Earned Media
Earned Media refers to publicity or coverage that a campaign or organization gets without paying for it directly. This includes news stories, TV interviews, newspaper articles, or social media shares that happen naturally because something is newsworthy. It's different from "paid media" (like buying ads) or "owned media" (like campaign websites). When someone in politics talks about earned media, they mean getting their message out through journalists and news outlets who choose to cover their story, making it more credible to voters since it comes from independent sources.
Examples in Resumes
Secured $2 million worth of Earned Media coverage through strategic press releases and media relationships
Generated positive Earned Media mentions in major news outlets during crucial campaign phases
Increased campaign visibility through Free Press and Earned Media opportunities in local markets
Developed Earned Media strategy resulting in 50+ positive news stories
Typical job title: "Media Relations Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Media Relations Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a crisis situation where negative press is threatening the campaign?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating a rapid response strategy, maintaining media relationships, crafting clear messaging, and turning negative coverage into opportunities while showing experience managing similar situations.
Q: How do you measure the success of an earned media strategy?
Expected Answer: Should mention tracking media mentions, analyzing tone and reach of coverage, measuring message penetration, and connecting media coverage to campaign goals and outcomes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to get media attention for a campaign event?
Expected Answer: Should discuss timing of press releases, building relationships with reporters, creating newsworthy angles, and coordinating with local media outlets.
Q: How do you balance earned media efforts with paid advertising?
Expected Answer: Should explain how earned media complements paid efforts, timing considerations, message consistency, and budget allocation strategies.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between earned, owned, and paid media?
Expected Answer: Should clearly explain that earned media is free coverage gained through newsworthiness, owned media is campaign-controlled content, and paid media is advertising.
Q: How do you write an effective press release?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic press release structure, importance of headlines, including quotes, and proper formatting for media distribution.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Writing press releases
- Media monitoring
- Building media lists
- Social media management
Mid (2-5 years)
- Media relationship building
- Event promotion
- Crisis communications
- Message development
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic communications planning
- Crisis management
- Team leadership
- Campaign strategy development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of news cycles or media deadlines
- Poor writing skills or grammar mistakes
- Lack of current events knowledge
- No experience with press release writing or media relations
- Unable to explain difference between earned and paid media
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