Multitasking is an important part of being a media relations manager.
A media relations manager acts as a liaison between the company and the public. This person typically handles global inquiries from various media outlets, including television, print, and the Internet. A person in this role typically supervises a team of other professionals within a company. She may serve internally within a company or be part of an external media relations firm that is hired by a corporation. A responsibility might include solving bad PR issues in the midst of negative company news, trying to stay one step ahead of the media.
A media relations manager typically handles media inquiries.
There are certain skill sets that make an effective media relations manager. For example, strong communication and writing skills, as well as the ability to work in a team and multitask, are essential characteristics of the job. A media relations manager may be called upon to produce multimedia content, which means familiarity with internet production will help. Senior executives can rely on a media relations specialist to keep them abreast of changes in technology, such as social media, so that the company remains engaged in various forms of communication.
Strong communication and writing skills are required to become a media relations manager.
A business may run into a number of issues that require a media professional to handle. If there is negative publicity, such as a product recall or bankruptcy, the media relations manager becomes responsible for responding to inquiries from the press. He must offer the truth if lies are circulating and may try to divert attention from a company in the midst of a crisis. In the case of merger or acquisition discussions, the media relations professional must protect sensitive financial data and other information from leaks to the press. If she has established a trusting relationship with a reporter, he can set up interviews between the reporter and company executives.
Typically, a media relations manager reports to key executives in senior management, including a vice president or chief executive officer. Together, you can develop a communication 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 where the company is located, but compensation can be extremely rewarding and can include full benefit packages as well as paid vacations.
Some companies are less friendly to the press than others and may want to eliminate calls coming to the front desk. A small business may not be in a position to expand to include a media relations team. In such cases, an external media relations company may be contracted to handle all queries. An external media relations manager is not involved in the day-to-day operations of a company, but generally has access to company executives when needed.