PR Move of the Day:NBA again has made a strong push to create casual fan interes.wit.a reason to watch at this time of year when choices are high and the buzz around the game (way after opening night and way to early for the playoffs) is low…great example was the effort put forth between the league, the Bobcats and ESPN last night to give fans all access during the Bobcats first national apprearance of the year, against the Orlando Magic…the genesis of the story was detailed in yesterday's Charlotte Observer, and is worth reading since it explains the mindset and planning that went into what would seem to the outsider like a simple concept…the long-controversial micing of coaches was also put forth by the league this week, and the yin and yang is spelled out very well, including give and take from Jeff Van Gundy, in a good piece in yesterday's LA Daily News…now will either effort mak.more fans tune i.? Maybe not…but it generates buzz and curiosity, creates sponsorable elements (graphics and features), shows a little more insight into the personalities and for a digital partner creates strong unique content, all of which are going to become more essential as sports marketing evolves…good first strike by all parties involved.?
Some points from the fallout of the Mitchell Report we think are worth noting, along with some best practices:
First. Damage control from erroneous reporting…the gaffe committed by WNBC TV in New York and then perpetuated by media trying to be first and not accurate was documented in the Chicago Sun Times…once again we see media rushing to be first and not entirely accurate, and people like Johnny Damon and Albert Pujols and their agents and team staffer.all waste time chasing shadows…good job by those wrongly accused to deflect the damage and hopefully put things to rest…Point to be taken away. The publicist should be sure of the facts of his or her client's story beyond a doubt, not strike back quickly until all are in agreement on course of action…once a wrong has been committed, be fair, honest and strong in both getting corrections and telling the truth.
Second…Moving On…Two solid examples here…Bob DuPuy's q and a with Darren Rovell addressed the business side for MLB away from Commissioner Selig's presser in a clear and concise manner and gave good perspective…second, Pau.Godfrey of the Blue Jays in the Toronto Star addressed his team (which was heavily involved with names) and the action the league must collectively take going forward.? Point To Be Taken Away… Don’t pooh pooh the facts…state the position, address your concern and say what can be done going forward…everyone knows now what has occurred in the past, the fans and the business partners want to be assured by those in charge that the ship is being steadied and leadership is not trivializin.past trangressions…lead and show decisive moves for the future and instill confidence as leaders.
Third…Collateral damage…because I have witnessed fallout from some controversies ranging from athlete suicide to some well publicized court cases recently, I always look for what the collateral damge is…Tyler Kepner in today's Times has a very poignant story on Yankees pitcher Ron Villone and his alleged involvement and how a trust was betrayed…he also talks about his remorse not just for Ron but also for all those guys who didn’t use perfomance enhancing substances and never made it to the majors by staying the course…there were also a number of pieces on fan fallout and sponsor issues, many of which seem to be handled well…Point To Be Taken Away. Sports, like any industry, is vertical…we see when the smoke clears on top, but watching how thos.problems reverberate to those who make a living not on the field or court but through the field or court always have to be taken into consideration by those decision makers…therefor.solid and clear communication and outreach to fans and business partners to reassure and then rebuild trust in the long term is essential.
Finally…Those in Glass Houses…While many officials were being respectful and finding ways to control damage and looking forward, we saw a comment in the Philly Daily News by Phils manager Charlie Manuel expressing relief that his players were not on the list. Point To Be Taken Away.?There is no reason for anyone in situations like this to make broadbased assumptions…being more guarded, because one never knows what the future holds, is always the better way to go. Say less, not more.
