Comments on: Can journos and PRs ever be friends?

By: Esther

Esther — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:27:45 +0000

I agree there are some dangers to journalists being friends with PR folks…. Just as it can be hurtful for a PR person if the journalist “gives the company a public kicking” it can be stressful for the journalist if their PR friend lets slip something very newsworthy, but then asks them not to act on it (which goes against the fundamental purpose of their job and puts them in conflict with their editor, etc etc).

By: Tim Burrowes - Mumbrella

Tim Burrowes - Mumbrella — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:16:12 +0000

It’s perfectly possible as a journalist to be friendly with your contacts, but both sides should be careful about being friends.

There are times when agendas conflict , sometimes violently. That can be a bit hurtful if the person who you thought was your friend gives your company a public kicking.

Cheers,

Tim – Mumbrella

By: ed

ed — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:10:08 +0000

of course. journalists and media relations people have a lot in common.
most PR folks I know (certainly the really good ones like me) are journos lured to the darkside by better pay and conditions.
happy to pay for the coffee, too.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:38:09 +0000

Of course PR’s and journo’s can be friends. I’ve had similar repsonses from editors when I’ve caught up with them purely to find out what they are interested in and how we can help them. I actually had the editor of a major magazine say “no one’s ever asked me that before” – unbelievable, but true! There are many bad PR’s, but there are also bad journos. My personal favourites are the ones that refuse to speak to you because you’re a PR. PR’s and journos need to have two-way conversations – it’s the only way for everyone to get what they want.

By: Adeline Teoh

Adeline Teoh — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:55:54 +0000

I’m biased. I prefer PR people who can write and find a relevant angle for their client and be of value to the publication. Everything else is just noise that journos may or may not have the time to sift through.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:11:53 +0000

I think journos and PRs can be friends. We work together, so why not? We love it when we have a good story / talent for you and you love it as well. If you’re up front with us we can be up front with you – lets face it, no one likes bitching and nastiness so let’s all be honest and open. Journos, say no when you don’t want a story or when you can’t make it to an event. PR’s, leave them alone when they don’t want a story or when you know they’re ‘not into’ a particular topic. Drop it. Don’t hassle. Wait until you have another story they may be interested in and then start talking again.

By: Sharmin

Sharmin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:11:16 +0000

Well said Jen.
And my short answer to your question: Yes, we can.