" From my own experience, I can't think of an instance where a date of record has been set prior to the announcement of the event, but I certainly haven't heard of every such occasion."

I thought it was common business practice to inform holders of the dividend date in advance.

Example

Urgent Notice to Warrantholders

--  Warrantholders wanting to qualify for the Merrex dividend of 18,675,000
shares of Frontline Gold Corporation MUST have their warrant exercise
COMPLETED by the April 15, 2010 dividend Record Date.

Kerry.