Hey there,
As a Public Relations (PR) person, you will be surely inundated with requests for the media. Drafting a press release for the media, pitching to the media, conducting press conferences, organizing media parleys and so much more.
So the question then arises, how do you deal with the almighty “media”. Trust me, they are a fun bunch, they can be quite appealing one minute and the next they can be aggressive, depending on your approach to them. The media is made up of broadcasters, journalists, correspondents, and writers who shape our environment through the news that they create and curate to keep us updated. They are human beings just like you and I and I will be sharing a few tips on how to deal with these amazing human beings! Trust me, they are now my friends but initially, I felt they were these challenging bunch or hurdle that I had to pass through as a PR person.
- Start building a media list: It is very important to build a media list and the best way you can start is to jot down the names of every journalist that you come in contact with and their email addresses and phone numbers. The more you write down, the more your list expands. Furthermore, there are tools these days that help with an aggregated media list, however for the traditional media list, you can build your list by sifting through new articles for names of writers and authors of certain beats. Then you go on LinkedIn or any other platform and connect with the journalists there. That way you build a legitimate media list, you can also ask your current contacts for numbers or email addresses of their colleagues in different beats to help with your list.
- Always have a press kit ready: It is important to have a press kit when meeting with the media. A media/press kit contains a brief history of your organization and the key information that you wish to put out important phone numbers and a list of positive things your organization has done in the recent past. A well-planned media kit will help you be prepared to meet the media and showcase that you are ready to give them the right information that they need. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, so plan to be ready with a good press kit whether electronic or hard copy to present to the media and pitch your business any time, any day.
- Build a relationship with your media contact: It is best to build a relationship with the media after you must have compiled your list. It helps with referrals and getting your story on the front burner. You can do this the same way you build any relationship, strike a conversation, and relate with them. You can also celebrate the media on their special occasions, for instance, their birthdays, their anniversaries, etc. It’s a way to build relationships with the media. But this must not come up as you trying to bribe them, it must be genuine and from a good place.
- Speak the language of the media in your write-ups or documents: In your write-up, always ensure to write as if the editor is publishing it directly, this takes the stress off the media personnel. It also makes your work easier to be ranked for publishing with the editor. Always remember that you have a target audience, and you need to write for that audience. Proofread your document for errors and conduct spell checks. I explained this in my last post about writing for the media. When your write-up is always clear and concise, it’s easier for the media to like and build a relationship with you.
Remember that the media is made up of human beings who like interaction, and have families and friends too, so treat them with mutual respect and cordiality and you will get the same response from them.
I hope you enjoyed reading up to this point, thank you! Join me weekly in my journey into the PR world where I discuss challenges, tips, pointers, and wins in the PR career space. See you soon!
