WESTMINSTER 2018 BY GAIL MILLER BISHER Director of Communications, Westminster Kennel Club
The 2017/2018 year was a block- buster in many ways and the amount of
media ad television coverage was an important aspect contributing to the success of Westminster’s 142nd show. In my third year as Director of Communications for WKC, I’m proud of the huge increase in media attention, online engagement and quality television cov-
As a person who grew up in the ring, I’m a handler at heart. I thrive on taking a good dog and making them better. I think this mentality of improving upon something lends itself to other areas of your life including your career. Therefore, it gives me great sat- isfaction knowing that I’m doing all I can personally and profes- sionally to promote WKC, purebred dogs and the Sport to the worldwide media and the general dog-loving public. This year was exceptional! Much of the additional buzz this year was rooted in our Road to Westminster video series. Aside from creating content for our website and social media channels year around, these platforms also give members of the Sport an outlet to share their stories of dedication, passion and love for their breeds. To date we’ve shared 146 of your stories online, in telecasts and on the Madison Square Garden jumbotron and the stories will continue on the road to 2019. erage. Of course, I’m happy to produce results for WKC but mostly I’m proud to be contributing to the promotion of our Sport.
Complementing the Road to WKC series this year were the additional productions of new Westminster-related TV program- ming for Nat Geo WILD and Netflix. The Nat Geo WILD program- ming was part of the 18 hours of Westminster TV coverage (U.S.) this year during Westminster Week. (The WKC episode in the Netflix series 7 Days Out will air in the fall of 2018.) Assisting all of these productions is another important aspect of ensuring that the Sport is properly represented and that purebred dogs remain relevant in today’s society.
As you can tell, the Westminster Kennel Club tradition of promoting the Sport is one I take to heart and thankfully so do many of you. With that, we would like to sincerely thank all of the owners who joined WKC to promote the Sport this year by participating in our NYC press conference, media appearances, media photo opportunities, Road to Westminster video series interviews, TV promotional shoots, and full TV programs throughout the year and during the events. Sharing your beautiful dogs with the world this year was an honor and privilege for us.
Gail Miller Bisher Director of Communications, THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB
Photo courtesy WKC
158 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2018
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