Media relations
Managing your relationship with the media ensures that you make the most of the opportunities and reduce the risks to your reputation.
The media provide an effective way of communicating a message to a wide audience in a short timescale. A well placed article in the press can deliver your message to millions of people, and at the fraction of the cost of advertising or direct mail.
As well as being among an organisation’s key stakeholders, the media is a key ‘opinion former’. Whilst the media do not necessarily represent the views of the general public, it is certainly capable of influencing what others think. It is therefore important to manage media relations in line with your strategic approach.
All of our consultants have worked closely with the media. Many have gained their experience as PR managers with some of the busiest organisations in the public and private sectors. Our people have an excellent understanding of how the media operates and what will make it on to the news agenda. The Scottish Executive is an example of the type of high profile client we provide media relations advice to.
Barkers Public Relations can identify what media is important to your success. We can then work with you to ensure your message appears in that media. We can also use our experience and contacts to identify a network of key journalists who we believe you should build a long-term relationship with. We are happy to offer media relations training appropriate for your specific requirements. We can organise everything from a short media-awareness workshop, to an intense interview training programme.
As well as celebrating the positive, the media is well-known for its ability to create a scandal and sensationalise bad news. Barkers has experience of dealing with hostile media interest. We can guide you through a situation to limit damage to your reputation.