Media Relations

Right or wrong, many executives think the only media that matters is the Wall St. Journal and the NY Times. OK, so how do PR pros get their brands a mention in one of those papers? We turn to someone who’s climbed that mountain. Frederik Bjørndal, who heads press relations for N. America and Europe for Novozymes, a Danish biotech firm, provides his checklist for getting major media coverage.

To celebrate Father’s Day it seemed fitting to revisit the history of the man dubbed the “Father of PR,” Edward Louis Bernays. Like any father, Bernays was not without his successes and failures, and controversial debates. For 103 years, this master of public opinion helped shape some of the cornerstones of PR.

There are few fields more compelling than healthcare. And with the stress and regulation involved in healthcare, communicators in this field are some of the most creative, strategic and versatile in the business. It is fitting that PRNEWS is presenting the Top Women in Healthcare Communication Awards in NY during a gala luncheon July 16th at The Yale Club. Communicators from key healthcare practice areas will gather to celebrate, learn and network.

The battle for gender equality marches on, played out in one of the most public spaces, headline news. And it’s not just about how much coverage women are receiving versus men—whether in politics or business… Continued

With PR pros outnumbering journalists 6 to 1 and myriad ways to reach journalists, media relations should be easier than ever. Not necessarily, according to a new report. It finds the media relations pro must understand an increasingly complicated landscape. The average number of journalists creating content for smaller publications is rising. Meanwhile, there are fewer journalists at tier 1 outlets.

This past January, baby boomers and John Mayer-following millennial Deadheads alike rejoiced at the announcement that the 50th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock Music and Arts Festival would be celebrated with a concert in upstate… Continued

In a sense, media relations is similar to a fast-food restaurant. We are competing against many others who are trying to gain the attention of a customer, in this case it’s a journalist. Why not look at one of the most successful fast-food outlets, Chick-fil-A, for training tips?

Last month we told you about a report from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that there are 6 PR pros to every one journalist Who are those journalists? What do they cover? And where do they write. A new study provides insight.

The word “relationships” is baked into the term “media relations,” and we often nurture and grow those relationships around privileged dialogues and access. But in an age when journalistic credibility is often under the microscope, PR pros should be conscious of how the access we provide can stain reporting, learn the editorial guidelines of the publications we work with and make sure our sources will put their names on the record unless their safety is at risk.

Let’s face it. We are all busy! Trying to get your content in front of a reporter can be challenging and at times, downright impossible. These quick tips will load your toolbox, broaden your reach, and limit your frustrations. Read on as George Matysek Jr., digital editor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, shares what captures his attention and gets your message noticed.