In an earlier post on this blog I wrote:
I’ve always considered the relationship between PR professionals and journalists to be similar to an arranged marriage. We’re often brought together by editors and PR firm clients and told to “make it work.” And while there used to be a mutual respect between the two industries, the relationship has gone sour due to the advent of social media, ankle-high barriers of access and pageview journalism.
In my role as a spokesperson, conduit and liaison for my clients, having relationships with the top editors, reporters and bloggers who cover their industry is key. However, many PR pros, especially those who are just starting out, often talk about how difficult it is with today’s 24/7/365 work pace to slow things down and spend the time it takes to build and nurture relationships with journalists and other influencers. Journalists battling smaller newsrooms and an increasing need to create content for a variety of mediums also struggle with this.
As a result, I’m launching Behind the Byline, a new interview series where I’ll be talking to some of my favorite journalists and bloggers about their work. And because I’m genuinely a fan of people who write for a living, it won’t just be another ‘how to pitch’ series, but will also attempt to provide some insight into that person’s life and career.
The first interview in the series will go live later today.