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Good PR is only as hard as you make it
9/30/08 KyHarnessRacing.com
9/30/08 KyHarnessRacing.com
- There's been some discussion this week about why the two greatest horses in
harness racing had virtually no media coverage, even with one of them breaking
a world record. There are probably many reasons why. But I have only one.
The main reason and what it really comes down to is - relationships. Not just
relationships but "good relationships" -- Good relationships with the MEDIA, and
a good relationship with the COMMUNITY. That's the main reason. It's not
always all about the media, but sometimes more about how the media is handled.
That's just the way I see it.
If there is a good relationship with the media, any part of the outside media, I
haven't seen any proof of it. Remember, it's not the media's job to include "the
track", it's "the track's" job to include the media. The media is like a major artery
in the heart, and this artery is completely blocked.
- Quick question here: Did anyone think about putting together a "Breakfast for
the Media" anytime during any part of the meet? (That would be a FREE
breakfast.) If so, nobody heard about it. This is Grand Circuit, isn't it? So who
dropped the ball here? Actually, nobody can drop the ball, if the ball is never pick
up.
Is this another missed opportunity? I'll let you decide.
Somebeachsomewhere trained a mile last Wednesday close to 1:51. The media
should have been part of it, maybe while eating breakfast. Ray Schnittker and
Dewey could have been there. And let's not forget Art Official.
- I know there's a lot going on and everyone is busy, but there are two of the
greatest horses in the history of the sport, both at The Red Mile---for two
weeks! One week has gone, the other is beginning.
- Maybe these ideas are way too much to deal with, but they really are my
thoughts and I find them to be pretty simple, but not effortless. I once heard a
man say, "we need the media much more than the media need us".
- I can't tell you a reason why the TV and newspapers give very little coverage to
our sport. But, I can tell you for sure, that the relationships will not get any
better until the right people, in the power positions, realize and decide to take a
step FORWARD. What our leaders choose to do -- is their decision.
One thing that I've come to realize is that the harness industry in Lexington
hasn't learned: "Ignore the media, and the media will ignore you".
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