Dick Byter and Connie Lingus. C'mon, what where their parents thinking of?
The story reminds me of people in the media who always raises a smile when I hear their name. There's the ITN arts and media correspondent Nina Nannar who reminds me of emergency vehicles on a 999 call; the wonderful Radio 2 newsreader Fenella Fudge; and my favourite, the Beeb's Damian Grammaticus, who sounds like he should really be starring in Emmy nominated Rome instead of reporting from foreign hotspots like Moscow and Delhi.
It also reminds me of the time as a Record reporter when I spent hours phoning dozens of registrars offices in the west of Scotland trying to track down the birth of one Pocahontas McGinty. Sadly, it was another urban myth.
The story reminds me of people in the media who always raises a smile when I hear their name. There's the ITN arts and media correspondent Nina Nannar who reminds me of emergency vehicles on a 999 call; the wonderful Radio 2 newsreader Fenella Fudge; and my favourite, the Beeb's Damian Grammaticus, who sounds like he should really be starring in Emmy nominated Rome instead of reporting from foreign hotspots like Moscow and Delhi.
It also reminds me of the time as a Record reporter when I spent hours phoning dozens of registrars offices in the west of Scotland trying to track down the birth of one Pocahontas McGinty. Sadly, it was another urban myth.
Friday, 14 September 2007
A Pint of What Adam's Having Please
The Edinburgh Evening News coverage of that historic Paris Match contained a report by staffer Adam Morris who was there with the 15,000 strong Tartan Army which commandeered the French capital.
Adam signed off by saying that after the game he was too dazed to go out: "It had been a long session so we went back to our hotel. I think I was in shock."
And . . . wait for it: "I am going to buy everyone in the news room a drink to celebrate".
Now, I'm not suggesting for one minute that a newspaper would "dress up" a quote and I'm sure my ex-boss, News editor John McLellan, wouldn't approve, but have the reporters expenses gone up that much since I worked there years ago?
If Adam really said this I guess he genuinely was in shock or he needs some proper PR advice before making public statements.
But I suspect it was some cheeky colleague putting Adam on the spot for when he returns to duty at Holyrood Road.
Adam signed off by saying that after the game he was too dazed to go out: "It had been a long session so we went back to our hotel. I think I was in shock."
And . . . wait for it: "I am going to buy everyone in the news room a drink to celebrate".
Now, I'm not suggesting for one minute that a newspaper would "dress up" a quote and I'm sure my ex-boss, News editor John McLellan, wouldn't approve, but have the reporters expenses gone up that much since I worked there years ago?
If Adam really said this I guess he genuinely was in shock or he needs some proper PR advice before making public statements.
But I suspect it was some cheeky colleague putting Adam on the spot for when he returns to duty at Holyrood Road.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Curry Favour - Sponsor Ailsa
If you see a story from Perth Sheriff Court or indeed from anywhere around Perth I can guarantee it will have a Gordon Currie byline.
Currie has made Perth his journalistic fiefdom and woe betide anyone who is found sniffing around his patch.
Got an email from him this morning looking for donations to his wife Ailsa's 10k charity run in aid of cancer research. Ailsa says: "It all seems a bit crazy now but a couple of months ago I entered a 10K run in an attempt to get fit after having Olivia. Please sponsor me if you can - it's for a good cause and will help me complete the run, I hope."
In return for your support Gordon promises: "I'll be there to ensure there's no cheating and to take pictures of her bright purple face."
And to underline his fondness for a penny, he moans: "I've only just noticed she's put me on the original list twice. As if living with her's not expensive enough."
Anyway, make yourself feel good today and sponsor Ailsa by clicking here.
Currie has made Perth his journalistic fiefdom and woe betide anyone who is found sniffing around his patch.
Got an email from him this morning looking for donations to his wife Ailsa's 10k charity run in aid of cancer research. Ailsa says: "It all seems a bit crazy now but a couple of months ago I entered a 10K run in an attempt to get fit after having Olivia. Please sponsor me if you can - it's for a good cause and will help me complete the run, I hope."
In return for your support Gordon promises: "I'll be there to ensure there's no cheating and to take pictures of her bright purple face."
And to underline his fondness for a penny, he moans: "I've only just noticed she's put me on the original list twice. As if living with her's not expensive enough."
Anyway, make yourself feel good today and sponsor Ailsa by clicking here.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Air Head to Head
Watching STV - Scottish Television - or whatever it's called nowadays, and up pops the familiar face (and voice) of radio presenter Scott Wilson, the Talk 107 breakfast host, along with co-host and Stand Comedy Club MC Susan Morrison. It's part of an advertising campaign for the Edinburgh based talk radio station. Scott and I go way back, to Holy Rood High in fact, and played in the same school football team. He always fancied himself as a bit of goalie so it was no surprise to see him kitted out in a fitba strip and sat talking in a dressing room (presumably Tynecastle as he doubles as the Hearts match day announcer). Someone's got to do it, I suppose.
Hadn't got over that shock when immediately after Talk 107 up pops Forth One breakfast show host Boogie and his sidekick Jill McLaren with morning show presenter and Scotsport frontman Grant Stott.
What's going on? Have these guys not got studios in darkened basements to go to?
Co-incidence or unfortunate media planning which had adverts for two rival stations back to back on prime time telly?
Anyway, how much does this all cost? Radio Forth would have been better keeping on that brilliant PR guy who got them lots of publicity before cost cutting came in pre the EMAP takeover. Time will tell.
Hadn't got over that shock when immediately after Talk 107 up pops Forth One breakfast show host Boogie and his sidekick Jill McLaren with morning show presenter and Scotsport frontman Grant Stott.
What's going on? Have these guys not got studios in darkened basements to go to?
Co-incidence or unfortunate media planning which had adverts for two rival stations back to back on prime time telly?
Anyway, how much does this all cost? Radio Forth would have been better keeping on that brilliant PR guy who got them lots of publicity before cost cutting came in pre the EMAP takeover. Time will tell.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Battle of the World's End Murder Backgrounders
There's only one show in town today as far as the Scottish news agenda goes - the collapse of the World's End murder trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Unless of course you read the Daily Mail or Daily Express which splashed with Madeleine McCann.
The World's End case is a story which demands an exhaustive "backgrounder" where readers get a detailed insight in to every twist and turn of the 30 year old murder inquiry and how Edinburgh teenagers Christine Eadie and Helen Scott met their brutal deaths.
Journalists on each paper would have been working on their backgrounder for months and have much of it all prepared, ready to drop in to the paper as soon as a verdict was reached. But I'll bet there were a few anxious moments yesterday when judge Lord Clarke took the sensational decision to throw out the case against convicted double killer and paedophile Angus Sinclair.
No doubt veteran court reporters John Robertson of The Scotsman and Gordon McIlwraith of the Daily Record would have been in the know and primed their news desks that the trial may be about to go pear-shaped but when such a high profile trial is brought to a sudden halt and fails to make it to a jury, it can lead to panic attacks by the hack pack who have been following every cut and thrust of the defence team and prosecution.
I don't usually buy The Herald but may have to review this. Reporter Calum Macdonald won the battle of the backgrounders with his comprehensive four page report. The layout was clear, well sign posted, comprehensive and easy to read and in their online version The Herald also carried a full report of Lord Clarke's findings which explained clearly why the Crown had failed to prove their case. And Calum Macdonald can be rightly pleased with his exclusive line that the case against Sinclair may have been stronger if the Crown Office had opted to include in the indictment another four murders Sinclair was suspected of committing, including the killing of Frances Barker in 1977, the same year as the World's End murders. It was claimed the Crown Office baulked at this because one man is currently serving life in Peterhead Prison for the murder of Frances Barker and to do so would accept there had been a miscarriage of justice.
The Herald's point is the Crown Office bottled it and could not risk another outcry about the reliability of the Scottish justice system following the Shirley McKie finger print fiasco.
First class reporting. Just a shame that said reporter is soon to leave The Herald - appropriately enough to start a law degree.
The World's End case is a story which demands an exhaustive "backgrounder" where readers get a detailed insight in to every twist and turn of the 30 year old murder inquiry and how Edinburgh teenagers Christine Eadie and Helen Scott met their brutal deaths.
Journalists on each paper would have been working on their backgrounder for months and have much of it all prepared, ready to drop in to the paper as soon as a verdict was reached. But I'll bet there were a few anxious moments yesterday when judge Lord Clarke took the sensational decision to throw out the case against convicted double killer and paedophile Angus Sinclair.
No doubt veteran court reporters John Robertson of The Scotsman and Gordon McIlwraith of the Daily Record would have been in the know and primed their news desks that the trial may be about to go pear-shaped but when such a high profile trial is brought to a sudden halt and fails to make it to a jury, it can lead to panic attacks by the hack pack who have been following every cut and thrust of the defence team and prosecution.
I don't usually buy The Herald but may have to review this. Reporter Calum Macdonald won the battle of the backgrounders with his comprehensive four page report. The layout was clear, well sign posted, comprehensive and easy to read and in their online version The Herald also carried a full report of Lord Clarke's findings which explained clearly why the Crown had failed to prove their case. And Calum Macdonald can be rightly pleased with his exclusive line that the case against Sinclair may have been stronger if the Crown Office had opted to include in the indictment another four murders Sinclair was suspected of committing, including the killing of Frances Barker in 1977, the same year as the World's End murders. It was claimed the Crown Office baulked at this because one man is currently serving life in Peterhead Prison for the murder of Frances Barker and to do so would accept there had been a miscarriage of justice.
The Herald's point is the Crown Office bottled it and could not risk another outcry about the reliability of the Scottish justice system following the Shirley McKie finger print fiasco.
First class reporting. Just a shame that said reporter is soon to leave The Herald - appropriately enough to start a law degree.
Monday, 10 September 2007
Journalism Salaries Dry Up As Oil Wages Flow
The Glasgow Evening Times is recruiting a chief reporter at a salary in the region of £40k according to today's AllMediaScotland. Sounds reasonable but things are not as healthy at the other end of the newspaper trade.
At the weekend I bumped in to the editor of a well respected local weekly title who tells me he can't recruit staff because they are unimpressed with the £11k starting salary. How does any young graduate, presumably with student loans etc, live off that kind of wage?
Compare this sad state of affairs with a young engineer I met at Offshore Europe last week who said his salary had doubled in the three years he had been with his company. I appreciate this is not like-for-like and oil industry wages have traditionally always been higher than other sectors. The industry is extremely buoyant just now and there is a critical worldwide skills shortage which is driving up wages so we shouldn't be surprised that talented, well qualified engineers are earning top dollar. But even a receptionist in Aberdeen can expect to be well rewarded in comparison to hacks starting off their career, earning in the region of £15-£16k . While other graduates just out of uni are typically picking up £20-£22k.
I'm just glad none of our teenage children are showing any interest in journalism as a profession. And if they do I'll be having a quiet word in their ear.
At the weekend I bumped in to the editor of a well respected local weekly title who tells me he can't recruit staff because they are unimpressed with the £11k starting salary. How does any young graduate, presumably with student loans etc, live off that kind of wage?
Compare this sad state of affairs with a young engineer I met at Offshore Europe last week who said his salary had doubled in the three years he had been with his company. I appreciate this is not like-for-like and oil industry wages have traditionally always been higher than other sectors. The industry is extremely buoyant just now and there is a critical worldwide skills shortage which is driving up wages so we shouldn't be surprised that talented, well qualified engineers are earning top dollar. But even a receptionist in Aberdeen can expect to be well rewarded in comparison to hacks starting off their career, earning in the region of £15-£16k . While other graduates just out of uni are typically picking up £20-£22k.
I'm just glad none of our teenage children are showing any interest in journalism as a profession. And if they do I'll be having a quiet word in their ear.
Friday, 7 September 2007
Pint in Palm
What a great end to the week. Successful first meeting this afternoon with a new client (can't say who as outgoing PR firm don't know they're out yet) followed by a celebratory pint in my Aberdeen local The Palm Court - where I'm writing this from as it's now got free internet access following its recent takeover/makeover by Glasgow bar and club entrepreneur Stefan King. Now, where's that pint?
Fishy Email Problems
Got an email (with large attachment) on Saturday from Andrea Logan of Fisher Offshore inviting me to visit their stand at Offshore Europe.
And then I got another. And another. And . . . Had about 18 in total and was starting to get a bit annoyed but Andrea was very apologetic and assured me her IT department were trying to sort it out.
I sent an email to Andrea yesterday saying: "It's getting better - only three emails today."
Her reply: "Lucky you – I’ve had 749 replies and yours is by far the nicest!"
We all experience email/server problems from time to time. Glad I didn't get ratty with Andrea as she seems to have been bearing the brunt of it.
And then I got another. And another. And . . . Had about 18 in total and was starting to get a bit annoyed but Andrea was very apologetic and assured me her IT department were trying to sort it out.
I sent an email to Andrea yesterday saying: "It's getting better - only three emails today."
Her reply: "Lucky you – I’ve had 749 replies and yours is by far the nicest!"
We all experience email/server problems from time to time. Glad I didn't get ratty with Andrea as she seems to have been bearing the brunt of it.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Good start for L&N and Sure PR
Always a good start to the day when you pick up the Press & Journal and a new client is featured prominently. A good show for L&N Scotland about their £2.5 million contract success with VetcoGray and a nice pic from Simon Price. Also means I can go to their bash tonight at Matcham's at His Majesty's Theatre and not feel awkward in front of bosses Alastair Chalmers and Mike McArtney because their press release didn't hit the mark.
Thanks to Mike Wilson and the team at All Media Scotland for the mention today of my new website. Never one to miss a trick Mike was right back with a request to sign up for the AMS AllNewsWire which I've done. He assures me it will be the best 100 quid I've spent, so we'll see.
Also cheers to The Scotsman's media corr Fergus Sheppard for the bit in today's Media Section. Can't link to it because The Scotsman have it under their premium-paid for category.
The website seems to be very well received with some helpful and appreciated comments from a wide range of people including former Radio Forth MD Adam Findlay, now heading up New Wave Media; Mark McKenzie at Talk 107; Mike Donoghue from Story and Glasgow PR guru and ex Sunday Mail chief reporter Peter Samson.
Also got a hit on Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce's website, so thank you Kerry.
Thanks agains to designer Miles Cruickshank. Miles, you do realise I am expecting your final invoice to reduce in proportion to how many times I mention you on here?
Belated birthday congratulations to Daily Record hack Lynn Davidson who ahem, claims she was 29 yesterday. Must have been a hard paper round. Cheap gag I know, only joking Lynn. You don't look a day older than when we took you on as a wet-behind-the-ears cub reporter at Deadline Scotland all those years ago.
Thanks to Mike Wilson and the team at All Media Scotland for the mention today of my new website. Never one to miss a trick Mike was right back with a request to sign up for the AMS AllNewsWire which I've done. He assures me it will be the best 100 quid I've spent, so we'll see.
Also cheers to The Scotsman's media corr Fergus Sheppard for the bit in today's Media Section. Can't link to it because The Scotsman have it under their premium-paid for category.
The website seems to be very well received with some helpful and appreciated comments from a wide range of people including former Radio Forth MD Adam Findlay, now heading up New Wave Media; Mark McKenzie at Talk 107; Mike Donoghue from Story and Glasgow PR guru and ex Sunday Mail chief reporter Peter Samson.
Also got a hit on Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce's website, so thank you Kerry.
Thanks agains to designer Miles Cruickshank. Miles, you do realise I am expecting your final invoice to reduce in proportion to how many times I mention you on here?
Belated birthday congratulations to Daily Record hack Lynn Davidson who ahem, claims she was 29 yesterday. Must have been a hard paper round. Cheap gag I know, only joking Lynn. You don't look a day older than when we took you on as a wet-behind-the-ears cub reporter at Deadline Scotland all those years ago.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Dandy Dons Top SPL (Scottish Pie League)
Popped in to Chevron's reception at Offshore Europe last night where I bumped in to Colin Black, a weel kent face in the oil and gas industry. Colin has recently been appointed as Geo Market Development Manager for one of my clients, STATS Group, and will be working closely with directors Pete Duguid and Lorriane Porter.
Also got chatting to QServ boss Tommy Dreelan which is a bit ironic as until recently I was doing PR for his competitors PSL Energy Services, located just across the road from QServ in Portlethen.
Then a brief interlude at the Pittodrie Bar en route to ABB's casino night at Aberdeen FC's ground. The Pittodrie Bar is one of those great old fashioned boozers and it didn't disappoint. On entering with a journalist pal, also suited and booted, we were treated to a rendition of the Z-Cars theme tune from the worthies at the end of the bar. It's a while since I've been mistaken for CID -it did come in handy when working on some stories in neighbourhoods of dubious repute. Anyway, festooned with caricatures of the current Aberdeen fitba team, the pub has a lovely large oval bar, complete with brass plates underneath for striking a match when lighting up (now redundant) and a mosaic spittoon which encircled the bar. I resisted the temptation to take advantage of said spittoon.
The casino night only confirmed what I already knew from my connections to Musselburgh Racecourse - don't take up gambling as a profession. But the Pittodrie pies included in the buffet were outstanding and Easter Road, home of the mighty Hibees, could learn some lessons.
Also got chatting to QServ boss Tommy Dreelan which is a bit ironic as until recently I was doing PR for his competitors PSL Energy Services, located just across the road from QServ in Portlethen.
Then a brief interlude at the Pittodrie Bar en route to ABB's casino night at Aberdeen FC's ground. The Pittodrie Bar is one of those great old fashioned boozers and it didn't disappoint. On entering with a journalist pal, also suited and booted, we were treated to a rendition of the Z-Cars theme tune from the worthies at the end of the bar. It's a while since I've been mistaken for CID -it did come in handy when working on some stories in neighbourhoods of dubious repute. Anyway, festooned with caricatures of the current Aberdeen fitba team, the pub has a lovely large oval bar, complete with brass plates underneath for striking a match when lighting up (now redundant) and a mosaic spittoon which encircled the bar. I resisted the temptation to take advantage of said spittoon.
The casino night only confirmed what I already knew from my connections to Musselburgh Racecourse - don't take up gambling as a profession. But the Pittodrie pies included in the buffet were outstanding and Easter Road, home of the mighty Hibees, could learn some lessons.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Oil barons and babies
At Offshore Europe today, held in Aberdeen every two years and the world's biggest oil and gas event outside North America. Renewing acquaintances with business and trade journalists and bumped in to few clients, namely Theresa Wheeler, MD of C-SAM and Alastair Chalmers, boss of L&N Scotland. Good timing because Theresa's appeared in the latest issues of Platform and Energy International which always helps raise the company's profile.
Off to a bash hosted by Chevron and then on to Pittodrie for a casino night. It's a tough life but someone's got to do it.
Still time to congratulate Edinburgh based snapper Lewis Houghton and his lovely wife Ruth Hunter Pepper on the recent birth of their son Harris Reuben who weighed in at 5lb 10oz. Lewis takes pics from time to time for us at Musselburgh Racecourse and Ruth is in The Scotsman's promotions department and always glad to help out with racing related promos.
Off to a bash hosted by Chevron and then on to Pittodrie for a casino night. It's a tough life but someone's got to do it.
Still time to congratulate Edinburgh based snapper Lewis Houghton and his lovely wife Ruth Hunter Pepper on the recent birth of their son Harris Reuben who weighed in at 5lb 10oz. Lewis takes pics from time to time for us at Musselburgh Racecourse and Ruth is in The Scotsman's promotions department and always glad to help out with racing related promos.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Virgin Territory
To blog or not to blog? That’s the question I’ve been kicking about for a while as my new website http://www.surepr.co.uk/ was being sweated over by design supremo Miles Cruickshank. And I figured, there are so many bad, indifferent, pointless, unfathomable blogs out there, that another one won’t make much difference. Ok, I hope it won’t be as bad as that and hopefully some friends and clients (and potential new clients) will drop by from time to time, even if it’s simply out of pity.
First and foremost I am going to use the Sure PR Blog to shamelessly name drop my clients. There will be a little bit of what they are up to and how I am working on their PR initiatives to raise their profile. Obviously, if it’s a damage limitation exercise I am working on, you won’t be getting to hear anything about that.
I’m also hoping to drop in the odd bit of media industry news and gossip and will link to relevant websites that may be of interest. And I will name-check friends, colleagues, ex colleagues and other odds and sods in a valiant but futile attempt to give the impression I'm really well connected.
Anyway, that’s my blog virginity gone in 14 lines so it’s all downhill from here. If you’ve got time, have a look around the website and if you feel so inclined, leave a message. And please, keep it clean.
First and foremost I am going to use the Sure PR Blog to shamelessly name drop my clients. There will be a little bit of what they are up to and how I am working on their PR initiatives to raise their profile. Obviously, if it’s a damage limitation exercise I am working on, you won’t be getting to hear anything about that.
I’m also hoping to drop in the odd bit of media industry news and gossip and will link to relevant websites that may be of interest. And I will name-check friends, colleagues, ex colleagues and other odds and sods in a valiant but futile attempt to give the impression I'm really well connected.
Anyway, that’s my blog virginity gone in 14 lines so it’s all downhill from here. If you’ve got time, have a look around the website and if you feel so inclined, leave a message. And please, keep it clean.
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