ARIN, the nonprofit corporation that manages the distribution of Internet number resources, has engaged global public relations agency, LEWIS PR, to implement a media relations campaign. The agency’s remit includes assisting with messaging, positioning, communications planning and creation of the nonprofit’s first social media program.

LEWIS will aim to elevate ARIN’s position as a valuable resource for the media on issues related to Internet number resources, increase participation in its open policy development process, and educate the public and media on the technical and business challenges arising from IPv4 depletion and IPv6 adoption.   

Ian Lipner, General Manager at LEWIS, will lead the program and will report to Megan Kruse, Public Relations Officer at ARIN.

“We have a complex message with growing urgency attached to it, and we needed a firm that knows how both the folks in the data center and in the head office think,” said Kruse.  “LEWIS PR’s experience working in the IT space, combined with its leadership in social media made the firm an excellent fit for us.”

“ARIN is powered by a dedicated and participatory community which happens to be very technology-savvy, making a social media dimension to the campaign vital,” said Lipner. “But just as important is getting through to mainstream media with a message about an issue that will affect every business on the Internet and ultimately, every Internet user.”

LEWIS was selected following a competitive pitch for the public relations program. Details of the budget are not being disclosed.