National Publicist Day is observed annually on October 30th. This is a day to appreciate publicists.
October 30th is the day that the New York Times printed verbatim the very first press release written by Ivy Lee, the “father of modern PR”. The Pennsylvania Railroad was a client of Ivy Lee, and on October 28th, 1906, 50 people lost their lives due to a three-car train jumping a trestle in New Jersey and plunging into a thoroughfare creek. In response to this, Ivy Lee created the first press release that afternoon. He not only convinced the railroad to distribute a public statement, but he also convinced them to provide a special train to get reporters to the scene of the accident.
The New York Times was so impressed with this innovative approach to corporate communications that it printed the first press release—verbatim—on Oct. 30, 1906, as a “Statement from the Road.” (information obtained from SearchEngineWatch.com)
Public relations is such a love/hate relationship (you love to hate it and hate to love it). This industry isn’t an instant gratification one…and on some days a non-gratification. National Publicist Day is a day for publicists to come from behind the scenes where they are always working (even behind their eyelids) and be appreciated publicly for all they do to improve brand communications with the public.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Call, email, or shout out to your publicist on social media and let them know you appreciate them. Don’t have a publicist? Well, today’s the perfect day to research and contact one that suits your brand and show your appreciation for what they could contribute to your brand. Use #NationalPublicistDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Publicist Day and its meaning was submitted and founded by Jordanna Stephen, owner of APARTMENT|SEVEN, a PR firm in New York, and declared by the Registrar at National Day Calendar.
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