I couldn't agree more with the comments about the Society of Archivists
needing a PR person. As someone who was a journalist in a former life, I
know that those in the media are under pressure to produce material
quickly, so any story that is already written for them or handed to them
on a plate is very welcome. The other thing to be aware of is that if the
wrong end of the stick can be grabbed by the media, it will be. The
journalist may get the gist of a story, but an editor or sub-editor can
mangle it beyond all recognition.
But what to do? As has already been pointed out by others, the task of
meejah guru would be an onerous one and anyone volunteering for such a
post will need plenty of time and patience (and their head examined
probably). And before anyone asks, no, I'm not volunteering.
I suspect the alternative of employing a PR person is not an option, but
we could look around and see what other information organisatons and
bodies do - Aslib, RMS, NCA, PRO. Employing a consultant PR company to do
the work on an ad-hoc basis when required will also be costly. Perhaps
this is something that can be taken on board by the Regional Archives
officer if/when appointed. Information leaflets, videos, promo material
etc for journalists etc is another idea. These could be sent out to all
the media channels on a regular basis, and could also accompany any press
release. Regular updates and information could also be posted on the SoA
website (which will of course have a link with the DCMS website). Sorry, I
must have nodded off there and started to dream.
Another option is to have an SoA committee or panel look at the problem
but this is the last thing the Society needs at the moment - more
reorganisation.
The media will not change, so any coverage we get no matter how good will
warp the viewer or reader's perception of what archives is all about.
Despite cringing when items appear on TV or on the radio we should
remember that all publicity is good publicity, and to try where possible
to educate the media. Our profession is not large enough to be able to
afford a PR person and the items which would have to be generated to
promote archives properly in the media, so I suppose we should be grateful
that archives is getting so much attention.
Finally, what is that stretch of road that Bettany keeps driving up and
down? It seems to get her to anywhere in the country.
Gary Collins
Unilever plc
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