Last month I aired the concerns of both journalists and PR professionals who are coping with the rise of “influencers” and paid-for blogs which are distorting the motoring scene.
Paid for supplied editorial has been with us for decades in various forms but generally this is accompanied by a strapline which states it is ‘bought’ space and all it contains must be taken with a pinch of salt.
Last month I was offered a series by a writer for a nominal contribution to a website but only if it was not stated to be paid-for editorial.
I explained this could not appear without such explanation and the agency involved withdrew its offer.
It just got me thinking how many sites struggling for income would happily use such copy and possibly do already and therefore how much reliance you can place on what you read on line or anywhere else.
An independent press is still the most important feature of British journalism, despite the attempts of media moguls and agencies to curtail this character.
This month will see Suzuki returning to our area for their latest driving event.
In the first week of October, Alun Parry and Jess Grimditch, will be hosting an on and off-road test session based at The Vale Hotel and Walters Arena, Banwen.
I advised on the road route which includes Switzerland and should particularly please our visiting Irish contingent as it goes to the birthplace of St Patrick, but you’ll have to wait and see why its not so far fetched as it sounds.
It’s the way of life and I hope everyone who supports the efforts of Suzuki this week will go away with some dramatic images and a big smile learning about a part of the country few really know about and a model range which is small but perfectly formed.
In just over a month, thewesterngroup will be holding its AGM courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors UK at Cirencester.
An agenda for the meeting will shortly be sent out by the secretary but as you read this I hope members will consider any rule changes they would like to see which have to be agreed at the annual meeting.
It’s also time to think about who will stand for the committee posts and get in your nominations with the members’ agreement along with proposer and seconder names. Send details to our secretary Steve Grant at the usual addresses.
We don’t want to arrive at the meeting with no clear idea on whether or not the group will be going in 2018. A comparatively short AGM might just turn into a marathon.
Robin Roberts | Chairman WGMW
Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He's been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.
He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.
Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.
