Media List (mēdēə/ + list/)
Practical definition: A contact list of journalists and reporters (normally specific to a certain pitch or release)
Real-Life Definition: The task assigned to what I’m willing to wager is 100% of public relations interns
Here are four ways I can compare my time as an intern at Buchanan Public Relations to the media lists I’ve completed:
- Despite valiant attempts to keep frustrations away from work, they’re inevitable regardless of whatever job you do. In PR, I have learned what some of these frustrations look like – for example, when finding the right media contact for a pitch or press release using a media list-building software tool. It especially makes my day when I’m looking for U.S. economics editors and the media list search pulls up the economics editor at The New York Times along with the sports editor at ESPN!
- Still, despite the countless hassles and hard work, the task of completing a media list is always rewarding, particularly when the list that I’ve created leads to meaningful coverage for our clients. Every successful hit comes from an accurate and well-researched media list.
- The media list, what some would consider a chore, has taught me the most about public relations. As I gear up to enter the workforce this May, I will be equipped with an important lesson: you may fail, you may succeed, but so long as your foundation is strong, you will never be without opportunity.
- Lastly, I’ve realized that the PR world is an ever-changing realm of journalists, bloggers, professionals and clients all searching for recognition. In the same way, no media list is ever stagnant. The lists I have created have grown to serve a multitude of other purposes. How creative you are at refurbishing past lists for different situations can determine how many hits you deliver for your clients. In today’s fast-moving world, it is essential to keep your eyes and ears out for new information and the people who are at the forefront of sharing it.
The media list, what some would consider a chore, has taught me the most about public relations. As I gear up to enter the workforce this May, I will be equipped with an important lesson: you may fail, you may succeed, but so long as your foundation is strong, you will never be without opportunity.
— Amee Upadhyay, Intern