Why Do Media Relations and Media Training Matter?
Engaging with the media can open a world of possibilities for brands, businesses, and organizations, providing a platform for sharing your story, shaping narratives, and connecting with target audiences. With today’s media landscape moving faster than ever, effective media relations and training calls for public relations professionals to serve as trusted guides that can equip teams with the skills and preparation for whatever media opportunities may arise.
Connecting with media can be difficult today, but staying up to date with current trends and topics can lead to new relationships with your audience and the media as they know you care about the stories you’re trying to tell.
With journalists receiving so many pitches at once, consider what sets your story apart from others and what would interest them. It’s also important to know how your story fits into a specific reporter’s news cycle, so be mindful. Establishing connections with journalists and media outlets as a PR professional can make them more receptive to your stories.
When pursuing media opportunities, it’s vital to ensure your spokesperson is prepared and ready for what may come. During your media training, focus on speaking highly, and how the mission, vision, and benefits of the organization can be included in media opportunities. PR professionals can also help build confidence through interview simulations that help one prepare for hard questions while staying on track to share the necessary key points.
In addition, media training that emphasizes the current media trends, the latest platforms, and the need for personalization can be extremely beneficial to improving your client’s communication with the media.
David Wills of our Public Relations Global Network partner Media Profile in Toronto recently sat down with Abbie S. Fink in an episode of the PRGN Presents Podcast, where they explored the state of media today and why media relations and media training should be a part of your strategy.
Listen to the full podcast here or on your preferred listening app. Want to introduce media relations and media training to your team? Give HMA a call to find out how we can help!
