Comments on: Dear Journalist: Stuff PR Pros Like

By: Kevin McIntosh

Kevin McIntosh — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:30:02 +0000

great post. I think while some of the comments journalist aim at PR pros may be founded, a lot of it may actually be envy, as they realize the PR field is growing while there’s is shrinking amazingly fast.

By: Mark Tosczak

Mark Tosczak — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:48:44 +0000

Great post. And yes, many of us have even worked as journalists – in my case for about 10 years as a staff writer, editor and freelancer. Doesn’t make me perfect, but I do get it.

By: Brenna Sowder

Brenna Sowder — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:33:16 +0000

Lauren, thanks for writing this post! I also get frustrated with the bad rap PRs are constantly fighting. Although the industry may have some pitfalls, that should not reflect on the individual efforts of many PR professionals that are courteous and conscientious. I would encourage journalists out there to take these suggestions to heart and BEFORE rolling your eyes and slam down the phone following a curt response, remember that most of us are trying hard to make ourselves available as an ally — so take the 30 seconds to consider our request (and that we’re human) and respond decently.

By: Lauren Fernandez

Lauren Fernandez — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:24:57 +0000

Hi Leah,

Many have worked as a journalist. I believe that a journalism degree with internship experience gives you a basic foundation on how the journalism field works. Many of us have also had newsroom experience through internships (which I did.)

My point was that we aren’t incompetent, but are treated as so. I actually had a journalist blatantly tell me that all PR pros were useful for was eye candy to look at when covering an event.

Thanks for reading!

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:18:22 +0000

Does having a degree in journalism equate with having worked as a journalist?

By: Libby Krah

Libby Krah — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:48:31 +0000

Great post, Lauren. Very nice to see someone [finally] speak out for “our side!” You see a lot of strongly-worded blog posts and tweets from journalists about bad pitches and how awful PR flacks are, and a lot of defensive comebacks from the flacks, but not a whole lot like this.

You hit the major points I’d mention. I might expand a little on 2 and ask that the reporter maybe suggest someone else from the outlet who would be interested in the pitch. When our resources aren’t up to date, we might miss the person who wants to hear about it because his beat isn’t listed correctly – or he’s not even on the staff list!