You know media can be such a cutthroat business: and the
people involved can really be asses (not di kind whose
Jawbone Samson did use).
I
had a really disappointing first opportunity to work with a
publicist that was affiliated with Linkup media and the
Westchester Reggaefest which took place on Sunday, June
13th. The publicist, Lauren Drummond contacted West Indian
Times, requesting assistance with promoting the upcoming
Event. We in turn requested press accreditation for two
members of staff (myself being one) for the event. West
Indian Times was sent a Press Form to be filled out for the
Accreditation, this was done immediately and receipt was
acknowledged by Lauren. During this time the West Indian
Times website was updated with information regarding the
Westchester Reggaefest, and it was also promoted on radio
the Caribbean Connection radio show and Vibes 24/7 internet
radio station (both owned by West Indian Times).
Lauren and the Editor of West Indian Times agreed in term to
enlarge the Advertisement online, and expand it to a full
page link in assisting with promoting the event. Well, time
went by, and we at WIT still had not received confirmation
that our accreditation request was being honored. I
contacted Lauren regarding this on Thursday 6/10, as I
believed at the time that it may have been an oversight.
Lauren asked me to request the Editor to resend the Press
Accreditation form as she was about to update and send in
her press list to the promoters of the event (Linkup
Media). This information was relayed to WIT's editor, and
the pertinent information was forward to Lauren.
On
Friday 6/11, I received a call at my office from Lauren
informing me that WIT's accreditation had been denied.
There was no plausible explanation given as to why this was,
simply a statement saying that the Promoter of the event
(Linkup Media) would be determining who/whom would be
allowed media access to the performers at the event. I was
visually annoyed by this development, but kept my calm, and
listened as Lauren also vented her frustration on what had
transpired with the promoters. I contacted my Editor after
speaking to Lauren, and it was decided that we would reach
out to Linkup Media directly to get an explanation of the
reason(s) for their action. A e-mail was sent to Linkup
Medias CEO “Squeeze” requesting a response on whether or not
the initial arrangement would be honored. A responding
e-mail was sent out with No response attached to it (does he
know to use the email system himself)?
Now I feel really disrespected by the way this all
transpired. If a media house is asked to spend time
and effort to promote an event at substantial financial cost
to us (you know how much advertisement on the air can cost
for an event!), not to mention the time and energy that was
invested in creating the page that was being used (how many
people do you think saw the ad on our site and went)? Any
agreement should be honored, and to be treated this way by a
member of our fraternity is just straight up disrespect.
Having said this:
I must acknowledge that the publicist for Link Up Media,
Lauren, did contact our Editor with the following email:
Hi Lady Cham,
There were quite a few
main stream media who were denied credentials by the
promoters, LinkUp Media. Usually, the publicist of an
event have the final decision on who to give credentials
to, but in this case, the promoters decided who they
wanted to cover the show. Although, I made a point
of not just yours but other press of their precious part
in promoting the show, it went on deaf ears. If it was up
to me, I would have given you credentials based on the
promotions you have done on your website and on the radio.
Again, I apologize for
any inconvenience but this was beyond my control.
I,
Lance Cameron, feel personally slighted that you (Link Up
Media) did not think us important enough to respond in a
proper format and acknowledge our input to your event.
Media is constantly being maligned and allegedly
misrepresented in many public forums, but when its one of
our own that is taking advantage of a member, they should
remember “don’t cut off yuh nose to
spite yuh face”. As you
were so we are, and as you have become so will we, however
there is a difference, we will always strive to remember
where we began. We
will never forget those who helped to put us in the position
that we have achieved!
Media plays
possibly the greatest role in the making or breaking of any
artist in any Genre, and I feel that we should be accorded
respect. Do not make promises or agreements with entities
if you do not intend to honor them, this will only make you
seem superficial and obtuse. To those that remember their
beginnings, I honor you. I am able to state these comments
because as upset as I am, I can also see with clarity. The
descent of the powerhouses has already begun due to their
arrogance, and overall ineptitude at following through with
the small details. Whatever we do here at WI-Times, we will
not forget that it’s all in the details. To all of our
readers know “the real truth”
Note: As of the writing of this article WIT still has
not received an explanation from Link Up Media of what
transpired.
squeeze@linkupmedia.com
junior@linkupmedia.com
or
claudia@linkupmedia.com
Written
By Lance Cameron, W.I.T. Writer
Printed Monday, June 14, 2004