Never any love for the DJ

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The media is not there to create a boring documentary. They need to create a very short story that will keep attempt to keep people's attention so they can sell advertising around it. They usually have very little time to do it. And then it will get edited again to fit in. If someone thought the media's job was to make an accurate detailed account of exactly what happened and who exactly was involved, they are mistaken.

So yes, if you want to be covered by the media, you are going to need to either club them over the head, or more importantly, you need to give them a reason that you should be part of the story.

I don't believe the media owes us anything, just like they don't owe any other industry anything.
 
Or you can do what some companies do, or the PR firm they hire does it for them:

They create their own stories and send them to places, so when they need to fill something quick, they can throw it in.
 
Scott Hanna said:
So yes, if you want to be covered by the media, you are going to need to either club them over the head, or more importantly, you need to give them a reason that you should be part of the story.
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I guess this dog did both.

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Thanks, Hank.

This has been the case since I got into the biz in '93 and was probably the case long before that.

I guess the thing that used to chap my ass was what I perceived to be a double standard ~ if there is a band, they get a mention by name. If a DJ is providing music, no name mention is to be seen.

And it never changes... the band can be the same thing they've been for the last 20 years, doing the same old routines they've done for the last 20 years. They still get top billing.

I agree with points mentioned... music is everywhere these days and the DJ isn't the topic of the story. That said, I've never understood why DJ companies get little or no press coverage while bands (and other vendors) do.

Some years ago we were DJing the Curves for Women Bachelor Auctions. We didn't charge the client because it was a fundraiser for breast cancer research. What we did, in exchange for payment, we put in the contract that our company name was to be mentioned in all promotional material including print and electronic.

The local Curves franchise promoted the heck out if it. And true to their word, they put our company name in it all.

It worked pretty well, too. The MC started and ended the show with a thanks to us by name. Reporters from two local newspapers were there and they both chatted with us for awhile. Our company name was mentioned in the articles.

We were cool with that. :)
 
I find the worst part is trying to get clients to "like" my Facebook page, or give a reference, though at the event they gush away. I make it a point to not ask for them.....a matter of pride for me. This seems to be a Central Mass thing, many of these folks wouldn't know a good time if it slapped them. "Dour Yankees". :trisad: It's all good though, I am getting requests for my card, and the phone has been ringing.

Best,

Paul
 
Fred Wright said:
I guess the thing that used to chap my ass was what I perceived to be a double standard ~ if there is a band, they get a mention by name. If a DJ is providing music, no name mention is to be seen.

And it never changes... the band can be the same thing they've been for the last 20 years, doing the same old routines they've done for the last 20 years. They still get top billing.

I agree with points mentioned... music is everywhere these days and the DJ isn't the topic of the story. That said, I've never understood why DJ companies get little or no press coverage while bands (and other vendors) do.
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An excellent point I forgot to make. Thanks Fred.
Whatever.... "C'est la vie"
 
maestro said:
How many times do we even get photographed at weddings or other private paid events? Seldom.
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We usually have to do it ourselves...

I couldn't care less -- as long as the check clears, it's all good... :)
 
Hank
as a DJ, I gotta agree that the press never seems to cover ALL the ingredients of a successful event.
I notice this a lot with the sound company.
I guess, to some extent, we are only in the background at these events, unlike a wedding.
But I must disagree with the line about "unless it's a local radio DJ".
Newspapers consider radio to be competition.
Any time our station does something that is news worthy, it's the same scenario:

1- if we do something "bad" (lay off employees, sponsor an event with drunk people)
our station name is in bold capital letters.
2- if we do something "good" (raise money for charity, etc)
we are listed as "a local radio station"

so I know how ya feel.
 
Sorry to hear that Hank, and that your good will is taken for granted. The only way I'd seriously consider doing an event like that is with full-on banners, cards to everyone who came up to make a request or chat, etc. I realize no one is going to be looking out for me BUT me, so I will do a kick arse job and shamelessly self-promote to ensure my name is seen and heard. Thats probably how Id approach it.
 
To elaborate, I was the MC for the day. I made all the announcements in regard to general goings on, contests, games etc., had people dancing, taking cards, conversing with me, etc. I also made it a point to acknowledge other vendors, sponsors and local politicians throughout the day. In case you didn't notice from my history here, I have a big personality and am not shy about being noticed. I stand by my above claims.

So, to be perfectly clear...It was solely the media that snubbed me that day and times before. I have seen it as a pattern and it applies to my peers in the area as well. The DJ is just not news.

Did I make a shameless plug for myself over the PA? No, because that's not my style.
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So, if I understand you correctly your emcee style is to point out all the key people and story worthy participants - while minimizing your own role?

Why then are we mad at the press for drafting the story exactly the way your directed it?
 
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