Hyler Communications' Musings

'What's Hot' Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast

2009-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hello-
Interestingly, all three of our topics on 'What's Hot' for Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast on Thursday, March 5th involved technology.

Courtny Garrish, George Mallett, Jeff Wagner and I discussed:
1) New ad campaign tragets "sexting" teens
2) 20-year-old Eau Claire woman posts her ex-boyfriend's picture on Craig's List asking guys to call him and talk dirty
3) Catholic Church asks faithful to refrain from gadgets for Lent

1) New ad campaign tragets "sexting" teens
Coming soon to area bus stops...
ads asking teens to 'wrap it up' as in wrap up your cellphone and don't send sex messages or photos to anyone!
Seems that provocative messages are a precursor to sexual activity. United Way is hoping to address the problem via the new ad campaign.
Kudos! Any effort to make teens think twice about pre-marital sex and possibly make a dent in Milwaukee's teenage pregnancy rate is a great idea.

2) 20-year-old Eau Claire woman posts her ex-boyfriend's picture on Craig's List asking guys to call him and talk dirty
This goes in the 'old enough to know better' category. The ultimate revenge...high tech style! This not so bright woman in Eau Claire is now facing felony charges of identity theft for posing as her boyfriend and inviting men to call him at work to talk dirty! That's a low blow when revenge is served up with the possibility of losing one's job. Word to the wise--keep your personal revenge out of the public eye. Or better yet, just move on.

3) Catholic Church asks faithful to refrain from gadgets for Lent
At first glance, the church is mandating how the faithful should observe Lent. Advising people to go on a high-tech fast, including switching off modern appliances, incl. cars and iPods, abstaining from surfing the Internet and no text messaging seems a bit harsh. But then a light bulb went off in my head! I get it!
Most of us have to admit that technology designed to bring us closer, has in fact, pushed us farther apart in many instances. So how about if during Lent we simply reach out and schedule face to face gatherings with those we love? After all, I think that's really the intent of the church advice. Reach out and touch someone-literally, not via your cellphone.

See me next Thursday during the second half of the 3 o'clock newscast on Today's TMJ4.

Today's TMJ4 What's Hot Thurs. Feb. 26

2009-02-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, I appear weekly on Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast in the 'What's Hot' segment. We discuss local and national hot topics ala 'The View.'

I was joined on Thursday, February 26th by anchors Courtny Gerrish, Shelley Walcott and WTMJ Radios' jeff Wagner.

Our topics:
1) Obamas pick their dog?
2) Park High School imposes dress code for secretaries and clerks

Obamas pick their dog
It's rumored that the White House dog of choice is a Portugese water dog.
Cute.
Rest assured. A couple of things will happen once the dog finally arrives, countless cute photos of cute girls frolicking on the White House lawn with their new dog. A rush to buy the water dog by everyone who ever thought they wanted a dog...and maybe they just couldn't make up their minds! Now, it's easy. Just follow the Obamas lead. Bring on the cute photos.

Park High School secretaries get a dress code
Me thinks that someone took leave of their common sense, thus prompting the school principal to lay down the law. Then the union steps in and cries foul. Well, the truth of the matter is secretaries are part of school administration and therefore, are authority figures. The last thing a high school student or city of Racine taxpayer is a visit to the school to take care of business and a too tight sweater, skin tight jeans and flip flops serve as a distraction. This reeks of disrespect for their school and position. Isn't that the No. 1 item we want to teach high school students-to respect authority?
I think the school principal got it right. Dress professionally--that's what the position calls for. Save your flip flops for the beach.

Watch me next week on Today's TMJ4-- in the 3 p.m. hour--usually airing around 3:35 or 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th.

2009-02-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

'What's Hot' on Thursday, Feb. 12th Today's TMJ 3 p.m. Newscast

In case you missed it, here are the topics from the Thursday, Feb. 12th 'What's Hot' segment on Today's TMJ4's 3 p.m. newcast.

1) A group is threatening to sue various school districts holding high school graduation ceremonies at Elmbrook Church
2) A-Rod admits using performance enhancing drugs, putting MLB commissioner Bud Selig in a pickle

Our 'What's Hot' panel consisted of anchors John Mercure and Courtney Garrish, WTMJ radio hot Jeff Wagner and yours truly, Lora Hyler.

Separation of church and state is at the heart of the Washington, D.C. group's fuss. Americans United for Separation of Church and State has sent letters asking the school districts to find a new location. What are they so afraid of? Much ado about nothing.

It appears that attorneys for this organization have far too much time on their hands. Of course, it's always possible for the school districts to ignore the letter. One district told the media that the Elmbrook Church was chosen for convenience. The church will seat 3,000 rather than the 200 or 300 for most school gyms. Also, it's not like a church service is being pushed down the throats of those who thought they were showing up to see Johnny graduate! For all those aunts, uncles, moms, dads and grandparents who played a role in Johnny's success, shouldn't they at least be able to see him at the graduation ceremonies? Shame on you-Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Speaking of shame on you...
A-Rod has foisted another PR nightmare on MLB commissioner Bud Selig.
Professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez has admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs from 2001-03. Though it was against the law to possess these drugs without a prescription, there wasn't a MLB penalty. Hence, Selig's dilemma.

Sure Selig's back is against the wall. Here's my suggestion: draft a proposal with stiff penalties for current players who test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, and get players union, team owner and FAN support. Restore some integrity to professional sports starting with baseball. Us parents of Little Leaguers will sleep better. Just yesterday, I had yet another 'teaching moment' talk with my 12-year-old, let's talk about the definition of a role model. One things for sure, it ain't A-Rod.

Visit Today's TMJ4 website to see yesterday's 'What's Hot' for more on these topics.
http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/seenontmj4

Today's TMJ4 What's Hot February 9, 2009

2009-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'm a weekly guest on Today's TMJ4 (Milwaukee NBC TV affiliate) on Thursdays during the 3 p.m. newscast. Ala 'The View' we discuss hot topics, some local, some of national interest.

Yesterday, February 9th was an exception to my regular Thursdays. I was asked to sub for Erin Austin of WKTI-FM. So our Monday lineup consisted of Today's TMJ4 anchors Charles Benson, Courtney Garrish and Jeff Wagner of WTMJ-AM.

Our topics:
1-Grandma of Octuplets speaks out
2-Pop singer Chris Brown charged with felony. Alleged victim: girlfriend and fellow pop singer Rihanna
3-Valentine's Day: In light of current economy, what to do?

A link to the actual live show is available here. Just click on the appropriate date.
http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/seenontmj4

More thoughts...
It's apparent that the grandmother of the octuplets is beginning to think about just what her family is facing. Adding eight more children to the brood already consisting of six children ages 2-7, and at least one with special needs is daunting to say the least.

It would be nice if the mom of the octuplets woke up one morning and came to her senses. Current reports circulating say she lied to Today Show anchor Ann Currie and is in fact already on the public dole. Taxpayers of California revolt! At the very least, the fertility doctor should have to foot part of the bill. Who would knowingly do yet another in vitro fertilization procedure on a single mom with no visible means of support? And what's up with the $168K that she supposedly received in disability payments over several years? Grandma says she never saw a dime of it and that none went to feed the six children. This all smacks of elder abuse. The poor grands are expected to support whatever children the daughter places in their path. Sad.

Pop singer Chris Brown not so squeaky clean
First, the New Berlin HS ex-student and his sex backmail shenanigans, next it's Michael Phelps and his love of the bong, now Chris Brown charged with a felony?

Which of their handlers thought it would be a great idea for 19-year-old Chris Brown and the alleged victim, 20-year-old Rihanna to rent a lamborghini and drive themselves back to their hotel after Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party? No doubt the paparazzi were out in force-so clearly, this was an accident waiting to happen. Sound a bit like the Princess Diana debacle? No, this gets worse! Chris Brown and Rihanna get into an argument that escalates into an episode outside the car that leads to a witness calling 911.

Chris Brown later turns himself in, gets charged with felony threats and the reported victim, Rihanna is said to have suffered facial and arm bruises. Both missed their scheduled performances at the Grammys leading to last minute replacements including the Rev. Al Green. Chris, we're all disappointed. Kids-from now on, forget the pop stars. Your role models: God, your parents (hopefully), and (insert your favorite teacher here).

Ok-Valentine's Day is nearly upon us.
Another year for couples to figure out what to buy to express their love for one another, and another day for the singles to declare their independence. Have you seen the ad where the woman sits on the sofa holding chocolates next to her cat dressed in a tux? Of course, her best friend didn't buy the chocolates.

A recent survey quizzed people about how the economy would affect their day of celebration. Many will have to stay home and get acquainted with each other. Darn. But of course those pesky questioners also asked about their sex habits. Did you know people put their sex dates in their planners? If that's you-try Jenda, www.buyjenda.com Ok, cheap commercial-that's a client.

Stay tuned for the exciting Thursday, February 12th 'What's Hot.'

My client wins Disney iParenting Media Award!

2009-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

Jenda voice calendar and family message center received a national award this week.

Disney named Jenda a recipient of its iParenting Media Award for Best Products of 2009.
IParenting is recognized by retailers, consumers and media as an objective third party evaluator of children's and related products. Disney sent out a news release to 20,000 retailers, media outlets and consumers nationwide. Jenda voice calendar and family message center won in the Housewares category and received accolades from the judges.
If you haven't yet purchased a Jenda, you're missing out on the easiest family organizing tool ever.
www.buyjenda.com

The award will open retail doors for Jenda. Also look for my next QVC appearance with Jenda in the first quarter, 2009.

Yes, we can!

2009-01-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

We welcomed a new president two days ago.
I've had a silly grin on my face since election day and inauguration day was just a day of pride. We have our first African-American president AND a new president for all Americans.

As a former journalist and now public relations professional, I have a cynical bent. But there's something about Barack Obama and his measured composure and willingness to reach across the aisle. No public relations honcho or author could have conjured up this individual. So I believe what we're embracing is sincerity. Barack Obama seems intent to do what's best for the country and that's refreshing.

The imagery of the First Family is compelling. Having worked in the news media all of my adult life, I know the power of images. It's nice to see the intact, nuclear A-A family on display with family love and strong principles apparent for the world to see.

Also, Obama's treatment of John McCain, George Bush and former Bush officers welcomed into the new cabinet sets a strong example for all of us.

The lesson in all of this seems to be: reach for your highest self. Even if you fall a bit short, you'll achieve what you may have never imagined.

Can you believe it's 2009 already?

2009-01-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, 2009 is upon us.

But before we can tackle a new year, reflection is due.

Following is the link to my recent article in Citigal magazine with a feature story on WISN TV12 anchor Toya Washington.

http://www.citigalmagazine.com/
See pages 10 and 11

Highlights of 2008:
Business was steady.

Client: Jenda, lifetime voice calendar-Hyler Communications took the product to QVC and appeared on air nationwide as spokesperson, now pursuing catalogs and retail stores. If anyone has any retail connections, do tell.
Client: Sendik's, managed store opening publicity
Client: Devo Properties, commercial development projects
Client: Red Brown Kle' agency, Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism projects
Client: We Energies, various communication projects
Client: Girl Scouts, various communications projects and publicity

Also, I appear weekly on the 'What's Hot' segment of Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast and write regularly for Citigal magazine.

Wishing you a fruitful 2009.

Tune in to Today's TMJ4 3pm newscast

2008-11-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

Join anchors Courtney Garrish, George Mallet, Jeff Wagner and I on Thursdays on the new 3 p.m. Today's TMJ4 newscast. In the second half hour, we're featured on 'What's Hot,' a segment similar to 'Hot Topics' on Barbara Walters' The View.

Topics range from local current events to fun national pop news such as Victoria Beckham's new hair do or Prince Charles eagerly awaiting the throne occupied by his mum. 60 years old...and still waiting.

We'll pick it up again December 4th.

Meantime, QVC wants us back...for training in January 2009. If you haven't started your Christmas shopping, now's the time, and Jenda's the product. www.buyjenda.com

Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Sold out on QVC! Awaiting next appearance

2008-11-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well, we heard the words every QVC vendor waits for: you sold out!
Jenda, the lifetime voice calendar and family message center is doing well and I'm excited to be part of the team. The QVC journey began with me in March 2008 when I successfully negotiated us onto a panel at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago, Ill. We struck the QVC deal and the rest is history. Our last appearance was October 18th.

We're now awaiting what will hopefully be a November appearance in time for the busy Holiday season. Yes, we've all heard the retail stories-sad. But, I don't believe for a minute that practical gifts won't be snatched up. In fact, that was our QVC category-practical gifts and you see how well we did.

If anyone has any retail store contacts, let me know.

October 18th marks 2nd QVC appearance!

2008-10-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind since my last post. In short, the QVC appearance on September 21st was successful. The host Sandra Bennett and I sold about 650 Jendas in 6 minutes! Following the show, an additional 50+ were sold. After my return, we anxiously awaited word on whether QVC would invite me back. And they did. My 2nd appearance is October 18th at 3am Eastern. And yes, there are shoppers from all over the country at that hour. We're hoping for a good showing on the West Coast, it will be midnight, and Jendas have sold well in California.

Watch live or set your DVRs and buy!

Lora

Tune in this Sunday to QVC as Jenda & Lora make national TV debut!

2008-09-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

In just a few days, at 6am Central on Sunday, September 21st, I will make my nationwide TV debut on QVC with Jenda, lifetime voice calendar and family message center. The Milwaukee area inventors and I are thrilled to introduce this useful calendar to the nation. Jenda may soon replace the wall calendar with its ability for users to record their events and appointments by voice. Tune in and if you're not up that early, just order online at www.qvc.com (search for Jenda).
Check out Thursday, September 18th article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=796198

Lora

Counting down to QVC Appearance

2008-09-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just 11 more days to go before Jenda, voice calendar and family message center debuts before a nationwide audience. I'll take the product on QVC, the home shopping channel. With QVC boasting $9 Billion in annual sales, yes, with a "B" we hope Jenda will do well. Customers who have purchased the product love this alternative to their wall calendar. For families, it's unbeatable. It's just satisfying to see loval inventors do well. I'll serve as spokesperson on QVC, just enjoying the ride.
Locally, I'll appear on Today's TMJ4 on their 3 p.m. newscast on Monday, September 15th. The discussion with the anchors will be Hot Topics. What's next? The View?
Life with all its ups and downs is fascinating.

Nationwide TV appearance coming up: on QVC!

2008-08-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hello -
Alright, so I haven't exactly been staying on top of my blog writing, but here's some exciting news I'd like to share.

I'd like to let you know that Jenda, voice calendar and family message center, is debuting on the largest electronics retailer, QVC home shopping network. (Time Warner Cable in Milwaukee airs QVC on CH. 26. If you're out of the area-please check your TV guide).

I've been working with the Milwaukee inventors of Jenda www.buyjenda.com
for more than a year. I set up the deal with QVC earlier this year, and now will introduce the product to nationwide television audience. I'll be on air with a QVC host.

The Jenda QVC segment will air on Sunday, September 21st at 7am EST. Yes, there are shoppers at that time of the morning. That's 6am CST, but for those who don't quite get up that early, you may visit www.qvc.com and place your order. Jenda will be available a day or so before the airdate and as long as supplies last at QVC. We will have a special QVC introductory rate.

Jenda is a great Holiday gift and is for everyone who needs to better organize their lives. Rather than writing on a wall calendar, you simply speak your events and dates. Never forget another birthday or doctor appointment. And say goodbye to baking those last minute cookies for treat day at school! Perfect for busy families, college students, seniors, travelers and military personnel.

Visit www.buyjenda.com
and watch me...coming soon.

Get LinkedIn. Get on Facebook. Get a Blog.

2008-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Blogging is a commitment. Rather than commit to a weekly post, I’d rather post when I have something to say. So, here goes.

As a member of Working Writers, a professional group of freelance business writers,

I and about ten additional members were recently treated to a presentation from Dave Edwards, General Manager of WUWM radio station, a member of the National Public Radio family.

Speaking about the Changing Media Landscape and unprecedented growth in technology, Dave asked the question, “are you ready?” He observed a few signs that the world is no longer what it once was.

- Newspapers are suffering declining revenue. Many of the nation’s newspapers have an online presence. (That’s one way to save on newsprint costs.)

- Internet radio is on an upswing.

- Satellite radio, dominated by Sirius and XM now have 26 million subscribers.

- HD radio is here. AM radio no longer has to be the inferior cousin of FM radio.

- Podcasts allow people to listen to broadcasts whenever they choose, bringing new meaning to the legendary “Fireside chats.”

- A whole generation (from children to 20-something) is technology-astute. Hey-they don’t know anything different. They were raised on this stuff!

That last point was driven home for me as I prepared remarks to introduce Dave Edwards to the group. Dave is my former boss. When I worked in the newsroom of WUWM Radio as a college student at UW-Milwaukee, I learned the value of striving for excellence under his fine tutelage. His bottom line message in his presentation? Technology is here to stay. Get knowledgeable. Make it work for you.

Now, as the parent of an 11-year-old, I’m used to my son spending time playing Play station video games, computer video games, listening to his Ipod shuffle, checking homework assignments online, looking up homework help on teacher-approved websites, recording his appointments on Jenda™, watching HDTV, communicating on My Space and listening to his portable DVD player on road trips. To him, CD player technology is considered outdated!

Yes, if you haven’t noticed, the world as we know it, has changed due to a firestorm called technology. Get LinkedIn, on Facebook and a blog. Or get left behind. And, for those of you in business, why not make it easier for your clients to find you?

www.hylercommunications.com

Public relations work requires passion!

2008-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of a new year. 2008 arrived all too quickly. As I reflect on 2007, the clients I served, the successful websites designed, articles written, media stories generated, training conducted, news conferences and special events held, I'm delighted to say that these efforts resulted in positive impact to the bottom lines of the many clients of Hyler Communications.

Great work for great pay. But, my greatest satisfaction comes from interacting with these clients and seeing their service or product get the attention it deserves. I've discovered that pitching stories to reporters and editors, either locally, statewide or nationally takes energy and passion.

The power of the news media cannot be ignored. It's difficult to reach the huge audiences that the media serves up, and also have the ability to target messages for specific demographics. Public relations when combined with the media is the art of telling a story and successfully getting the story printed or broadcast.

Busy reporters and shrinking news holes and broadcast time adds up to limited opportunities for a particular story to rise above the din. To be able to grab a reporter's attention and convey via the phone lines, Email or voice mail the passion I feel for the client's service or product is difficult, to say the least.

But what makes it worthwhile for me is the satisfaction of successfully cutting through the clutter and developing a relationship with various reporters and media outlets so that when I contact them they feel that it's worthwhile to listen. It also reminds me to seek out clients with a service or product that I can truly believe in and feel passionate about. Passion is palatable and contagious.

I'm looking forward to another year and coming to work each day fired up and ready to go!

Kudos to Shake Rag Alley

2007-08-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Mineral Point, WI

Now that's a location that doesn't get much local press. I followed up on an invite from a fellow filmmaker/writer and ventured to Mineral point, WI during the past week. I signed up for Shake Rag Alley's Stage and Screen workshops for a full week. Hollywood veterans such as Joan Darling and Bill Svanoe treated us to their many years of experience.

Before I knew it, I was in my "Directing the Actor" class and learning a thing or two about acting and directing. Yes, I actually acted and directed for the first time with almost no nerves. And unbelievably, the positive feedback that I received from Joan Darling (a pioneer female director, having directed Mary Tyler Moore, the old Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman series and for Steven Spielberg) was stunning. I am still digesting it and toying with what to do next. At minimum, I'd like to think the same skillset one brings to acting and directing is what you need for writing, so I can just move forward with renewed confidence. Or who knows? Maybe I should act...or direct.

I'll let this gestate a while...

Kudos to African World Festival Crew!

2007-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am venturing off the PR path for this post. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this year's African World Festival. From a media coverage perspective, I would have liked to have seen more. Diverse crowds in harmony, exploring cultural exhibits, amazing musical offerings-both local and national, and thriving families packed the lakefront grounds. Images that are real, but all too often missing from mainstream media.

As an image maker by profession, I was struck by how reality is often distorted by media owners. It comes down to choosing what to and what not to cover. Next year, I'd like to roam the grounds with a camera and will post these images throughout the World Wide Web-now that's using the medium! I guess I did ruminate on PR after all.

Look here for informative posts from the world of PR

2007-07-30T13:54:00.001-07:00

Hello,
So you've found my Blog--the Blog of Hyler Communications. I plan to regularly post interesting tidbits from the world of public relations and perhaps get a dialogue started about do's and don'ts of working with the media, interesting projects I'm working on, and my creative dabblings. Shoot me a line if you have a question.

Welcome to my new blog!

2007-07-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello,
You've entered the blog space of Lora L. Hyler, owner of Hyler Communications, a full-service public relations firm based in Mequon, WI. The firm in existence since 2001, provides communications strategy, media training, news releases and media placements, websites, newsletters, brochures, to position clients' services and products.
Current client activity includes: Quad Graphics, Finger-String. Inc., creators of Jenda www.buyjenda.com, Home Instead Senior Care www.homeinsteadwi.com, and Dr. Donald Meyer.

See more at www.hylercommunications.com

Let me know your PR questions.

Lora Hyler