By TIM TROWER
I wrote a couple days ago about how press conferences aren’t as beneficial to us as they are the electronic media, largely because of their timing and sometimes because the subject matter doesn’t require such an investment of time. However, I’m reminded of the best “presser” we’ve had here. It was highly warranted and executed beautifully, in that no one knew for sure what Kyle Singler would say when he announced which college he would attend on a basketball scholarship. The South Medford star had Duke, Kansas and Arizona on his list, but he didn’t so much as hint toward any of them. He was said to be leaning toward Duke — which he ultimately chose — but the atmosphere was thick with uncertainty.
It was a big deal because it was national in scope; we had newspapers and recruiting outlets from all over the country calling and asking about it.
This was one presser we went whole hog on. Two reporters and a photographer were there and produced three stories and art. We had also written three stories in advance — mostly background on the schools and their star-power coaches — allowing us to put one on the Web with a push of a key as soon as the words escaped Singler’s lips. Back in the office, we heard through a cell phone when he said the word “Duke.” Within seconds, we had the Duke version online.
So, I guess there are times when pressers are warranted and helpful.
