Media Relations Specialists
Overview
Introduction
Media relations specialists are experienced public relations specialists who have a broad working knowledge of television, radio, print, and online journalism and skills in establishing a controlled, positive image in the media for a company, person, or organization. They are also referred to as communications consultants. Media relations specialists serve as the liaison between the company, person, or organization they represent and newspaper, magazine, broadcast, and online news editors and reporters. The number ...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
In May 2024, PayScale.com reported the average annual salary for media relations specialists was $57,861. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the lowest paid 10 percent of public relations specialists earned $38,570 or less per year in May 2023, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $126,220 or more. The median annual salary for public relations specialists was $66,750. Media relations...
Work Environment
Media relations specialists usually work in a traditional office environment and work between 35 and 40 hours per week. Tight project deadlines frequently call for overtime and irregular work hours. Media relations specialists are expected to be tastefully dressed and socially poised and to maintain a professional demeanor. Often, they must entertain editors and reporters at lunches or dinners....
Outlook
Competition among corporations continues to grow, as does the competition for funding between nonprofit organizations. In addition, individuals in the public eye, such as politicians and sports figures, continue to want expert advice on shaping their images. Also, the increasing use of social media will create new opportunities for media relations workers, especially in monitoring social media ...
