The New PR - Latest Comments in I Hate Media Relations

Re: I Hate Media Relations

angelica — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:23:27 -0000

I have to say I am in agreement with Kathryn's comments and find the profession equally vacuous and insidious. Communication programs at universities these days profess the merits of two way open communication and this probably exists in some spheres, yet agencies are really culprits of manufacturing news, using phoney research to justify menopause treatments for example. Honestly, if you're someone who wants to be an agent for change or at least have a positive impact, why would you choose such a profession. Currently I work in Pr for government, and admittedly this is less duplicitous than agency work... nonetheless when you are associated with politicians there is definitely an element of bending the truth for the purposes of the campaign. For some this may not present a problem, as they may well believe that engaging in political spin serves the interest of their favoured party. For me, working in political pr has confirmed that politicians are vulnerable to their own desires to stay in power more than ever, and will change everything for opinion polls and market research. Yes, I can process and understand why the world is this way, but I am not sure I want to be the handmaiden which weaves the tale....

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Alma — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:48:55 -0000

Hi Ryan, I&#039m new to this blog and kudos on media relations. The only reason I do it is because I do it for a non-profit (issues I care about), otherwise I would not bother. I like the humor though.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Jade — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:20:30 -0000

Kathryn, I&#039m interested to know, what did you end up doing after quitting PR?

I left an in-house job to see what agency-side is like - thought it would be good to be supported by like-minded colleagues - but now I&#039m realising it&#039s probably worse because you&#039re just flogging lots of different stuff rather than really being part of anything.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

LC — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:35:53 -0000

Go Kathryn and AP! I'm right there with the two of you. Thank GOD someone's saying it. If only quitting PR for journalism were so easy... I'm trying my best, but it's an uphill battle. Good luck to you guys!

Re: I Hate Media Relations

LC — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:35:53 -0000

Re: I Hate Media Relations

AP — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:49:51 -0000

Kathryn, my thoughs exactly. And that's why I'm quitting PR to be a journalist.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

AP — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:49:51 -0000

Kathryn, my thoughs exactly. And that's why I'm quitting PR to be a journalist.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Kathryn — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:04:38 -0000

I quit my job in PR because, although I loved the writing element of it, and thrill of success when you get something you have written published, the thing I kept coming back to was, it's seedy. It is duplicitous and embarrassing, flogging stuff to people while pretending to be breaking 'news' to the media. It's made-up. The 'profession' is so over-flated and pompous and filled with such self-deluded double-barelled pretentious unfunny icy-queens, it's untrue. The journalists would under all circumstances be better speaking to the company direct - as PROs in agencies we know damn well we know nothing. If a story's worth telling, the media will find it, far better than us. As PRs, we are at best a switchboard service for the media, and at worst, a broken switchboard service for the media, failed journalists or, like me, people who didn't have the bottle or the guts to become journalists in the first place. PR 'Professionals?' I quit because I couldn't say the word with a straight face anymore. (tears, not laughter). Oh, and PR agencies pay shit, and over-work innocent grads until they bleed. Don't do it!

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Kathryn — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:04:38 -0000

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:24:18 -0000

Hey Duane - we're going to be having a bit of an open house once we move, so I'll be sure to invite you.

Dave - it's easy to be comfortable with change when you work in an enviroment that thrives on it. That's one of the reasons I consider myself lucky to work where I do.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 22:24:18 -0000

Hey Duane - we're going to be having a bit of an open house once we move, so I'll be sure to invite you.

Dave - it's easy to be comfortable with change when you work in an enviroment that thrives on it. That's one of the reasons I consider myself lucky to work where I do.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Dave Forde — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:10:59 -0000

I echo Stella's comment "saying what's on your mind" and making those bold statements will get you noticed. Now, you've got to back up your words or people will quickly stop listening to you...

At the same time, I'd say don't get caught in the 'bubble', reading Ed's blog it is interesting to see how his view on things is changing and after all when you are dealing in an industry such as PR you have to be able to cater to different points of view right?

I'd like to think that its easier to be in media relations these days with all the new 'tools', as well since we're in a fast paced changing world you can carve your own niche versus follow the traditional path that has always been there, zzzzzz Look at what Ryan's doing with Fuel's releases, he's setting himself out from 'the rest.'

Duane, had never heard of your shop, I'll have to check it out and we should chat...

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Dave Forde — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:10:59 -0000

I echo Stella's comment "saying what's on your mind" and making those bold statements will get you noticed. Now, you've got to back up your words or people will quickly stop listening to you...

Duane, had never heard of your shop, I'll have to check it out and we should chat...

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Duane Brown — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:36:44 -0000

Ryan - Thank you for the vote of confidence. I ran a national non-profit in college, so it's going to be the same and different at the same time. How is the new office coming? *cough* I would love to come out and see it when it's done and see how you work as the PR contact out there *cough*...hehe.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Duane Brown — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 09:36:44 -0000

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 04:25:17 -0000

Stella - you're right. It makes a big difference when you're actually establishing relationships with the media. I love that too... when you're managing ongoing media relations for something you're a part of, the job is a lot more rewarding.

Duane - congratulations on the new business. I've gone the entrepreneurial route in the past and it can be as rewarding as it is difficult. I'm sure you'll be successful in it.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Duane Brown — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 01:20:35 -0000

Hey Ryan

I just started my own PR company, Creative Traction (media). I dabble in web design as well, since a few of my clients are asking for it. I'm taking the road less travelled, you could say.

I actually had Ryan G, you biz dev guy in Toronto, come in last week and picth to one of my clients on what you guys do, as I though you guys could help them out. I'm a big fan of Fuel. I love what you guys do.

My company's site just went up today, which I'm very excited about. Blog: www.creativetraction.com/blog

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 23:25:17 -0000

Duane - congratulations on the new business. I've gone the entrepreneurial route in the past and it can be as rewarding as it is difficult. I'm sure you'll be successful in it.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Stella Jato Unit — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:33:07 -0000

Hallelujah! Someone who says what's on my mind! I remember swearing that I would never do full time media relations, at a time where media lists and pitch ideas littered my desk... Now, lookey-lookey, I'm doing it full time and LOVING IT. I guess it's different when you're in a reactive environment, fielding calls and interviews. More pitching days are ahead, I'm sure, but for now I'll milk my 15 minutes.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Duane Brown — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:20:35 -0000

Hey Ryan

I just started my own PR company, Creative Traction (media). I dabble in web design as well, since a few of my clients are asking for it. I'm taking the road less travelled, you could say.

My company's site just went up today, which I'm very excited about. Blog: www.creativetraction.com/blog

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Stella Jato Unit — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:33:07 -0000

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:25:44 -0000

Duane - I hear you. Working in an exciting industry in a job you love makes it a lot more palatable. Where are you working now?

Ed - you're right, the thrill of success can make the pain worthwhile. I still prefer the war room stuff, though.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ed Lee — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:10:20 -0000

hey ryan - good shout. i don't think any man in pr likes cold calling the media (we already get enough rejection in our lives) but it is rewarding to see a fantastic hit after finding just the right angle to interest the journalist.

it's one of the things i don't miss about working in traditional PR!

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Duane Brown — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:03:08 -0000

Hey Ryan

Yeah, I got to say I agree with you on the pitch-o-phobia part of the post. Being just out of school and building my reputation, the last thing I want to do is piss off the wrong journalist and have them never take a pitch form me again.

However, I enjoy building media lists and for the simple fact I do it for video games and something I love more then sex, food and life itself.... well maybe not sex but you get the point. If I worked in another industry I know I would dislike it for a fact.

Re: I Hate Media Relations

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 19:25:44 -0000

Duane - I hear you. Working in an exciting industry in a job you love makes it a lot more palatable. Where are you working now?

Ed - you're right, the thrill of success can make the pain worthwhile. I still prefer the war room stuff, though.