What is a Media Relations Specialist?
A media relations specialist generally works as an advocate for their clients in an effort to create and maintain healthy and positive relationships with the general public. They specialize in handling functions associated with the media, industry, community, campaigns, groups, and other functions. Media relations specialists typically draft press releases and work with people in the media, arrange programs and events to keep a working relationship between organizations and the public, such as setting up and preparing speeches.
They also represent their employers or businesses at meetings, events, or community projects and contact clients and other people, do research, and prepare materials for distribution. Some media relations specialists may also be responsible for advertising, sales, and promotions in their organizations. In addition, because they must build influential relationships with groups and the public in general, they must understand and know how to address issues and concerns with the associations they work with.
How to Become a Media Relations Specialist
For those interested in pursuing a career as a media relations specialist, a bachelor degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, or communications is ideal, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some employers may prefer to hire college graduates that have experience in electronic or print journalism, others employers prefer to hire candidates with skills and knowledge that relate to the nature of their business. Many college and universities offer degree programs for those that wish to earn a public relations degree, through the journalism or communications fields.
Some companies prefer that candidates have experience in the field, while others offer training for new employees. In other organizations, new media relations specialists may work under the supervision of other employees until they are ready. Media relations specialists must have good communication skills, be creative and show good judgement. In addition, they must want to motivate people, be outgoing, and practice good decision-making skills.
Media Relations Specialist Career Outlook & Salary
For those that are interested in pursuing a career as a media relations specialists, career outlook appears to be good with employment projected to grow much faster than the average occupation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While outlook is estimated to be exceptionally well, the Bureau also estimates that competition will be tough for entry-level jobs in the field.
Employment is expected to grow by about 24% over the next several years, bringing over 66,000 new media relations specialists jobs to the industry, with the largest growth occurring in advertising and related services. Such growth can be attributed to the recent growth of social media as well as public relations firms expanding their services.
The Bureau reported that media relations specialists earned median annual salaries of $51,280 in 2008, the most recent salary information available. Of the industries employing the largest amount of media relations specialists, company and enterprise management, business organizations, and advertising and public relations services were amongst the highest paid.
