Former Ladbrokes head of news launches Press Box PR
Alex Donohue to head up agency focusing on using digital PR for SEO and responsible gambling communications
Former head of Ladbrokes News Alex Donohue has launched a new public relations agency, Press Box PR, which will provide communications services to the gambling industry.
Donohue, who spent almost seven years in Ladbrokes’ press office in a variety of public relations roles, has also worked as head of channel at social media giant LADbible, heading up the company’s betting and gaming publication, ODDSbible.
The new London-based agency, which has four staff and previously operated as Alex Donohue PR, currently works with Better Collective, The Greyhound Board and Argyll Entertainment.
Press Box PR employees have previously worked as editors, reporters and producers at titles spanning The Sun, Independent, The Mirror, The Express, Daily Star, as well as BT Sport and Amazon.
The agency’s media relations function will be headed up by Fred Nathan and Jack Watson.
It aims to focus on using digital PR for SEO, responsible gambling communications and journalism services for clients in the betting and gaming sector.
During the sporting shutdown, the agency had provided pro bono support to industry charitable campaigns including Swipe App’s backing of the #StayINtertotoCup, raising funds for NHS charities.
Speaking about the new agency, Donohue highlighted the need for solid journalism experience among operators, due to the emergence of search-based and editorial pieces as new channels for acquiring players.
“What’s left of traditional sponsorship activation, above-the-line advertising and social media best practice has had to adapt rapidly, and whilst it may seem like a strange time to launch a business that communicates on behalf of betting and gaming via live sport, there’s more of a requirement than ever for the sector to use effective public relations and communications to conquer a number of critical commercial and reputational challenges,” Donohue added.