Pitfalls of Writing for the Media – Why Does the Media Dislike PR People? – Discussion Post 3| PR 06301 – Basic PR Writing

There are many challenges associated with writing for the media.  Several pitfalls related to media writing coincide with the reasoning for disdain aimed at PR people.  Historically, public relations professionals held careers beginning in journalism; practitioners would come directly from the newspaper industry.  This enabled strategic communicators to think and write like journalists.  Both journalists and PR professionals are skilled communicators.  On one end, you have media gatekeepers and on the other, you have professionals seeking to gain access to media outlets on behalf of a client or cause.  PR is rooted in persuasion and conviction, however, people don’t like being “sold” on things.  PR people are hired to research, plan and develop a strategy to deliver a message and mold perception.  Understanding the scope of the profession inherently makes people skeptical.

Public Relations and Digital MarketingPR people are responsible for disseminating factually accurate, grammatically-correct, timely and localized information of interest to the publication’s audience.  In many cases, PR writers craft releases to pitch to media gatekeepers.  The approach used should differ from tactics used when writing directly for the reading public.  With the increased use of internet-based media outlets, many publications are eliminating editors.  Poor writing becomes a matter of contention between the media and PR writers.  Reporters and editors resent PR people dumping news on them that isn’t truly newsworthy.  Other negative attributes include formula writing, bad verbs and quotes, excessive titles, subjective adjectives, overhyped statements and fluff.

PR professionals are often placed in a difficult position when the clients they represent are adamant about the inclusion of certain information.  An example of poor insertion at client request include direct quotes from the CEO in the lead.  Other reasons for media professionals disliking PR people include not adhering to the AP Stylebook, and not including all information in the release such as social media links, audio/visual links and key contacts.

What Makes PR or Strategic Writing Different Than Other Types of Writing? – Discussion Post 1| PR 06301 – Basic PR Writing

Public Relations and Digital MarketingWriting is the most important and sought-after skill for public relations professionals.  Other types of writing are different than PR or strategic writing because of tone, audience and objective.  PR writing strikes a balance between art and science.  Creative writing has more artistic freedom and is written to entertain.  Public Relations has creative license, but it’s aimed at persuading the reader.  Literature and other forms of creative writing can leave room for interpretation.  Strategic communicators must be clear and concise in their writing.  Messages are planned and carefully executed. 

Authors in academic writing, technical writing and scientific writing pride themselves in crafting complex messages.  At times, these styles of writing are long, wordy and difficult to read.  The use of jargon in these types of writing can present the author as a subject matter exert.  This is different than public relations writing where complex information is crystalized into easily understandable terms.

Of the various types of writing presented, public relations writing shares the most similarities with journalistic writing.  News media is the preferred mode of promoting products and services.  Strategic communicators take journalistic approaches since they pitch information to reporters to disseminate.  Journalistic writing is objective in tone and presents information to educate an audience.  This is different than public relations where information is presented on a client’s behalf to persuade publics and manage reputation.  PR writing anticipates objections and messages are crafted with persuasion and conviction.  Another key distinction between journalistic writing and PR writing is that reporters write for the readers of their respective media outlet.  Strategic communicators address various audiences including both internal and external publics.

Welcome to BibbyFame Digital: Photo & Film

My name is Briana Andrews. I am a junior at Rowan University working toward a B.A. in Radio, Television & Film (RTF) with a Production Specialization and New Media Communication minor. I am also pursuing a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Public Relations. In 2017, I completed an A.A. in Communications (Media) from Union County College.

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