It happened. You find out your brand or client is about to be featured in a story that sheds a less-than-ideal light on the organization. Or perhaps it’s not so much a negative story but rather one that could have financial ramifications for the company involved. Perhaps, you think, this is what your client is paying you for, right? You use your relationships with the journalist whose story is about to go public to call him at home the night before and ask that he stop the presses. Not so fast, say those we spoke with.
Media Relations


‘Think Like a Journalist’ Helps Even When an Interview is Postponed
January 10th, 2022 by Seth ArensteinHow to salvage the situation when your executive cancels a media interview or postpones last-minute.

Our ‘Secret Shopper’ Exposes Ups and Downs of Brand Newsrooms
January 5th, 2022 by Sophie MaerowitzNearly all surveys show journalists value their time. So, why do companies ask them to navigate unfriendly newsrooms for basic information and contacts?

2021 Headlines that Young and Experienced PR Pros Can Learn From
December 16th, 2021 by Arthur SolomonA yearly tradition continues as veteran communicator Arthur Solomon offers headlines that contain lessons for PR pros, young and old.

HuffPost Bureau Chief Talks Exclusives, Do’s and Don’t’s of Pitching
December 9th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinShould you pitch the same story to multiple reporters at a media outlet? HuffPost D.C. bureau chief Amanda Terkel offers her view.

Pope’s Journalist Nod May Signal Vatican Messaging Shift
November 15th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzIn a rare move from the Vatican, Pope Francis thanked journalists Nov. 13 for years of unflinching investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. We’ll soon see whether this week’s coverage is an example of smart long-term reputation management from the Vatican, or more of a buffer from any scandals on the horizon.

Psaki Statement Offers a COVID Disclosure Guide for PR Pros
November 1st, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzThe timing and content of Psaki’s COVID-19 disclosure could be a pandemic-era guide for PR pros to follow, should an executive, client or other public-facing figure test positive.

Infographics, Surprising Data and Unusual Story Sources Can Make Dry Topics Pop in Pitches
November 1st, 2021 by Erika BradburyIt’s hard enough to get media placement for a launch, initiative or campaign. Indeed, obtaining “coverage in the new news cycle” and “finding relevant angles for pitches” are PR pros’ biggest concerns, according to a Muckrack report. Let’s add another hurdle: getting coverage in a crowded media landscape when your organization or product is perceived as dry or unsexy.

Thanks to Facebook and Haugen, We’re Glimpsing a Perfect PR World
October 25th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinWe bet you had no idea you were experiencing a perfect PR world. Communicators should thank Facebook and Frances Haugen for that.

PR Needs to Think Strategically to Pitch Better, Tech Insider Says
October 22nd, 2021 by Seth ArensteinWith an ‘all-sides-of-the-desk’ background, few people are better placed to discuss pitching than Lisa Morgan. PR should think better when it pitches, she says.