A Plug for PR

Why Is Media Relations More Important Than Ever?

As you are in the throws of solidifying and moving forward on your business plans for 2010 I thought it would be a good time to offer an update on the current state of public relations and how it impacts marketing in today’s market.

While everything everywhere (especially in the field public relations) is rapidly changing (many magazines and newspapers have ceased publishing, the advent of Facebook and Twitter have added alternative means of communication, and bloggers have become a new brand of media, just to name a few) where does that leave public relations.

The answer is that public relations is truly more relevant now than ever. Our job as publicists is not only to be a clear voice for our clients, but also to teach our clients to become better communicators.

Media is not fading its expanding. Traditional channels of communication such as magazines, newspapers and television are still trusted sources of news and information. However, media has progressed not just into print and broadcast, but into social media (i.,e., Twitter, Facebook, blogging, online communities, etc.) To be clear, social media is not a replacement for media relations, but another great way to reach the media and potential customers.

So how does this affect your business? Today’s marketplace has become tight and ultra-competitive. It behooves any business to consider how they can increase their awareness and best improve their external communications. Embrace the new media and avail yourself and your business to an entirely new audience. But, don’t abandon the old tools of the trade, public relations as a third party endorsement is still invaluable.

Our industry is evolving, and change in this case is a good thing. As always, I welcome your comments and encourage you to pass these thoughts along. Here’s to a productive, successful year ahead.