Dear Sirs/Mesdames
We have approached you, because we think it is high time that one of the Port Elizabeth Radio Stations and some Community Papers, begin to provide the required Social Responsibility to their readers/listeners, which audience supports them, and indeed support you, the Funder (advertisers sponsors).
This social responsibility is not being performed as regards publicising ALL events in their FREE gig guides (sometimes called Diaries, Calendars, What’s On) at least some of the time. And knowing the E.CAPE entertainers, I believe that I speak for several other producers, especially those of us who can not afford paid advertising (our production only has 60 seats, per month), when I say that ALL productions need at least some free publicity, at some time.
As I said before to the relevant Community media, it really does not matter to us if we run in Port Elizabeth or not, however, my concern is that given that Port Elizabeth is known for NOT publicising several events, primarily in their Community media, there must be countless local productions, let alone those from around South Africa, who do not perform in Port Elizabeth.
This, I have been told is the case, and if true, then depending on what the various Community media now write back to me (this email having been copied to them), it may be wise for the other producers (and myself) to then look at asking you to boycott any form of funding (incl. advertising) to such media, until they play fair. In other words, some action must now take place.
Your public, which forms the very base of such media, as a target audience of listeners/ readers, and upon whom you rely upon if your advertising funding is to reach them, are the very same public, who have for 11 years that we have run, begged us to come to Port Elizabeth. We did. As of late last year (although we tried before then as well). Since then, only a handful of Community Radio stations and Community papers, have publicised us (and others) in their FREE gig guides. They, are commended, and should continue to receive funding/advertising.
We shall give you a list very shortly, as to whom responds and does not respond, so that mass action can be taken.
At present, while we present our very well and all appreciated tours (which give a great scope of History, Tourism and Legends about various cities), EVERY month in the other major cities, because of several of your Community media, the E.CAPE public only receive our tour ONCE A YEAR. However, they want it once a month, like other cities, but your community media are NOT supporting its own audience in providing them with information. This must now stop, as regards ALL productions, and if necessary, as I say, we shall appeal to you for assistance.
Below, is the usual blurb we send out, and all we ask for is for it to be published in the FREE Gig Guides (diary, calendar, what’s on) the same way as is done for others.
This one tour (for the WHOLE year, how ridiculous) will be full regardless of Communty media, however, that is not the point. The Public have a right to know of this event, and other productions also have a right to be publicised, at least some of the time. I must add, that I have seen several other productions have poor attendance in Port Elizabeth, a various theatres, and the time is now for the public to take a stand, along with your assistance if necessary.
All the best
MARK ROSE-CHRISTIE
