Public & Media Relations
Public Relations - the business of inducing the public to have an understanding of and goodwill towards a person, firm, or institution. Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary
The business of public relations is a lot like a brilliantly cut diamond, with a number of facets. While media relations (publicity) is often an important component of a successful PR campaign, it is but one facet.
Public relations also includes strategic planning and message shaping, defining audiences and the plans to reach out to them. Like traditional advertising, it can encompass entire branding campaigns or Web site activities, collateral design and production; whatever it takes to tell the company‘s story. Often public relations includes taking that story to the public through speaking engagements, trade shows and special events in addition to media outlets.
Community relations and employee relations are other facets to creating goodwill and reputation. Being prepared for emergencies through crisis communications planning also positions a company in a good light... being proactive instead of reactive.
Media Relations is what most people think of when they hear ‘public relations.’ Using the media to help tell a story is a powerful, efficient and cost-effective way to reach your audiences. It creates an almost third-party endorsement when someone else tells your story in print or on a news report. Press lends credibility to your announcement or message. But of course, it has to be newsworthy and/or of interest to a reporter/writer in order to be used. Often a delicate process, your message must be shaped/framed in the best possible way.
Media relations is often used in conjunction with a more comprehensive public relations program and is also used with advertising/marketing campaigns. Developing strong relationships with media is key to any successful publicity seeker. This happens when you provide the media with interesting angles for your story, good quotes and clear and concise background materials.