Winner

Bravo Media
Watch a few hours of Bravo’s unscripted shows, and then think about the people tasked with “minding” all that talent—not to mention the ones devising new and creative ways to drive publicity in an arena in which it seems like just about everything has been done already. Critics have seen it all. Viewers have seen it all. And so have distributors. But this PR team, with scrappy execs in both NYC and L.A., keeps finding new ways to promote the eclectic mix of “Bravolebrities” (yes, that’s a real term coined by this team) and their quirky shows, often figuring out ways to cross promote different properties and maximize exposure in a crowded, noisy world of reality fare. With 30 shows to promote, this 10-person team led by fearless leader evp, communications Jennifer Geisser has gotten big results, with Bravo shows gracing at least one weekly magazine 36 out of 52 weeks of ’12 for a total of 55 covers for the years. That’s impressive. And get this: Bravo talent has appeared on an average of 15 TV shows per week, including “Today,” “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “Live with Kelly and Michael”—and the list goes on. And having watched the shows on Bravo, we’re guessing these Bravolebrities come with their own set of challenges for the brave publicists tasked with keeping them on time and in line. All of this is not to mention the incredible events and stunts that this team coordinates, including everything from the buzz-worthy “Top Chef” pop-up restaurant in Manhattan to the premiere event for “Vanderpump Rules” at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant Sur in Los Angeles. This PR team’s energy is infectious. And we feel like Bravolebrities whenever we’re exposed. 
 
Honorable Mentions

Animal Planet
Under the creative direction of svp Patricia Kollappallil, this PR team deserves kudos for thinking well outside the box in ’12, especially when it comes to its strategy of “embedding” journos in the field. Press went out with talent from “Finding Bigfoot,” “Hillbilly Handfishin’” and others, which resulted in field pieces in national print and TV outlets. The idea of getting the media to “live the brand” was a bold move and paid huge dividends.
 
IFC
Under the leadership of svp Marie Moore, this small PR team used guerrilla tactics and pure determination to put IFC on the map in ’12, anchoring efforts around its breakout hit “Portlandia.” Up against much bigger budgets and networks, this IFC crew used creativity to win press and awards (one video from the mayor of Portland asked Emmy voters to “Put an Emmy on it,” a nod to one of the show’s signature bits). Overall, an incredible team bound to do even more great things in ’13.

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