Media List
A Media List is a crucial database or collection of media contacts that PR professionals use to reach out to journalists, reporters, bloggers, and other media professionals. It's like a carefully organized address book that includes contact information, topics of interest, and other relevant details about media contacts who might be interested in covering a company's news. PR professionals use media lists to know exactly who to contact when they have news to share, making their outreach more targeted and effective. Similar terms include "press list," "journalist database," or "media contact database."
Examples in Resumes
Built and maintained Media List of over 500 journalists across technology and business sectors
Updated Media Lists quarterly to ensure 95% accuracy rate
Developed targeted Press Lists for product launches resulting in 30% coverage rate
Managed comprehensive Media Contact Database for national and regional publications
Typical job title: "PR Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find PR Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of a media list?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss metrics like response rates from journalists, successful placements, maintaining contact accuracy, and strategies for updating and segmenting lists based on different campaigns or industries.
Q: How do you build relationships with key media contacts?
Expected Answer: Should explain personalized outreach strategies, understanding journalists' beats, providing relevant and timely pitches, and maintaining regular but meaningful contact without being pushy.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you maintain and update a media list?
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular verification of contact information, tracking journalist moves between publications, adding new contacts, and removing outdated information.
Q: What information do you include in a media list and why?
Expected Answer: Should mention key elements like contact details, preferred contact method, beat/topic areas, past coverage history, and preferred pitch format.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What tools do you use to build a media list?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with media databases like Cision or Meltwater, spreadsheet software, and basic research methods for finding relevant journalists.
Q: How do you research potential media contacts?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to find relevant journalists through reading their articles, using social media, and understanding their beat or coverage area.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic media list creation and maintenance
- Research skills for finding relevant contacts
- Understanding of media database tools
- Basic email pitch writing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Strategic media list segmentation
- Relationship building with journalists
- Media list accuracy maintenance
- Successful pitch placement track record
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic media relations planning
- Team management and training
- Crisis communications expertise
- High-level media relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of major media database platforms
- Poor understanding of journalism beats and topics
- Lack of experience in relationship building
- Unable to demonstrate successful media placements
- No understanding of different media types (broadcast, print, digital)
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
7 Ways to Maximize Your Candidate Database ROI
Unlock LinkedIn’s Hidden Potential: 9 Surprising Tactics for Recruitment Outreach Success
From Ghost Town to Talent Hub: Transforming Your Careers Blog into a Talent Magnet
