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SXSW 2015 digital trend roundup

Amongst other things, March brings with it one hell of a party in Texas. South By South West- or SXSW as it’s affectionately known- is a multimedia, interdisciplinary festival like nothing else on the planet, taking over the city of Austin for seven straight days, and drawing in innovators, artists and creatives from across the … Continued

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April Fool’s pranks: The best of 2014

With just 24-hours to go until everyone starts making up news stories, running headlines with clever double-meanings, and generally fabricating the heck out of the hours between 12AM and 12PM, we thought rather than getting involved ourselves it might be useful to look at what happened 52 weeks earlier. As such we present Smoking Gun … Continued

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Rick's Rambles

Agencies, it's time to bin your awards and move on

Industry awards. The highest accolade your work can receive right? The pinnacle you can reach for all the hard work, late nights and bitten finger nails as you impatiently wait to see if your best laid plans have paid off for your clients.  Or just an inward looking, back slapping, money making exercises by industry … Continued

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The Blagger's Blog

The Blagger's Blog 27th March 2015

A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort   Quote of the week “While I sympathise with One Direction fans, I hardly think this qualified as compassionate leave.” Employment Law Director Alan Price, of Manchester-based employer advice service Peninsula, commenting on the slew of calls received from bosses asking for advice on … Continued

PR News

Social Media

Those Meerkats again, this time seen through a Twitter Periscope

OK, so the Smoking Gun PR blog has been rather video-heavy in the last week or two. We’re aware of this, and for those who are already tired of reading things along the lines of ‘you need video in your brand’s PR plan or face the consequences’ we can only apologise. Well, actually, there’s really … Continued

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The Blagger's Blog

The Blagger's Blog 20th March 2015

A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort   Quote of the week “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words of wisdom, which seem appropriate given today is the International Day of Happiness. … Continued

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Social Media

Is Meerkat the future of video social media or a species of rodent?

It’s a question you’re likely to have pondered on since the launch of the platform last month. Or not, as the case may be. Here at Manchester’s Best Consumer PR Agency (not our words, Michael, but those of the folk at PR Moment), we’re always keen to get involved with latest digital trend, fad and … Continued

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The Blagger's Blog

The Blagger's Blog 13th March 2015

A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort   Quote of the week “If anyone has ever compared a new band to Saint Etienne, I’ve been flattered that we might be an influence. Almost always, it has been clear to me that the other group simply has similar influences – I’m not … Continued

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Public Relations

Smoking Gun named Best Consumer PR Agency

PR Moment award winners 2015 announced   We believe modesty is a valuable asset, and one not to be sniffed at… …Nevertheless, when we have great in-house news to share we’re partial to sharing it- not so much as a means to blow our own trumpets (although in this case we most definitely are), but … Continued

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Social Media

Social media for brands just got better with Instagram Carousel Ads

Whilst most of the country is talking about whether or not that Los Angeles court ruling was right to decide Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied Marvin Gaye’s Got To Give It Up for their smash hit, Blurred Lines, here at Manchester’s finest award-winning public relations agency we’ve had more press matters to contend with. Namely the … Continued

Media News

Broadcast media – Internet TV may no longer be 'a joke'

Much as we do many things very well in the U.K. – from pop and rock music to graphic and web design – there are some things that we still don’t seem to get just right. And no, this isn’t a slant on our public transport. Take internet TV, for example. Those of you who … Continued

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The Blagger's Blog

The Blagger's Blog 27th February 2015

A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort   Quote of the week “I’m mortified…” Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw attempting to apologise for his part in the cash for access scandal, whereby he was caught on camera offering to use his power and influence for the benefit of business interests. Whether … Continued

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Rick's Rambles

PR staff shortage: Where did all the good guys go?

Although we’re told the economy is on the way up, the fallout from the recession is still being felt heavily by the creative sector, even here in Greater Manchester, where the industry is very much in bloom. For years, London was seen as something of a drain the region’s talent. But, whilst the bright lights … Continued

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