Comments on: PR is not media relations

By: Ex-journalists should not be the boss of PR | Public relations and managing reputation

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:54:43 +0000

[...] PR is not a synonym for media relations. Nor is crisis communication the only function a senior PR operative undertakes. And whilst media relations is a major component of crisis communication, it is only one element. [...]

By: 7 links to useful PR ideas | Public relations and managing reputation

7 links to useful PR ideas | Public relations and managing reputation — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 06:05:14 +0000

[...] I wrote and promoted my post called PR is not media relations it generated an enormous reaction. Not that you’d know it from the blog post specifically. It is [...]

By: Working in PR: 14 reasons why in-house kicks agency butt | Public relations and managing reputation

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:56:35 +0000

[...] delivers ROI and helps achieve organisational objectives, but it is not the be-all and end all. PR is not media relations. Whilst extensive creativity, intelligence and tenacity is required to work effectively in media [...]

By: Who is helping public relations ‘get’ strategic? | Public relations and managing reputation

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:52:36 +0000

[...] Agencies also (though they are not alone in this) have a horrible habit of using PR as a synonym for media relations, thereby stymieing the recognition of the behavioural, strategic management paradigm of public [...]

By: Thought Leadership - Interview on thought leadership with PR practitioner Craig Pearce

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:18:29 +0000

[...] that marketing should report to public relations, social media belongs to public relations and PR is not media relations. But that might be more to do with one of the attributes that I do believe characterises thought [...]

By: Craig

Craig — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:27:00 +0000

Thanks for the thoughts, Paul. I agree, the utility and power of media relations should not be underestimated, even in this age of disintermediation. As long as results are king/queen and the strategy serves him/her.

By: Paul Rabin

Paul Rabin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:36:17 +0000

Great topic Craig.

Media relations should be viewed as a very powerful weapon. When used correctly in well-trained hands, it can protect and enhance an organization. When handled carelessly, someone’s going to get hurt.

Media outreach is a valuable component to any company’s PR strategy when used in the right proportion with other initiatives. Too large and you won’t be able to justify the ROI. Too small and it won’t bring the attention your client deserves. Close attention must be paid to the overall scope, messages, and objectives of your client’s company before determining the size of any media campaign.

By: Craig

Craig — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:10:17 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Dick. And very good point about initial media relations work opening the door for a broader strategic and tactical remit/input. So true. As always, it seems a large part of the PR professional’s role is to educate organisations (more than most other professions?) about what it is we are actually capable of achieving for and with them.

As for FLAK/Flack explanation – nice one!

By: Dick Pirozzolo

Dick Pirozzolo — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:00:39 +0000

Good post.

Nevertheless… we represent clients from the UK, Israel, Japan and Vietnam that want to penetrate the US market.

They initially contact us for Media Placement or Media Relations, which opens the door to the new client’s organization giving us the opportunity to build trust and a relationship that affords us the opportunity to deliver a greater range of services and value.

I wouldn’t dismiss media relations as part of our research either. Reporters and editors are the gatekeepers of information. They keep their jobs because they understand their readers and what they want e.g. our client’s stakeholders. So instead of just shoveling information out to the media, take the time ask questions about your client and be sure to listen to the answers.

On a another note– can we finally put to rest the outdated and oft-misspelled word “FLACK” to describe public relations professionals. FLAK (no “c”) is short for “FLugAbwehrKanone” a WW II German anti-aircraft weapon that fired shrapnel-filled puffs as “our boys — over there” flew their “crates across the briney.” Since the War ended when Grandpa was a young man, maybe we can hang up the word — right next to his old FLAK jacket ; )

By: David Meerman Scott

David Meerman Scott — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:48:48 +0000

Well said and some great discussions here. My main points are that we have a lot more ways to reach the public today than just through the media.