Living Colour Supports Aerosmith on Tour

Photo © 2015 Donna Balancia

Doug Wimbish of Living Colour drives the beat, laying down sick bass lines.

Read more at CaliforniaRocker.com

Donna Balancia, Journalist, Works and Lives in Los Angeles

Donna Balancia works and lives in Los Angeles - Photo © 2015 Donna Balancia

By DONNA BALANCIA

What does it take to make it in the big city?

A little dedication, a little luck and a lot of great people!

A Microcosm

For a journalist, there's never a dull moment in Los Angeles, where the beauty and diversity of our country can be seen in a fast-moving microcosm of the U.S.

Donna Balancia knows this well.  She first came to Los Angeles in the late '80s and Los Angeles became her home.

Artists and CEOs

"Los Angeles is the place to be," said Donna, who writes about entertainment, technology, business, and travel.  "In Los Angeles you can meet artists and corporate executives over a meal in a local restaurant and both will give you a list of why they love it here.  Whatever you may do for work, Los Angeles is the place to be."

Donna Balancia, a member of the Los Angeles Press Club, covers entertainment, technology, business and travel.  She enjoys the diversity of nature and city in Southern California. For more on Donna Balancia, go to CaliforniaRocker.com.

Gwen Stefani at Rock In Rio USA 2015

By DONNA BALANCIA - LAS VEGAS - Gwen Stefani put on a show at Rock In Rio USA 2015 that saved the first day of the inaugural festival.

She's energetic, she communicates well with the audience and it's clear No Doubt has fans aplenty -- all enthusiastic about seeing Gwen and the guys.

In addition to an immense amount of energy and youthful moves, Gwen gives it her all.

She has a family of her own and keeps it together.  In addition to getting No Doubt back on the road, Gwen will replace Christina Aguilera on The Voice.

No Doubt will make an appearance at Chicago's  Riot Fest, along with Iggy Pop and Snoop Dogg. No Doubt will then go on to play at the Kaaboo festival at the Del Mar racetrack.

Gwen and No Doubt 

Gwen and No Doubt are worth checking out, particularly if the only exposure you may have had to her is on the radio and through the show The Voice.

Her live performance is outstanding.

Gwen, who looks amazing at 45 years old, has three kids and was recently seen going to church with her family.


Go to CaliforniaRocker.com for more info on her performance at Rock In Rio USA

Check out video from Rock In Rio USA:

Donna Balancia, Journalist

Donna Balancia covers entertainment, technology, business and travel

 Donna Balancia

Donna Balancia has been fortunate to have a career unique even among journalists.  On assignment, she has traveled to some of the most exotic destinations in the world, winging off to Tahiti, Monte Carlo, or Bangkok on a moment’s notice.  

Her vast and diverse portfolio of stories includes everything from interviews with Claus Von Bulow and Marlon Brando, to investigative pieces on The Asian economy, American corporate indulgences and the journey of journalism through the years.

Donna has covered sports, tourism and entertainment industries. In business, finance and technology, she has broken news on company mergers, and products about to go to market. 

http://newsbydonna.com/about/

Editorial Needs have changed in a Social Media World

Editorial in a Social Media World

By DONNA BALANCIA

Today, publicists need to know more than merely how to write a press release in order for their clients to justify media relations expenses in their marketing budgets.

So, the publicist of today has a heavier burden than ever before.  PR is no longer about calling a newspaper editor and begging for a borderline story to see the light of print.

Media relations experts must enhance their skills and show their clients that these efforts impact the client's bottom line.

"I really feel strongly about continuing your media education no matter how old you are," said Jannie Jameson, a publicity expert in NYC, who continues to take classes at New York University and State University of New York to keep her skills up to date. "Publicists need to learn all they can because the client of today is very results-oriented. Our culture is one of immediate gratification and that goes for PR results."

The savvy publicist engages on several levels when he or she shows the client results.

"You have to be skilled at social media platforms," Jameson said. "You have to know what to 'Tweet,' which story to put on Facebook, when to use Foursquare and Tumblr and when to go to Yelp.  It's more than putting something up on Facebook that tells people you're on the front porch with Granny."

While technology is enabling publicists to do a better job promoting their clients, there is a steep learning curve for many newbies coming into the business.

"Today's media relations expert has to know how to text and talk.

A piece of advice from Perry Fontaine, promotions expert in Southern California:

"Check with the client to make sure they really want publicity before you embark on a full-fledged campaign," he said. "Sometimes, you create media opportunities, you find a TV show your client can do, or have a column that can be written, and the client decides he doesn't want to follow through.  Make sure you're ready to jump in on a moment's notice if need be."

Spotlight aside, publicists have to play a variety of roles to get their clients out in the public eye.

"If I find an event a client should attend,  I make sure they go to it and if they can't I always try to attend," Jameson said. "Social media or not, we have to be attuned to what's happening in our community and also on a national level so the client can benefit."

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Donna Balancia is a producer and journalist who advocates for social media.  Her company, News Notables is located in Beverly Hills.