Media Relations

A healthy media-PR relationship is existential to the communication sector. Given that some publishers accept payment for placing thought-leadership articles, the business case for journalists is decreasing. As a result, PR pros should follow media relations best practices, assisting journalists as much as they can.

While the debate rages on as to whether or not she should be reprimanded or applauded for her actions (and with many public figures and companies showing support including Serena Williams, Nike and Billie Jean King), it raises some important questions regarding press conferences and the need for the now-historic practice.

For some business executives, media relations is simple: ‘Get me in the NY Times/Wall St Journal/Washington Post.’ However, if the past year of media consumption during COVID-19 has shown anything, it’s the importance of local media.

How many crises might have been averted just by asking a few more questions and offering a couple of clarifying points? The author provides some key lessons.

PRNEWS Live welcomed Suzanne Fanning, CMO of Wisconsin Cheese. Fanning discussed creative strategies to connect with the media.

There’s no time like spring to take a fresh look at cleaning the homestead and your communication tactics and strategies. Consider what’s working and things that need tweaking or a deep-cleaning, such as dusty media lists or social posts that haven’t aged well.

Cision’s annual state of the media didn’t offer revelations, but is loaded with useful insight and data about how journalists worked in 2020 and what they’re looking for in 2021. It’s a good reminder for PR pros to tailor pitches, return calls, include useful data, provide DEI angles and consider upbeat stories.

Whether you produce news segments or the advertising in between, your industry is suffering from significant burnout, two recent surveys have found. Researchers at College of Social Work (CoSW) Self-Care Lab at the University of Kentucky conducted a national survey of nearly 2,000 television journalists’ self-care practices as COVID-19 has come to dominate lead stories they work on in addition to their personal lives. In a survey of over 1,300 marketing, PR and advertising employees and a subsequent report, market research firm Bastion db5 in partnership with agency vet Tim Anderson found top stressors included work-life balance, job security, ageism and fair pay.

Athletes can offer a lot to brand campaigns. Yet, consider reputation issues before jumping into an endorsement deal, advises veteran PR pro Arthur Solomon, who’s worked with hundreds of athletes over the years. He shares tips for working with athletes, current and retired.

The cannabis and CBD industry presents unique opportunities and challenges for PR pros. Here, a communicator prevents a crisis for her client.