Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Byline Article • Position Statement • Brand Journalism

Media Relations

Term from Public Relations industry explained for recruiters

Media Relations is a key area of public relations that focuses on building and maintaining relationships with journalists, news outlets, and other media professionals to help organizations share their stories with the public. Think of it as being a bridge between a company and the news media. PR professionals who work in media relations help companies get positive news coverage, handle media inquiries during challenging times, and create materials that journalists can use like press releases and media kits. It's similar to publicity or press relations, but involves deeper, ongoing relationships with media contacts rather than just sending out news releases.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and executed Media Relations strategies resulting in coverage by major news outlets

Led Media Relations during company rebranding, securing positive coverage in industry publications

Managed Media Relations and Press Relations for corporate crisis communications

Created Media Relations campaigns that increased company visibility by 40%

Typical job title: "Media Relations Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Media Relations Manager Media Relations Specialist PR Manager Public Relations Specialist Communications Manager Press Officer Media Affairs Director Corporate Communications Manager

Where to Find Media Relations Professionals

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a major company crisis that's gaining negative media attention?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating a crisis communication plan, preparing leadership for media interviews, monitoring media coverage, maintaining transparent communication, and providing timely updates to stakeholders while protecting the company's reputation.

Q: How do you measure the success of a media relations campaign?

Expected Answer: Should mention tracking media coverage quality and quantity, message penetration, audience reach, social media engagement, and connecting media coverage to business goals like increased sales or brand awareness.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you build and maintain relationships with journalists?

Expected Answer: Should explain personalized outreach, understanding journalists' beats, providing relevant and timely story ideas, being responsive, and maintaining professional relationships even when there's no immediate news to share.

Q: What's your process for creating a press release that will get picked up by media?

Expected Answer: Should discuss identifying newsworthy angles, crafting compelling headlines, including relevant quotes and data, following proper format, and strategic distribution timing.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between earned, owned, and paid media?

Expected Answer: Should explain that earned media is free publicity gained through media relations, owned media is company-controlled content like websites and blogs, and paid media is advertising.

Q: How do you create a media list?

Expected Answer: Should describe researching relevant media outlets and journalists, tracking contact information, noting preferred contact methods, and keeping the list updated regularly.