Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Radio News Scripts

Radio news scripts written when Michael Ignatieff visited Sarnia, Ontario

Version 1
Sarnia locals got the chance to meet Liberal leader hopeful Michael Ignatieff…

A crowd of at least 100 people showed up at Sarnia Bay Marina to hear Ignatieff out on plenty of issues… including foreign policy…

Ignatieff_1 {0:19.8}

Ignatieff is the first candidate to visit Sarnia… former Ontario premier Bob Rae also plans to make a stop in town on August 18th…

I’m Danielle Cooper… 1070 News

Version 2
A candidate running for federal Liberal leadership is making a stop in Sarnia today…

Michael Ignatieff will be at the Sarnia Bay Marina around noon for a barbeque… and to drum up support for his campaign for leader…
President of the Sarnia-Lambton Liberal Riding Association Ann Marie Gillis…

Ann_Marie_Gillis2 {0:15.7}

Ignatieff is currently the MP for the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding in Toronto…

I’m Danielle Cooper… 1070 News


Radio news script written for a major chemical leak at Suncor

Suncor officials say that a Code 8 was not issues after today’s accident because less than a litre of hydrofluoric acid was released… not enough to go into automatic shut down and protection mode…

The leak began this morning at 9:30 during a routine maintenance procedure on a pump in the alkalation unit…

Vice President of Suncor Sarnia Refinery Ian Savill (Sah-vul) explains what happened…

Savill_1 {0:23.0}

The leak caused a total of 23 workers to be sent to Bluewater Health… with complaints of throat and nose irritations… however half will be released without treatment… and the remainder are expected to be released within the hour…

I’m Danielle Cooper… 1070 News

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Blog Post

Let’s face it – times are tough. Gas prices are through the roof, prices at the grocery store are higher than ever, and minimum wage is basically a joke. In the economic climate that we live in, most of us don’t have a whole lot to spend on things like clothes, accessories, cosmetics and other fabulous non-essentials. But wait a minute – who said looking fabulous has to cost tons of money? Believe me fashion-istas, it doesn’t! In fact, I’ve spent years as a student figuring out tricks to save money and it isn’t as hard as you would think. It takes a little extra effort, but with a few quick tips, you can be on your way to saving cash today.

So how do you do it, you ask? Surprisingly, retailers are making it easier for us to save money than they ever have before. They know the economy is not in good shape and they know that people aren’t spending their disposable income on their products anymore. This means that their marketing geniuses are hard at work creating new ways that can help their businesses prosper. Their solution – “To get people to spend, we have to let them save.” So let's get started.

1. Subscribe to your favourite stores' e-mail list.
Before you scroll down and completely ignore this step, take a breath. I know that some retailers are notorious for sending tons of e-mails (some send two or three a day), but this is actually a GOOD thing! Retailers want you in their store, bottom line. E-mail is a terrific way for them to let you know what promotions are happening in their stores each week. Most stores are offering terrific promos because they are hurting for sales. This is your chance to cash in! The e-mails may become annoying, but they let you know when your favorite products are on sale.The biggest bonus of subscribing to e-mails is that a lot of retailers are now sending printable coupons for you to use in their stores. Some retailers give good coupons. I cannot stress that enough!

Some examples of coupons I've received include:
- 30% off my entire purchase (on top of in-store promos)
- 50%, 40% or 30% off one item
- buy $40 worth of merchandise, get $20 dollars off (like 50% off)

So how do you start getting e-mails? Some stores will ask you to subscribe to their e-mail list when you are in store, but you can go online to their website and they usually have a link somewhere that will allow you to subscribe. So what are your favorite stores? Head in-store or online and sign up to start saving!

2. Join in-store loyalty and rewards programs.
Almost every store has one now – a card that allows you access to some sort of dollar accumulating, percentage saving reward program. Mind you, some are not as good as others. But joining the loyalty program at your favorite store does pay off in the long run. Some programs offer you access to save a certain percentage off your purchase year round. For some, the more you spend, the more points or dollars you accumulate - which you can put toward a future purchase. Some also invite you to member only exclusive sales. If your favorite store has a card, I highly suggest getting involved with it. Although it may seem like there is no immediate value, eventually you can spend those accumulated dollars and it feels fabulous!

3. Shop on the other side of the border (if you can!)
I know I shouldn’t necessarily be encouraging that you go to the U.S. to shop, but quite frankly, things are expensive (as we’ve covered), and if going over the border means saving a couple dollars, I am all for it!A lot of items that you can purchase in Canada are often less expensive in the States. Also, the sales tax is half of what ours is. But buyer beware – do your research! Some stuff is actually more expensive in the States then it is here. But if you are smart about it, you can end up saving quite a bit more with a quick trip to our neighbors south of the border!

4. Shop on eBay!
eBay can be a saver’s paradise if used properly. I’ve purchased high end makeup items at 50% off on numerous occasions. Some sellers allow you to make bids or “Buy it now”. I usually try to find the most inexpensive “Buy it now” and commit to buy that. However, if you are competitive, you may enjoy competing with others to get your favorite product dirt cheap by bidding on it. I’ve seen some products sell for a dollar! Yes, a single dollar. eBay is also a great place to find a pair of designer shoes you have been eyeing. Some sellers will auction designer items that are lightly used, giving you the chance to bid and get it at a highly discounted price. If you are savvy and smart when you bid or buy on eBay, you can save tons of money!

5. Find a “dupe”
A “dupe” is a term used to describe an inexpensive alternative to an otherwise expensive product. For me, I hunt high and low for makeup dupes. Some of my favourite products happen to have prices that aren't so favourable. For most high end makeup products, you can find inexpensive alternatives. This means that instead of spending $32 dollars on a blush from Sephora, you can usually go to the drug store and get something pretty similar for $10.

There are tons of different ways that you can save money. These are just some of the ways that I have been able to save for myself. In this blog I will continue to share new and fun ways to save money. I will also share some of beauty and shopping secrets I have learned over the years and introduce you to my favourite products. So read along, and enjoy!

From my blog "coco says so", created for the PR Communications Technology class at Mohawk College.

Public Relations Plan

This plan aims to revive interest in the Canada Food Guide. After experiencing success in 2007 with the first re-launch, today the guide is not as front of mind as it was before. This plan was developed using the R.A.C.E. method.

Situation:
Although the food guide experienced success when it was initially launched in February of 2007, it is not as important to Canadians today. Health Canada is aiming to revive interest and make the food guide a resource Canadians will go to when making dietary selections.

Objectives:
1. To increase awareness and understanding of the Canada Food Guide. Furthermore, inspire Canadians to live active and healthy lifestyles.
2. To increase the number of people following the guidelines of the Canada Food Guide.

Audiences:
Media
Community and Community Organizations
Parents, Students, Children, Elderly

Strategies:
1. Launch an informational campaign using media to reach community/community organizations and parents, students, children and the elderly.
2. Show and demonstrate the benefits of following the Canada Food Guide.
3. Use a celebrity spokesperson to act as a brand ambassador to the Canada Food Guide.

Themes:
1. It’s your life – live it right!
2. Canada’s Food Guide – The Next Right Thing!

Tactics:
For Strategy # 1 – Launch an informational campaign
- Create public service announcements to run on radio, television and in the newspaper – some to include the use of celebrity spokesperson.
- Distribute flyers, posters, brochures and information kits to the community and community organizations using celebrity spokesperson.

For Strategy # 2 – Show the benefits of the Canada Food Guide
- Prepare fact sheets that provide statistics including obesity rates, etc.
- PR Advertising – Use testimonials from doctors, nutritionists, parents and those who actually followed the plan and made a lifestyle change. Done via video news releases, audio news releases and speeches.

For Strategy # 3 – Use a celebrity spokesperson
- Use a media release to inform public that celebrity is spokesperson for Canada Food Guide.Conduct news conferences to inform public that celebrity is spokesperson for Canada Food Guide

Budget and Timeline
Can be downloaded and viewed in table format

Evaluation
Strategy 1
1. Public Service Announcementswill be evaluated to determine:
- How many different vehicles ran the PSA
- How many times the PSA was ran
- How many times the PSA was ran during peak broadcast times

2. Distribute printed materialswill be evaluated to determine:
- How many public institutions displayed either a poster, flyer or brochure
- How many flyers were taken within a certain period (following up with institution)
- How long materials were displayed
- How many people contact Health Ontario for more information citing a brochure, poster or flyer

Strategy 2
1. Fact sheetswill be evaluated to determine:
- How many stories used facts from the sheet (through a mass search)
- How many public institutions distributed the fact sheet
- How many fact sheets were distributed (following up with institution)
- The responses collected during focus groups and interviews

2. PR Advertisingwill be evaluated to determine:
- How many people attended the presentations and speeches
- How many news outlets used testimonials in their stories
- The response to surveys measuring PR advertising effectiveness
- The quality of the coverage

Strategy 3
1. Issue a media releasewill be evaluated to determine:
- How many media vehicles ran the story
- How many times the story was ran at peak newscast hours
- The quality of the news coverage
- The number of times the journalist properly quoted the spokesperson

2. Plan and hold a news conferencewill be evaluated to determine:
- How many media outlets attend the conference
- How many media outlets run the story
- How many times the story was ran at peak newscast hours
- The quality of the news coverage

Event Flyer and Business Card

Flyer designed for a charity event held on behalf of The Jack Project.














Promotional card designed to accompany flyer.

Appointment Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Danielle Cooper
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
Tel: (905) 524-5447
Fax: (905) 524-4553
daniellecooper@cancer.ca

Canadian Cancer Society appoints Burlington woman as President, youngest in company history

Burlington, ON - October 19, 2011 – The board of directors of the Canadian Cancer Society announced 24 year old Sarah Feere of Burlington as their new president for the Ontario branch. Feere is the youngest in Canadian Cancer Society history to hold the title.

“Words cannot express how I am feeling right now,” said Feere, at a press conference held today. “I’ve always felt connected to this organization and I am thrilled that I am going to be able to further the fight against cancer on a daily basis.”

Feere has been sitting on the Society’s board of directors since she graduated from McMaster University in April 2010. She is also president of the McMaster Cancer Society and has been organizing the McMaster Relay for Life since 2007.

“This was not a difficult decision for our board to make,” says spokesperson Jane Dough. “Although [Sarah] is young, she has done more than most do in a lifetime. Her vision will bring a fresh point of view to the table and remind us that cancer has no age.”

Feere has been an advocate of cancer research from a young age as a result of a personal experience within her family. She has been working with numerous not-for-profit organizations across Canada to create cancer awareness and spread the mission, values and vision of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Former president Peter Vaudry announced his retirement earlier this year and personally recommended Feere for the position after working with her at McMaster. Feere will officially begin her duties Monday, Oct. 24.

The Canadian Cancer Society runs chapters across Canada and dedicates its operations to helping those and their families affected by cancer through fundraising, providing information and offering support. The Ontario chapter currently has 30 offices and support centres province-wide and employs thousands of volunteers annually.

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The following release was written for the PR Writing 1 class at Mohawk College. The story and people used within are fictional.

Product Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Danielle Cooper
Vine Ripe Foods
Tel: (905) 524-5447
Fax: (905) 524-4553
daniellecooper@vineripefoods.com

Nutritious Choco-YUM! Cookies to be offered at elementary and high schools in Hamilton area

Hamilton, ON - October 5, 2011 – Vine Ripe Foods and The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board have teamed up to offer students Choco-YUM! Cookies, a healthy snack alternative. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 5, students at schools across the community will be enjoying the snack food, which is one part of an effort to encourage healthy eating.

“It is very important that we give our kids foods that taste good but offer a nutritional benefit,” says John Dough, spokesperson for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. “By offering Choco-YUM! Cookies, we hope we can encourage kids to pay more attention to what they eat.”

With only 75 calories and one gram of fat per two cookie serving, the treat comes in a variety of flavours including chocolate, vanilla and oatmeal raisin. The snack has only five grams of sugar and contains half the daily recommended intake of fibre.

Choco-YUM! Cookies are created and manufactured locally by Vine Ripe Foods. Vine Ripe Foods is a local grocery chain that has been offering fresh, healthy and locally produced food at low prices since 2002. There are five locations currently in the Hamilton area and two in Mississauga and Oakville.

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The following release was written for the PR Writing 1 class at Mohawk College. The story and product are fictional.