A media relations manager acts as a liaison between a company and the public, responding to global inquiries from various forms of media and overseeing a team of professionals. They must have strong communication and writing skills, be able to multitask, and produce multimedia content. They handle negative publicity, protect confidential information, and report to key senior management. Salaries vary, and some companies hire outside media relations firms.
A media relations manager acts as a liaison between a company and the public. Typically, this individual responds to global inquiries from various forms of media, including television, print, and the Internet. A person in this job typically oversees a team of other professionals within a company. He may serve internally at a company or be part of an external media relations firm hired by a corporation. A responsibility might include troubleshooting bad public relations amidst negative company news, trying to stay one step ahead of the media.
There are certain skills that make an effective media relations manager. For example, strong communication and writing skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team and multitask, are essential traits for the job. A media relations manager may be called upon to produce multimedia content, which means that familiarity with Internet production will help. Key executives can depend on a media relations specialist to keep them informed about changes in technology, such as social networking, so that the company remains engaged in various forms of communication.
A company may face a number of issues that require handling by a media professional. If there is negative publicity, such as a product recall or bankruptcy, the media relations manager becomes responsible for responding to press inquiries. He is expected to offer the truth if lies are circulating, and he can try to divert attention from a company in the midst of a crisis. If discussions are approaching for a merger or acquisition, the media relations professional must protect confidential financial data and other information from being leaked to the press. If he has established a relationship of trust with a reporter, he can arrange interviews between the journalist and company executives.
Typically, a media relations manager reports to key senior management, including a vice president or chief executive officer. Together, they can develop a communications strategy so that the company is prepared in the event of a major public relations issue. Salaries for a media relations manager vary depending on the region the company is located in, but the compensation can be extremely rewarding and can include full benefits packages as well as paid vacation.
Some companies are less press-friendly than others and may want to eliminate those calls coming through the front desk. A small business may not be in a position to expand to include a media relations team. In these cases, an outside media relations firm may be hired to handle all inquiries. An outside media relations manager is not involved in the day-to-day operations of a company, but is typically given access to company executives when needed.
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