6 tips for better media relations during COVID-19

Media relations has become a pivotal component of PR efforts amid COVID-19 fallout. How communicators represent their clients is perhaps more important now than ever.

So how can we ensure that the information we are putting out there rises above the noise on social media and provides real value to readers and our audience?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Provide genuine value and information.

It is important to position experts in a way that is not going to come across as disingenuous or moving away from the obvious news cycle that we are currently in.

Here at Circa, we work with university faculty who are true experts in their field and regardless of their background/expertise, whenever we reach out to reporters or editors we make sure that we are drawing a clear connection between our faculty/experts and any given topic. We also explain why their perspective will give the reader information that is significant, timely and important.

2. Stick to industry protocol.

The pandemic is understandably causing widespread panic—and subsequent haste—in many industries. But media relations specialists still need to ensure they do their normal due diligence when reaching out to reporters.

Questions to ask yourself before sending a pitch include: