THE Press Release

The Press Release. This has been a key component in the public relations industry for decades. But in a recent article on Forbes, John Hall wrote, “The traditional press release is no more.”

Is this true? What does this mean for our industry? Here’s one Generation Z professional’s take on it.

Traditionally, PR professionals would send out press releases on news and events going on in their organizations to multiple media outlets. However, with the evolution of social media and the creation of “press rooms” on many company websites, Hall may be on the right track with this one.

Now don’t get me wrong, press releases are fantastic. I realized the difficulty for journalists in my Intro to Journalism course when attempting to get the “full story” or even just decent quotes from valid sources on a deadline.

The beauty of the press release is that you can shine the best light on your company while making the media’s life much easier. I’d say it’s a win-win. They create an ease of communication between companies and the media, but you better not forget to write those bad-boys in AP Style.

 If anything, the traditional press release has evolved into the press room, which is a press release published on the company’s website essentially. However, there are still some key elements that need to be included besides AP Style.

Make sure you have a KILLER headline. It’s still your first impression, and if you used a press room it will be forever listed on your website. Including photos will never do you wrong either. It will make your release more appealing to the eye and have the potential to be published as well. With press rooms, it is not only media outlets checking them out: ANYONE can. And always, always, always include contact information and social media info. Ease of access is key.

Social media has made it easier than ever to publish your own news or your company’s news, and these avenues will continue to grow and gain value. But don’t count out the press release just yet, these guys aren’t going anywhere, except maybe online.

To check out the Forbes article, click here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2015/12/13/7-pr-trends-you-need-to-know-in-2016/#7278dd6d1b6b

What Does Public Relations Mean to Me?

Although it would be easy to write a lengthy blog post about this question, I'm going straight to the point with this one.

When the head of my university’s Communications Department asked me if I was interested in helping lead the new public relations major and club at our school towards the end of my freshmen year, I was quick to say yes to such an exciting opportunity. However, if you would have asked me then what public relations is, I probably would have laughed as I wondered the same thing.

It is now second semester my sophomore year, and without hesitation I can say that PR is more than just a fun sounding major, it is a life-changer. From the opportunities and experience being involved in our university’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to being one of the founders of our student-run firm, Inspired Strategies Agency, saying “yes” to my professor was the best decision I have ever made.

Public relations is a career field that can include so many different personalities and skills while expanding into so many other interests from medical to sports to non-profit to government. If asked to define PR, I would simply state that pubic relations is promoting your passion.

You have the opportunity to find your niche and advocate for the company, organization, or cause that you are passionate about. PR is a field where you can utilize skills you may naturally have and skills you learn like communicating with others, relationship building, creativity, strategic planning, writing, social media and the list continues. YOU get to build the brand and bridge the gap between who you work for and the public.

The process of defining public relations can also lead to others questions like:

-       What is the difference between PR, marketing, advertising and journalism?  

-       Are the lines clear or blurred to the differences?  

-       How can all of these fields work together in the world we live in?  

-       As a Christian, how can you leverage public relations in your future professional goals?

These are all topics I will address in future blogs, and I hope this post has brought some clarity to why I have chosen this career path and what it truly means to me. Whoever is reading this, whether you are interested in public relations or not, I challenge you now to analyze your career field and ask yourself: what does this truly mean to me and why do I do it?