The readings for this week focused on media writing.
I think the key points to remember from this week’s readings include the notion that journalists are very sceptical when dealing with public relations practitioners because most of them believe there is always some ulterior motive to contacting them, which I kind of agree with because ultimately that is our job. Also, the readings emphasised that overall, journalists find writing by practitioners to be poor and lacking the proper aspects to make a story newsworthy. This can also be said for the opinions of higher level practitioners of entry level practitioners.
The readings for this week made me think more about public relations theory and practice in that I learnt that I should pay attention to how I would contact a journalist. One of the readings said that we should ask straight out what one individual journalist’s preference is in relation to being contacted which I think is a good idea. Much of the reading on press releases was already covered in our professional writing course last semester.
Overall, what I learnt from this week is that I should always be working on improving my writing (including structure, content and grammar), I should work towards building good relationships with journalists and as an entry level practitioner there is always going to be people in higher positions who think you aren’t capable.
This week I commented Taegan Reid's blog.
References
1)Sallot, M. & Johnson, A. (2006). To contact … or not?: Investigating journalists’ assessments of public relations subsidies and contact preferences. Public Relations Review. 32(1) 83-86.
2)The Importance of Writing Skills by Kurt Wise in Public Relations Quarterly; Summer 2005; 50, 2; ABI/INFORM Global. pg. 37
3)How To...Ten Steps to Press Release Perfection PR News. Potomac: Mar 20, 2006. Vol. 62, Iss. 12; pg. 1.
2 comments:
Alexandra
You are quite correct in your reading summary in noting that often it's best to ask journalists how they would like to be contacted. Sometimes it also depends on the type of story or information that you have and wish to be published. It's all part of establishing a working relationship.
Alex I like the fact you have acknowledged that when a PR practitioner is contacting a journalist there is usually an ulterior motive. It makes you think of how the journalist would feel in these kinds of situations, but you are right as it is our job. You also commented that a PR practitioner should just be straight out when contacting a journalist. I think being straight forward either comes overtime from being in the profession or it comes with your personality. I also like the fact you address the issue of improving your writing skills as I too need to improve my grammatical skills.
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