Transcript The Benefits of Media Relations Chris McManes, IEEE-USA Sr. Public Relations Coordinator

The Benefits of
Media Relations
Chris McManes, IEEE-USA
Sr. Public Relations Coordinator
IEEE-USA Annual Meeting
1 September 2007, Scottsdale, Ariz.
2007 IEEE-USA President
John Meredith



“Engineers have a responsibility to
communicate with the public, and one of
the best ways is through the media.
“So we have an obligation to improve our
communication skills.
“We ought to have more engineers on
Capitol Hill communicating with
lawmakers.” (June 27, 2007)
What is Public Relations?



Communication between an
organization and its publics that
fosters a favorable view of your
organization
Influencing public opinion positively
Enhancing an organization’s
reputation
Media Relations
Media Relations Key to
Public Relations



“Relationships with media are the
heart of most public relations
programs.” – Barbara Hyde, ASM
director of communications
Goal: positive coverage in print,
online and broadcast media
Provide: press access to information
and spokespeople
The Benefits of Media Relations




Allows you to communicate with
colleagues and the public
Helps you to influence decision
makers and policy makers
Enhances image of engineers &
engineering
Increases public support for
engineering projects and legislation
How You Can Receive Coverage





Use whatever public relations resources
are available
If none, contact local media outlets to find
out best person to contact
Ask about public service announcements
E-mail or fax the reporter the information
Voice contact is best
News Release



Used to announce news
Get it in the right hands
Have interview subject available
Media Advisory



Announces an event that might interest
the media
Easy to read
Answers What, Who, When, Where, Why
you should attend and the people
speaking
Press Kit




Collection of materials about your
company or client
Usually in a folder
Available at an event
Can be online
Become a Media Resource





Helps media understand a subject to
explain to their audience
Hi, I’m a high-tech professional and
member of the IEEE
IEEE’s Technical Experts Guide
Make clear who you represent
Live contact first
Benefits of Being a Media Resource



Builds relationships with reporters,
who can portray your company (and
the IEEE) positively or negatively
Helps reporters explain often
complex principles in layman’s terms
so the public understands
Boosts your career (and possibly
self-esteem)
Be Right & Write Well




Well-written work reflects positively
on you and your organization
Gives you more credibility & a leg up
on fellow staff and competitors
Should be accurate, informative,
entertaining & easy to understand
Put most important information first
Be an Effective Communicator


Recent poll of corporate recruiters ranked
communication and interpersonal skills as
No. 1 trait
“If you’re in business and your competitor
is a more effective communicator, you’re
probably not going to get that contract.” –
Timothy Koegel, author, The Exceptional
Presenter.
2004 IEEE President Art Winston

“IEEE-USA, it seems to me, does an
excellent job maximizing public
relations.”
(IEEE All-Hands Meeting, 2-9-05)
Chris McManes
202-530-8356
[email protected]