Michelle Garrett’s Post

Interacting with media at events can be intimidating, but making an engaging connection is easier than you think. Here are five key tips PR News has for talking to journalists: https://bit.ly/3VJiV3Q #RhythmComm #Rhythm #PRNews

Good public relations starts with giving journalists what they want. And what do journalists want? News worth talking about. Katelynn Marfousi delves into how to develop better pitches (and stronger journalist relationships) by establishing newsworthiness in this recent article.

It’s probably not what you’d expect to hear from a PR professional, but it’s true: your news releases are largely a waste of time. Senior Associate Joseph Luongo explains why — and what you should do instead to successfully market your story to journalists.   #publicrelations  #prstrategy #earnedmedia   https://lnkd.in/e5JYZycP

Recently, the Society of Professional Journalists issued a statement condemning public information officers/ PR pros (link below) who prohibit journalists from speaking to staff members, making it difficult to uncover important stories. The SPJ is correct; PR professionals have an ethical responsibility to be honest and transparent. When they obstruct honest journalists because they dislike a story, they become part of the problem. PR professionals have a responsibility to be honest and transparent when advising organizations and must allow journalists reasonable access to their staff members. Discussion Questions: 1. As a PR professional, have you ever been asked to stonewall a reporter or keep them from speaking to organization staff? How did you handle it? 2. If legitimate reasons exist to decline an interview, what steps would you take to maintain the relationship with the media? Link to SPJ statement: https://lnkd.in/eefGdsgp

What is an embargo and how should you use one? With #journalists receiving more than 6️⃣ pitches daily and coverage becoming harder to secure, #PRpros may start looking to embargoes to help manage their media relations. Linda Zebian walks us through what they are and how to use them strategically on our blog! https://bit.ly/4bDgVkA #mediarelations #publicrelations #embargoes #storysharing #mediapitching

When executed well, embargoes are a great way to build trust and rapport with the journalists you work with most often and establish relationships with new contacts. When used incorrectly or too often, it could hurt your credibility and waste journalists’ time. Get more tips in my latest blog 👇

OFF THE RECORD talks with journalists can be a very impactful tool to address a story adequately. Knowing the rules of engagement with reporters is one of the most essential things a PR pro can do – and counsel their clients on. When communicating "off the record" or "on background," there's nuance and consideration required to manage both the opportunity and the risk. ✔ Off the Record: In these conversations, you share information that a journalist agrees NOT to use publicly. This can help clarify details, provide context, or influence a story's direction without direct attribution. Important: Confirm that the reporter agrees to these terms before you begin, as misunderstandings about "off the record" boundaries can lead to unwanted exposure. ✔ On Background: Here, the journalist can use the information but without directly attributing it to you or your company. Instead, it might be attributed to "a source familiar with the matter." This approach can be valuable when you want to offer insights without taking direct responsibility. But there are Advantages and Risks: ❗ Advantages: These methods can enhance trust and credibility with journalists, influence the narrative, and protect sensitive information while sharing it strategically. ❗ Risks: These interactions carry risks if managed poorly. Reporters may interpret "off the record" differently or assume "background" details are fair game for publication. Best Practice: Establish clear agreements with journalists before speaking, and remember that even private comments can sometimes surface unexpectedly.

We are often asked how long a media release should be. Some suggest no more than a page, others say it can be up to three. Our answer? Find out in Joe Wilkie's latest blog what the ideal length for a media release is and what are some of the no-nos when is comes to media releases and engaging with journalists. #mediarelease #mediarelations #pbcomms #publicrelations #workingwithmedia

Great insights from PRWeek about best practices for requesting revisions from journalists! It’s important to express gratitude for their coverage, keep your revision requests concise and provide a brief suggestion for correction. These tips can strengthen your relationship with reporters and outlets, a critical part of PR!  Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtphrcEa #Journalism #PRTips