The Public Relations Blog

Real-world examples and tips to create attention-grabbing headlines that will secure media pickup.

A strong, attention-grabbing headline is critical for a press release to achieve its purpose of securing media coverage. With journalists receiving hundreds of releases daily, standing out among the crowded media landscape is challenging but possible. 

A study shows journalists are increasingly overwhelmed with pitches and media requests in an era of dwindling newsrooms.

A new report from Propel, a public relations software company, shows journalists are responding to fewer pitches than ever before, continuing a concerning downward trend.  

The rebranding of HARO by Cision may be a game-changer for PR professionals.

In the fast-changing landscape of public relations, we continuously seek tools to streamline processes and maximize value for clients. The recent rebranding of HARO (Help a Reporter Out), an online platform that connects journalists with expert sources for their news stories and reporting, to Connectively represents an exciting shift in PR outreach capabilities.

Understanding common media terms in these four categories will help communications professionals demystify any newsroom or office.

Corporate communications professionals need familiarity with media terminology to perform their duties effectively on a daily basis. A glossary of common media terms, for example,  provides public relations practitioners with an invaluable reference to navigate the communications industry. 

Keep your news contacts updated so your company can quickly earn media coverage.

A media list is a resource your company and PR team utilizes throughout a PR campaign to build relationships with contacts at specific outlets. A strategic media list will help the PR pro know who to share your company’s newsworthy information, such as the opening of a new location, new products, new hires, donations to nonprofits, and more. 

News releases focusing strictly on news value are more effective than press releases in today's media landscape.

In the world of public relations, there are two main types of releases organizations use to garner media attention: the press release and the news release. Though they may seem similar, news releases are more valued in today’s media landscape due to their higher news value and more journalistic style.

So what’s the difference?

To better the PR pro/journalist relationship, avoid these common mistakes.

Public relations professionals and journalists have a symbiotic yet strained relationship at times. As a PR veteran who worked with the media for over 15 years, I've encountered recurring habits among reporters that annoy even the most experienced PR pros. 

Though many journalists are a pleasure to work with, a few key etiquette tweaks could go a long way toward smoothing out communication.

In this episode, Kasey Klee, Marjorie Comer, and Bob Wiltfong join On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices.

Tune in to learn more!

Marketers need to be more selective and creative when pitching ideas.

PR professionals have always tried to make their pitches more enticing by linking them to major news events. However, new data reveals this once-solid strategy is becoming increasingly ineffective in 2023. 

In this episode, Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations and host of On Top of PR, discusses the intricacies of earned media coverage and PR strategies.

Tune in to learn more!