Media Relations

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.

Earlier this month we asked questions of communicators who were honored as PR Professionals of the Year during 2018’s PRNEWS Platinum Awards luncheon in NY. We asked about improving relations with journalists, how brands can maintain a human touch in a tech-driven world and several other topics.

How does an airline that hasn’t sold a ticket since 2001 appeal to the public and resurrect a brand? We asked Sara Joseph, SVP, lifestyle & hospitality lead at BerlinRosen, TWA Hotel’s PR firm of record, about re-rolling out a brand that sparks fond memories and has an opportunity to tell its story to a new generation.

There’s no rule in media relations that says communicators need to answer a reporter’s question immediately, particularly during a crisis. Never lie to a reporter, but sometimes doing the best thing for a brand means deferring on a question until you’re ready with an answer that’s carefully crafted. Veteran communicator Arthur Solomon offers tips about how to do this well.