JPC - Media Relations- Repost

As uncovered and discussed in last week blog “JPC – Website Content & Critical Analysis”, the JPC corporate website leaves a lot to be desired with regard to its new technology offerings, this certainly includes “media strategies”. Many questions that could/would have been addressed in this blog have been already been discussed. The fact is according to our readings JPC meets very few (and this is generous) of the criteria as it relates to the interactive newsroom, its audience and the information it one can obtain from it.

There are a couple of recent changes of interest to note. First, when doing JPC research for this week’s blog “Media Relations” the corporate webpage has been updated. Now, when you click on the Ebony/Jet images you are directed to the online versions of those magazines instead of the subscription page. The Fashion Fair page has been updated as well. Perhaps they are reading my JPC missives?

Second, and of great importance is a find I discovered doing a global Internet search. In a press release dated11/16/2011 the bloomberg.com website announced the JPC was undertaking a massive effort to “revitalize and expand” the brand. To that end JPC has hired a new technology executive to help with “new technology initiatives” this includes “social networks and mobile devices”.

This initiative is a clear indication the JPC is aware of the fact that they have fallen behind with regard to fulfilling the needs of the digital age stakeholder. It may also have a lot to do with the fact that in July 2011 JP Morgan Chase & Company became a “minority” stakeholder with JPC. In addition to obvious financial gain this association provided JPC it also opened the inner workings of JPC to new scrutiny. As is sometimes the case with “sole proprietorships” tunnel vision is often a hindrance. Perhaps in an effort to protect and capitalize on the investment, Chase may have opened the doors to a new implementing a new direction for JPC along with its brands. I’m sure they did due diligence and performed their own “critical analysis”. The good thing is that Chase thought JPC was still relevant and has a viable future otherwise I doubt they would have made the investment. No one backs a loser!



Further research uncovered an NPR article dated 9/22/11 touting “Ebony Jet Parent (JPC) Takes a Bold New Tack. It indicated concerns about “Johnson Publishing's ability to survive the turmoil in the media industry are no longer relevant”. This means JPC is indeed turning a new leaf.

It is clear that all aspects of JPC are going to embark on a massive makeover designed to meet the needs of a print publication and its transition into the digital age. All aspects of media relations will be improved. Soon enough we should be able to say “This is not your grandma’s Ebony/Jet/JPC…