The Sun Runner
The Journal of the Real Desert
Joshua Tree, California
Sun Runner
Media Services
New for 2018!
The Sun Runner began publishing as a black and white arts magazine for Twentynine Palms, California, on January 1, 1995.
​
Since that date, the magazine evolved into a media company that not only published the magazine, but also the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities visitor guide, a visitor map, newspapers, and specialty publications. In addition, The Sun Runner produced events, a travel television show, and desert tours.
​
In 2018, the decision was made to halt the publication of print products and to focus more on digital media, video production, and social media. As a result, The Sun Runner began partnering with others on a host of projects, and now offers a range of services for businesses and organizations that includes website creation, social media management, marketing, event promotion, video production, media relations, event production, and custom tours and travel itineraries.
​
Steve Brown, publisher of The Sun Runner since June 1, 2004, has an extensive background as an award-winning small business and economic development journalist, as well as a longtime small business owner himself. His background includes more than a decade of cultural heritage travel and tourism experience, including 3.5 years as president of the California Deserts Visitors Association, and nine years as an exhibitor at the largest consumer travel show in the nation.
​
Steve's interest is in helping small businesses and organizations stand out and build a solid organic base of customers and supporters, crafting a viable custom marketing plan that provides the most ROI (return on investment) for each client's budget. He approaches marketing with an eye for storytelling. Every business or organization has a story worth sharing. Customers connect with authentic stories in a world filled with shiny superficial distractions (and scams).
​
Call or email for a complimentary initial consultation for your business, organization, or event.
​
(760)820-1222 (Voice/Text)
Please leave a message if there is no answer.
​
​
Thank you for your consideration.
Services
Marketing consulting
​
Destination marketing/travel & tourism consulting
​
Social media management
​
Advertising/outreach campaign management
​
Event marketing and promotion
​
Media relations
​
Website creation and management
​
Video, specialty publication, and event production
Promotional Video for 29 Palms Inn
A promotional video highlighting award-winning naturalist Pat Flanagan's nature tours of the Oasis of Mara at the 29 Palms Inn.
This is an example of storytelling helping to establish authenticity, while highlighting one aspect of what makes the Inn different from other lodging establishments in the desert. It reaffirms the Inn's historical connection with the oasis, its history, wildlife, and previous human residents.
Editorial/documentary video
Two documentary videos focusing on naturalist Pat Flanagan, winner of the 2017 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award.
​
The top video is an interview with Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith on why we need women like Minerva Hamilton Hoyt and Pat Flanagan. It's a short, lively, and fun way to gain an expert perspective on citizen activism on behalf of our public lands.
​
The bottom video is the full Minerva Hoyt Conservation Awards ceremony.
​
Sun Runner Media Services can provide full documentary video production, from short snappy social media promotions to full feature unscripted documentaries.
Social media promotions
Promotional social media slideshows with music for the Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition. Studies show video/slideshows combining movement and music increase engagement. They're fun to share, and provide a deeper level of engagement than one still photo or graphic.
Mojave Watch: www.mojavewatch.org
California's Mojave Desert is geographically enormous with no unified media that reaches all of its residents. Yet it faces new and dangerous challenges that most residents aren't aware of at all. Mojave Watch is working to raise awareness of issues that impact desert residents (human and otherwise), and to connect residents with ways to have their voices heard on the issues that concern them the most.
We've built the website, produced content (digital, video, email newsletter), and conducted social media campaigns to increase awareness and turnout at public meetings.