Lynn Hobeck Bates, V.P. of Media Relations at the Ringling Museum of Fine Arts, was selected by Rotary to travel to India during the month of January to study public relations practices. Lynn gave a special presentation to the CWC on her experiences.
Namaste!
Attendees at this special program were welcomed in true Indian form with floral garlands and a selection of tasty Indian snack treats. Lynn Hobeck Bates, dressed in a gorgeous Indian Kurtha, shared her personal and professional insights from a 5-week Rotary International Study Exchange with the Central West Coast FPRA members today. She and 4 other Rotary members from District 6960 (Manatee to Naples, FL) traveled to Madhya Pradesh in January of this year. Lynn’s presentation highlighted the role of deeply entrenched relationships in all Indian business, including media relations and basic public relations.
She was pleased to learn that the Public Relations Society of India has a published Code of Ethics, much like FPRA, but with more attention paid to emotional content. The Indian people are very open with their emotions – often rejoicing with singing and dancing, and openly crying when distressed. During Lynn’s stay she had the opportunity to visit a newspaper office (her host family was in the newspaper business) and a radio station. Press releases used by these media are required to publish or broadcast word-for-word – much different from our system! And newspapers routinely pose photographs. There are two types of radio stations – the Government run and the Private run. Private stations are not allowed to broadcast hard news – that is reserved strictly for the Government stations. Traditional media (newspaper, radio and TV) are still major communication channels in India. Social media is in its infancy there – most likely because of spotty internet coverage.
“Lynn’s Lessons” for making international travel more pertinent:
1. Research everything about the region before you go – what is the industry there? What is the country known-for? What are the political hot buttons?
2. Be prepared to think on your feet – and remember for many people you will be the only American they ever meet, so what you say and do in essence represents the whole U.S.
3. Build and maintain relationships, as they will last you a lifetime.
4. Know that most countries are evolving (as are we) in regard to new media, and new ethics.
5. Try to learn how business relationships operate in the country.
Lynn added wonderful tidbits from her experience and gave great advice. One last thing – in India visitors are welcomed with fresh flowers and an application of a traditional red streak on the forehead called a "tikka". Guests are revered almost like gods in this gentle and beautiful country. I believe all of us who heard Lynn speak are envious of her experience and appreciative of her sharing it with us.
Virginia 'Ginya' Carnahan, APR, CPRC
Congratulations, Lynn, on being selected to participate in the international study exchange program, and thank you for sharing your experience with FPRA members. As I wasn't able to attend that meeting, I greatly appreciate Ginya's posting of such an informative report on your presentation.
It's always good to learn about other cultures, both to expand our global understanding and to help us appreciate our own culture. The "lessons" you shared are good ones for all of us to keep in mind.
Professionalism like Lynn's and Ginya's, and the willingness to help each other grow make FPRA membership so worthwhile.
Posted by: Susan Hicks | August 14, 2009 at 07:30 AM