Public relations (PR) is a field where language matters. Whether you’re writing press releases or crafting content for social media, knowing how to express your message in the appropriate words is key -- and not always easy. To help PR pros stay on top of the vast array of terms related to the practice, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 350+ media relations and public relations terms that will give you an edge. With insights into topics ranging from executive visibility to reputation management and more, this resource covers terminology essential to success in modern PR.
350+ Media Relations & Public Relations Terms
A
Above The Fold: Refers to content placed in the top half of the front page of a newspaper, visible when the paper is folded and considered the most prominent and eye-catching.
Activate: The process of initiating or launching a specific campaign, strategy or promotional activity to engage target audiences and drive desired outcomes.
Actuality: A recorded excerpt of a prominent individual speaking, typically ranging from 10 to 20 seconds; commonly referred to by non-journalists as a "sound bite."
Advance Team: A group of individuals sent ahead of a main event or high-profile visit to prepare and coordinate logistics, security and other arrangements on-site to ensure a smooth and successful execution.
Advertising Equivalence Value (AVE): An archaic metric used in public relations to estimate the value of media coverage by comparing it to the cost of equivalent advertising space or time, providing a monetary assessment of the PR impact.
Advertorial: An advertisement designed to look like a regular editorial content piece, providing information about a product or service.
Affiliate Marketing: A type of influencer marketing where influencers receive a commission or referral fee for promoting and driving sales of a brand's products or services through unique tracking links or discount codes.
Agenda Setting: The ability of the media to influence public perception and shape the importance or salience of specific topics or issues through their selection and emphasis of news coverage.
Amplification: The strategic promotion and distribution of user-generated content, customer testimonials or positive mentions about a brand or product to expand its reach and visibility through various marketing channels.
Anchors: The leading news presenters who introduce and deliver the news stories on television.
AP Stylebook/AP Style: A widely used style guide developed by The Associated Press, providing guidelines for grammar, punctuation, spelling and usage in journalistic writing.
Assignment Desk: The department or team within a news organization responsible for assigning reporters and crews to cover specific stories or events.
Assignment: The task or topic assigned to a reporter or journalist for coverage often involves researching, gathering information, conducting interviews and writing an article or producing a news story.
Attribution: The act of giving credit or acknowledging the source of information or quotes in news reporting, ensuring transparency and journalistic integrity.
Audio News Release (ANR): A pre-recorded audio segment that contains news or promotional content designed for distribution to radio stations and other audio platforms.
Authenticity: The quality of genuine and sincere content shared by influencers, where their recommendations or endorsements align with their values and resonate with their audience.
B
B2B: Is an acronym for "business-to-business" and refers to commerce and transactions conducted between two businesses rather than between a business and individual consumers.
B2C: Is an acronym for "business-to-consumer" and refers to commerce and transactions conducted between a business and individual consumers.
Background Briefing: A meeting or conversation with journalists to provide them with additional context, background information or off-the-record insights on a particular topic or issue.
Background Information: Supporting materials, facts or data provided to the media to offer context or additional details about a particular news story, event or issue.
Backlink: A hyperlink from one website to another, often used in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to improve website visibility and search engine rankings.
Beat Checks: The regular practice of reporters or journalists to contact and gather information from their assigned beat, covering specific areas or topics.
Beat: A specific area or subject that a journalist or reporter regularly covers, such as politics, education, sports or entertainment, allowing them to develop expertise and build relationships within that area.
Boilerplate: A standardized and concise paragraph or section at the end of a press release or document that provides background information about a company organization or individual.
Boutique PR Agency/Company/Firm: A small public relations company that provides specialized and personalized services to a limited number of clients/partners.
Brand Ambassador: An influencer who establishes an ongoing relationship with a brand, serving as a representative or spokesperson and promoting the brand's products or values over an extended period.
Brand Journalism: Brand journalism is a storytelling approach where brands create and share journalistic-style content, often in the form of articles, videos or podcasts, to engage their audience, build credibility and enhance their brand image.
Breakbumper: A short video or graphic used to indicate a commercial break or transition between segments in television programming.
Breaking News: Urgent and rapidly developing news that interrupts regular programming, often accompanied by unique graphics and coverage.
Bridge: A transitional statement or segment used in broadcast journalism to connect two parts of a news story or interview.
Briefing Book: A briefing book is a comprehensive document or collection of materials prepared to provide key information, background, and talking points on a specific topic or event to assist individuals in preparing for meetings, interviews or presentations.
B-Roll: Supplementary footage or visuals used to support the narration or interviews in a news package, often showcasing scenes related to the story.
Bumper: A short audio or visual segment that serves as a transition or identification element, often used to introduce or conclude a radio or television program.
Byline: The name of the journalist or reporter who wrote the article, typically appearing at the beginning or end of the piece.
C
Chatter Sheets: Internal documents or briefings provided to reporters or journalists to provide them with relevant background information, updates or talking points on a specific topic, event or individual.
Chicago Style: A set of guidelines and standards for writing and citation used in journalism and academic writing, developed by the University of Chicago Press.
Chief News Editor: The senior editor overseeing a media outlet's news department responsible for making editorial decisions, coordinating coverage and ensuring accuracy and quality in news reporting.
Chyron: A trademarked name for a broadcast graphics system that generates on-screen text, such as headlines, names and captions.
Circulation: The total number of copies of a magazine distributed or sold in a specific period.
Citizen Journalism/Citizen Journalist: An individual who engages in the collection, reporting and dissemination of news and information using personal devices, social media platforms and online channels, often providing firsthand accounts and perspectives on events or issues of public interest.
City Editor: The editor in charge of the local news coverage for a specific city or region, responsible for assigning stories, coordinating reporters and ensuring comprehensive local news reporting.
Closed-Ended Question: A question that limits the response to a specific set of options or a yes/no answer, typically used in interviews to gather specific information.
Co-op Media Tour: Co-op media tours are a collaborative approach where multiple organizations or brands join forces to conduct a series of media interviews, sharing the costs and resources to maximize coverage and exposure for their respective messages or campaigns.
Cold Copy/Rip N' Read: The practice of reading news content directly from a script or teleprompter without prior rehearsal or familiarity with the material.
Collateral PR: The use of supplementary materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, videos or digital content, to support and enhance public relations efforts, conveying key messages and reinforcing the brand or organization's image and reputation.
Column: A recurring section or feature in a magazine written by a specific author or columnist, often covering a specific topic or providing opinions.
Columnists: Writers who regularly contribute opinion pieces or columns to a publication, offering unique perspectives or insights on specific topics or issues.
Communications Audit: A systematic evaluation and analysis of an organization's internal and external communication practices, strategies, channels and messaging to assess their effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ways to align with overall objectives.
Concept Story: A story idea or pitch that presents a unique and compelling angle or concept to the media, aiming to generate interest and coverage.
Content Creator: An individual, often an influencer, who produces and shares original content on social media platforms, including photos, videos, blogs or podcasts.
Content Marketing: A marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and informative content to attract and engage a target audience, to drive customer action and build brand awareness.
Copy Desk: The department or team responsible for editing, proofreading and ensuring the accuracy, clarity and style consistency of written content before publication.
Copy Editor: An editor who focuses on proofreading, fact-checking and editing the content of articles or publications, ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to style and grammar rules.
Copy Story: A news story or article based on information obtained from another publication or source, typically rewritten or adapted to fit the style and format of the publishing outlet.
Copy: Written content or text, including articles, scripts or promotional materials, intended for publication or broadcast.
Corporate Fact Sheet: A document that provides essential information about a company or organization, including key facts, background details, executive bios and other relevant details.
Correction: A statement or notice issued by a media outlet to acknowledge and rectify an error or inaccuracy in previously published content.
Correspondent: A journalist assigned to cover news and events from a specific location or beat, often providing on-the-ground reporting and analysis.
Correspondent: A reporter or journalist assigned to cover specific beats or areas of interest and provides on-the-ground reporting for television news.
Correspondents: Journalists stationed in specific geographic locations or cover specific beats, providing regular news coverage and reporting to their respective media outlets.
Cover Story: The main feature article or story prominently displayed on the front cover of a magazine.
Crawl: A continuous horizontal moving text that appears at the bottom of the television screen, displaying breaking news, headlines or other important information.
Creator: An individual who creates and shares video content online, typically through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, focusing on various topics such as lifestyle, fashion, travel, gaming or personal experiences.
Creator Economy: The ecosystem and economic model that empowers individuals to monetize their creative skills, content and online presence through various social media platforms, direct audience engagement, brand collaborations, and other revenue streams.
Crisis Communications: The strategic management of communication during a crisis or emergency to protect an organization's reputation and provide timely and accurate information to the media and the public.
CTA (Call to Action): A prompt or instruction given to the audience, urging them to take a specific action, such as visiting a website, making a purchase or subscribing to a newsletter.
Cutaway: A video clip or shot used in television production to break the continuity of the main shot, often showing a different subject or perspective.
D
Dateline: A location and date line at the beginning of a news article, indicating where and when the events described in the article occurred.
Dateline: A line at the beginning of a news article that indicates the location and date from which the story is reported.
Daybook: A schedule or calendar of upcoming events, press conferences or media opportunities, providing journalists with a list of noteworthy events on a particular day.
Daypart: A specific time segment within a day, often used in media planning and advertising to target specific audience demographics during particular time slots.
Deadline: The final date or time a journalist or media outlet requires submission of materials, such as press releases or article pitches, for consideration or inclusion in their upcoming content.
Deck: A deck is a visual presentation or slide deck that provides an overview of a campaign, strategy or initiative, typically including key messages, target audience, media coverage and other relevant information.
Deep Background: Information shared with the media without attribution allowing journalists to use it to gather further information or verify facts.
Department Editors: Editors overseeing specific content areas or sections within a publication, such as sports, entertainment, business or lifestyle.
Department: A regular section or category within a magazine that covers a specific topic or theme, such as fashion, health or technology.
Deskside Briefing: A deskside briefing is a one-on-one meeting (either in person or via zoom) conducted by a PR professional and their client with a journalist or media representative, usually at their workplace or office, to provide in-depth information, story pitches, or exclusive access to promote a specific story or event.
Digital News Release (Online News Release): An online format of a news release that utilizes digital channels and multimedia elements to distribute news and information to journalists, influencers/bloggers, and the general public, often including text, images, videos and links for increased engagement and interactivity.
Digital PR: The strategic use of digital platforms, channels and strategies/tactics to manage and enhance the online presence, reputation and visibility of individuals, organizations or brands, often including activities such as online media relations, influencer collaborations, content marketing and social media engagement.
DMA (Designated Marketing Area): A geographic region or area identified by media research companies to target and measure media audiences and advertising effectiveness.
Donut: A television news package format where the reporter presents the introduction and conclusion of a story while a pre-recorded interview or footage fills the middle section.
Downcut: The editing technique of removing a portion from the beginning of a video or audio clip, resulting in a shorter and more concise segment.
E
Earned Media: Media coverage or publicity gained through organic, unpaid means, such as positive news articles, mentions, reviews or social media shares.
Editor: An individual responsible for overseeing and managing the content, style and quality of a publication or media outlet, making editorial decisions and ensuring adherence to journalistic standards.
Editorial Board Meeting: An editorial board meeting is a scheduled gathering of the editorial board members of a publication or media outlet to discuss and make decisions on important editorial matters, such as policy, direction, and content selection (can also include a PR professional and their client to give a briefing).
Editorial Calendar (Ed Cal): A schedule or plan that outlines the themes, topics and planned content for a publication, website or media outlet over a specific period, often used to guide content creation and pitch relevant stories.
Editorial Page Editor: The editor in charge of the editorial section of a newspaper or publication, responsible for selecting and publishing opinion pieces, editorials and letters to the editor.
Editorial: An article written by the newspaper's editorial board or an editor representing the collective opinion and stance of the publication on a particular topic or issue.
Editor-In-Chief: The highest-ranking editor responsible for overseeing a magazine's content, direction and overall editorial strategy.
EDO (End Of Day): A term used to refer to the close of a business day, typically used in media monitoring or reporting to indicate the latest updates or coverage gathered by the end of the day.
Embargo: A request to the media to withhold publishing or broadcasting certain information until a specified date or time.
Endmark: A typographical symbol or punctuation mark used at the end of an article, paragraph or sentence, often indicating a specific instruction to the typesetter or editor.
Engagement Rate: A metric that measures the level of audience interaction, such as likes, comments and shares, on an influencer's social media posts, indicating the level of audience engagement with the content.
EPK (Electronic Press Kit): A digital package that includes promotional materials, press releases, images, videos and other resources used to provide information about a person, product or event to the media.
Exclusive: A news story or interview that is given to a specific media outlet, granting them the sole right to publish or broadcast the information before other media sources.
Expert Source Placement: A press placement that includes insights, commentary or quotes from industry experts or knowledgeable individuals in media coverage.
F
Fact Checker: An individual or a team responsible for verifying the accuracy, reliability and truthfulness of information, claims or statements made in news articles, reports or other forms of media content before publication or broadcast.
Feature Article: A longer, in-depth article that explores a particular topic, often accompanied by images or illustrations.
Feature Story: A news article or segment providing in-depth coverage or highlighting a particular brand, product or organization aspect.
Feature: A news story or segment focusing on the human-interest angle, often highlighting personal stories, profiles or in-depth topic explorations.
Feed: The live transmission of audio or video signals from a remote location to a broadcasting studio or network.
Filler: Short articles or content used to fill empty space in a publication, often used to balance layouts or provide additional content when there is insufficient news or feature material.
Follow-Up: A subsequent news story, interview or article that provides additional information, updates or perspectives on a previously reported story.
Freelance Journalist: An independent writer or reporter who works on a project basis, producing news articles, features or other journalistic content for various publications or media outlets without being directly employed by any single organization.
Front Page: The first page of a newspaper, often featuring the most important news stories of the day.
FTC Guidelines: Federal Trade Commission guidelines that require influencers to disclose their relationships with brands or advertisers when promoting sponsored content, ensuring transparency and avoiding misleading practices.
Fullscreen Graphic (FS): A graphic or image that occupies the entire television screen, typically used for displaying headlines, logos or key information.
G
Ghostwriter: A professional writer hired to write content, articles or speeches on behalf of another person or entity, allowing them to maintain authorship or credibility.
Glossy: A type of paper with a smooth, shiny finish often used in high-quality magazine printing.
Green Room: A green room is a designated area, typically backstage or near a stage, where performers, guests or speakers can relax, prepare and wait before going on stage or appearing in a broadcast or event.
Green Screen: A technique in television production where a solid green background is used during filming, which allows for replacing that background with different visuals or scenery during post-production.
H
Hard News: News articles or stories focusing on urgent, significant, timely events or developments, often involving politics, crime, disasters or other pressing issues.
Headline Analyzer: A tool that evaluates the effectiveness of a headline by assessing factors such as length, word choice, emotional impact and readability to optimize its ability to capture attention and engage readers.
Headline: The title or heading of an article, designed to grab attention and provide a summary of the content.
Hit/Glitch: A technical issue or problem in a broadcast or transmission, disrupting or interrupting the audio or video signal.
Hook: A compelling or attention-grabbing element, such as an intriguing statement or question, used to capture the reader's interest and draw them into an article or story.
Hot Roll: Recording footage or audio while an event or situation unfolds, capturing real-time actions and reactions.
Human Interest Story: A news story or feature that focuses on the emotional, personal or human aspect of an event, aiming to evoke empathy, interest or connection with the audience.
I
Influencer Agreement: A legally binding contract or agreement between a brand and an influencer that outlines the terms, expectations, deliverables and compensation for an influencer marketing campaign.
Influencer Analytics: Tools or software that track and measure the performance and impact of influencer marketing campaigns, providing insights on reach, engagement, conversions and return on investment.
Influencer Campaign: A coordinated marketing campaign that involves working with influencers to create and share content that promotes a brand, product or service to their audience.
Influencer Collaboration: A partnership or collaboration between a brand and an influencer to create sponsored content or promotional campaigns, often involving mutual creative input and agreed-upon deliverables.
Influencer Endorsement: When a social media influencer or thought leader publicly supports or recommends a brand, product or service to their followers, often leading to increased visibility and credibility.
Influencer Marketing: A form of marketing that involves collaborating with influencers to promote products, services or brands to their audience through sponsored content or endorsements.
Influencer Marketing Platform: Online platforms or marketplaces that connect brands and influencers, facilitating influencer discovery, campaign management and collaboration such as Glewee.
Influencer Outreach: The process of contacting influencers to propose collaboration opportunities, discuss partnership terms and establish working relationships for influencer marketing campaigns.
Influencer ROI: Return on Investment (ROI) specific to influencer marketing, measuring the effectiveness and impact of an influencer campaign in relation to the resources invested.
Influencer: An individual with a significant online presence and a loyal following on social media platforms, known for their expertise, authority or popularity in a specific niche or industry.
Interrupt Feedback (IFB): An audio device used in broadcasting to allow producers, directors or hosts to communicate with on-air talent or guests through an earpiece.
Interview Coordination: Involves managing the logistics, scheduling and communication with media outlets and participants to ensure smooth and successful interviews with key individuals or spokespersons (typically handled by PR companies).
Interview Prep: Involves managing the logistics, scheduling and communication with media outlets and participants to ensure smooth and successful interviews with key individuals or spokespersons.
Inverted Paragraph: A writing technique used in journalism where the most important information is placed at the beginning of an article or news story, followed by supporting details and background information.
Issue: A single edition or magazine release, typically identified by a date or volume number.
J
Join in Progress (JIP): The broadcasting of a program or event while it is already in progress, allowing viewers to join and watch the ongoing content.
Journalist: A professional who gathers, investigates and reports news and information to the public through various media channels, adhering to journalistic ethics and principles.
Jump Cut: An editing technique in film or video production where a sudden cut is made between two noticeably discontinuous or different shots.
Jump Head: The heading or title that appears at the continuation of an article or story, often serving as a visual marker and indicating where the reader should continue reading.
Jump Line: A line of text or reference that indicates the page or section where a story continues in a publication, guiding the reader to the appropriate location.
Jump: The continuation of an article or story from one page or section of a publication to another, indicated by a reference or link that directs the reader to the subsequent portion.
K
Kicker: A catchy or attention-grabbing headline or phrase that appears at the end of a news article or segment.
Kill: The decision made by an editor or newsroom to cancel or reject a story or article, preventing it from being published or broadcast.
L
Lead Story: The most significant news story featured on the front page or in a prominent position in the newspaper.
Lead Time: The time media outlets or journalists require between receiving a pitch or press release and the desired publication or broadcast date.
Lead: The introductory paragraph or opening of a news article or story, designed to grab the reader's attention and summarize the most important information.
Leading Questions: Questions framed in a way that suggests a particular answer or steers the interviewee towards a desired response.
Letter From The Editor: A personal message or editorial column written by the editor-in-chief or editor of a magazine, often appearing near the beginning or end of an issue.
Letter To The Editor: A written letter submitted by readers or individuals to a publication's editorial department expressing their opinions, comments or viewpoints on a particular issue or article.
Line-Up: The scheduled sequence or order of articles, segments or programs in a publication or broadcast, often planned in advance to ensure a coherent flow of content.
Lip Flap: The technical term for when the audio and visual elements of a broadcast do not synchronize properly
Listicle: A combination of a list and an article, a listicle presents information or content in a list format, often incorporating images, bullet points or short descriptions for each item.
Live Interview: An on-air conversation between a news anchor or correspondent and a guest, often an expert or public figure, conducted in real-time during a news program.
Live Report: A news segment or interview broadcast in real-time from the event's location or news occurrence.
Lookbook: A collection of professionally styled and curated photographs or images showcasing fashion or design pieces, typically used by brands or designers to present their latest collections and inspire potential customers and media.
M
Macro-Influencer: An influencer with a larger following, typically ranging from 100,000 to millions of followers, known for their broader appeal and reach across different demographics or interests.
Managing Editor: The senior editor who is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day-to-day editorial operations of a publication, managing staff, assigning stories and ensuring timely publication.
Masthead: A newspaper section that lists the publication's staff, including editors, reporters and photographers.
Mat Release: A ready-to-publish article or feature provided to newspapers or other media outlets in a standardized format, usually accompanied by relevant images or artwork.
Media Accreditation: The process of granting official recognition or credentials to journalists or media representatives, providing them access to restricted areas or events.
Media Advisory Board: A group of external experts, industry professionals or influencers who provide guidance, advice and feedback on media relations strategies, messaging and activities.
Media Advisory: A concise notice sent to the media to inform them about upcoming events, press conferences or opportunities for coverage.
Media Alert: A brief notice or announcement sent to the media to inform them of a newsworthy event or development to generate media coverage or attendance.
Media Amplification: The process of extending the reach and impact of earned media coverage through additional promotional efforts, such as sharing coverage on social media platforms or repurposing it for other marketing channels.
Media Bias: The perceived favoritism or prejudice media outlets or journalists show toward a particular political ideology, group or viewpoint.
Media Blackout: The intentional restriction or absence of media coverage on a specific event, often imposed by authorities or organizations for security or privacy reasons.
Media Blitz: A concerted and intensive effort to generate extensive media coverage and publicity for a particular event, product or campaign.
Media Briefing Book: A comprehensive document prepared for spokespersons or executives before media interviews containing key messages, anticipated questions and background information.
Media Briefing: A formal or informal meeting with media members to provide them with updates, information or statements on a specific issue or event.
Media Buzz: The level of excitement, interest or attention generated by media coverage, often indicating the success of a PR campaign or the impact of a brand or event.
Media Buzzword: A trendy term, phrase or concept that is frequently used in media coverage or discussions, often reflecting current trends, topics or cultural phenomena.
Media Days: Designated events or periods where media outlets have the opportunity to interact with and interview individuals, teams or organizations, often in the context of sports, entertainment or product launches, providing exclusive access and coverage opportunities.
Media Circus: A term used to describe an event or situation where the media presence, coverage and frenzy reach excessive and chaotic levels, often involving intense media scrutiny and public spectacle.
Media Coverage Analysis: The systematic assessment and evaluation of media coverage to gauge the quality, tone and impact of news stories related to an organization or issue.
Media Coverage: The extent and manner news outlets report on a particular event, issue or organization.
Media Crisis Plan: A comprehensive strategy and set of protocols developed by an organization to handle and manage media communication during a crisis or negative publicity.
Media Darling: A person organization or product that receives substantial and consistently positive media attention, often viewed favorably and sought after by journalists for coverage.
Media Database: A centralized collection of contact information for journalists, reporters, editors and media outlets, used for media outreach and distribution of press materials like Cision, Muck Rack and Critical Mention.
Media Embargo Lift: The scheduled release of previously restricted information to the media, allowing them to publish or broadcast the news after a specified date and time.
Media Engagement Strategy: A strategic plan outlining the approach and tactics to actively engage with the media, including cultivating relationships, providing expert commentary and participating in media interviews or events.
Media Engagement: The level of interaction and involvement between a brand or organization and the media, including responses to inquiries, interviews and active participation in media discussions.
Media Etiquette: The unwritten rules and guidelines governing professional behavior and conduct when interacting with the media, including responsiveness, honesty and respect.
Media Exposure Analysis: The examination and assessment of the reach, impact and sentiment of earned media coverage to understand its effectiveness in reaching the target audience and shaping public perception.
Media Exposure Index: A measurement or index that quantifies the overall visibility and reach of a brand or organization through earned media coverage, often considering factors such as media impressions, reach and frequency.
Media Exposure: The visibility and reach gained through media coverage, indicating the number of people who may have been exposed to the brand or message.
Media Fatigue: The phenomenon where media outlets and the public become less interested or responsive to a particular news story or topic due to its prolonged coverage or repetitive nature.
Media Feature Placement: The placement of a brand or organization in a prominent and favorable position within a media outlet, such as being featured on the front page of a newspaper or as the lead story in a TV news segment.
Media Frenzy: A situation where the media attention surrounding a particular event, issue or personality becomes intense and overwhelming, resulting in extensive coverage and public interest.
Media Gatekeeper: An individual or entity that controls or influences the flow of information to the media, such as an editor, producer or news director.
Media Gatekeeping: The process by which media outlets select, filter and prioritize news stories, deciding what information reaches the public and in what form.
Media Hit: A successful instance of media coverage or mention that positively highlights a brand, product or organization.(*However, the prefered terms are Media Placement, Earned Media Placement or Media Coverage.)
Media Hound: A colloquial term to describe someone, typically a journalist or reporter, who is enthusiastic or relentless in pursuing news stories or scoops.
Media Impressions: The total number of potential views or exposures generated by media coverage, calculated based on the audience size or circulation of the media outlet.
Media Inquiry: A request or question from a member of the media seeking information, comments or interviews on a particular topic or event.
Media Interview: A conversation between a journalist and a spokesperson or representative of an organization, typically conducted to gather information, provide expert opinions or feature the organization in news coverage.
Media Junket: A trip or event organized by an organization or PR agency, where journalists or reporters are invited to attend, typically with expenses paid, to cover a specific story or event.
Media Kit (Press Kit): A package of promotional materials, typically including press releases, fact sheets, images and background information, provided to journalists and media outlets.
Media Liaison: A person who serves as a point of contact between an organization and the media, facilitating communication, coordinating interviews and managing media inquiries.
Media Mention: Any instance where a brand, product or organization is mentioned or featured in a news article, blog post or other media content.
Media Monitoring Report: A comprehensive document that summarizes and analyzes the earned media coverage received by a brand or organization within a specific period, including metrics, sentiment analysis and key takeaways.
Media Monitoring Tools: Software or services (such as Cision, Muck Rack, Talkwalker and TV Eyes)that track and analyze media coverage, including mentions of an organization, keywords or specific topics, to provide insights and metrics.
Media Monitoring: The practice of tracking and monitoring media channels, including print, online and broadcast, to identify and measure earned media coverage.
Media Outreach Campaign: A strategic and coordinated effort to proactively engage with journalists and media outlets to secure media coverage, often involving personalized pitches, press releases and follow-ups.
Media Outreach: Proactive efforts by PR professionals to engage with journalists, reporters and media outlets, pitching story ideas, providing information and facilitating media coverage.
Media Partnership: A collaborative relationship between an organization and a media outlet, where both parties collaborate on content creation, promotion or sponsorship opportunities.
Media Pitch: A targeted communication sent to journalists or media outlets to propose a story idea or suggest coverage of a particular topic related to the organization.
Media Placement: The successful inclusion of a brand or organization's message, story or advertisement in a specific media outlet, such as a newspaper, magazine, TV show or website.
Media Relations Best Practices: Established guidelines, principles and strategies that guide effective earned media relations, including building relationships, crafting compelling stories and delivering impactful messages.
Media Relations Campaign: A coordinated series of activities and tactics to achieve specific media-related objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, promoting a product launch or shaping public opinion.
Media Relations Case Study: A detailed analysis and documentation of a successful media relations campaign, providing insights into the strategies, tactics and outcomes achieved, serving as a reference for future campaigns.
Media Relations Code Of Ethics: A set of ethical principles and guidelines that media relations professionals adhere to when interacting with journalists, ensuring honesty, transparency and respect in their communications.
Media Relations Crisis Communication Team: A dedicated group of individuals within an organization responsible for managing media communication during a crisis, typically including representatives from PR, legal and senior management.
Media Relations Crisis Management: The handling of negative or crises through effective media communication, including addressing media inquiries, providing accurate information and managing the reputation of the brand or organization.
Media Relations Crisis Simulation: A simulated exercise or scenario designed to train and prepare spokespersons or media relations teams for effectively managing media communication during a crisis, allowing for practice and refinement of crisis communication skills.
Media Relations Database: A centralized and organized collection of journalist and media contact information for media outreach, distribution of press releases and relationship management. Such as Cision, Muck Rack, Talkwalker and TV Eyes.
Media Relations Metrics: Quantifiable measurements used to evaluate the success and effectiveness of media relations efforts, such as media impressions, media reach and engagement rates.
Media Relations Policy: A documented set of guidelines and principles governing an organization's interactions with the media, outlining expectations, procedures and standards for media engagement.
Media Relations ROI (Return On Investment): The measurement and assessment of the value and impact of earned media coverage in relation to the resources, effort and investment allocated to media relations activities.
Media Relations Storytelling`: The art of crafting compelling narratives and stories that resonate with the media and target audience, effectively conveying key messages and generating interest in a brand or organization.
Media Relations Strategy: A planned approach to managing and building relationships with the media, outlining goals, key messages, target media outlets and tactics to achieve desired media coverage.
Media Relations Tracking: The ongoing monitoring and tracking of earned media coverage to record mentions, track trends and evaluate the effectiveness of media relations efforts over time.
Media Relations: The ongoing management and cultivation of relationships with journalists, reporters and media outlets to secure positive and favorable media coverage.
Media Release: A document, typically a news article, distributed to the media to announce or provide information about a specific event, product or initiative.
Media Shareability: The extent to which media content, such as articles, videos or infographics, is shared and disseminated by users on social media platforms or other online channels, increasing its visibility and reach.
Media Spinning: The practice of shaping or manipulating information to present a particular narrative or perspective to the media.
Media Statement: A formal written or spoken communication issued by an individual, organization or spokesperson to provide information, respond to inquiries or make an official statement to the media and the public.
Media Tour: A planned series of visits to various media outlets or journalists to provide interviews, present information or promote a particular campaign, product or event.
Media Training: Coaching or preparation provided to individuals interacting with the media, helping them develop effective communication skills, messaging and techniques for handling interviews.
Media Whirlwind: A situation characterized by a rapid and overwhelming influx of media attention and coverage, often resulting from a high-profile event or controversy.
Messaging (Key Messages): Concise and carefully crafted statements that convey the most important and strategic information an individual, organization, or brand wants to communicate to their target audience in a clear and impactful manner.
Micro-Influencer: An influencer with a smaller but highly engaged and targeted audience, typically between 1,000 to 100,000 followers, known for their niche expertise and high audience interaction.
Monthly: Refers to an occurrence, publication or event that occurs or happens once every month, typically referring to a regular interval of 30 or 31 days.
Mult Box: Short for "multiple boxes," a device used in media events or press conferences to distribute audio signals from a central source to multiple recording devices or media outlets, allowing journalists and broadcasters to connect their equipment and capture high-quality audio feeds.
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NAT Sound: Natural or ambient audio recorded during a news event or in a specific location to provide an environmental context and enhance storytelling.
Native Advertising: Paid content that is designed to blend seamlessly with a website or publication's surrounding editorial or organic content, providing a more integrated and less intrusive form of advertising.
News Bulletin: A brief, standalone news segment that summarizes the day's top stories, usually lasting a few minutes.
News Envelope: The set of stories, segments or items planned and scheduled for a specific news broadcast or publication.
News Package: A pre-recorded news story or segment that includes interviews, footage and narration, typically edited and produced before being aired.
News Panel: A discussion segment in a news program where experts, analysts or journalists share their insights and opinions on current events or issues.
News Program: A scheduled television broadcast that presents news stories, updates and analysis within a specified time frame, such as a morning show, evening news or prime-time news program.
News Segment: A distinct portion of a television news program that focuses on a specific news story or topic, typically introduced and concluded by the news anchor.
News Ticker: A scrolling text bar at the bottom of the television screen that provides breaking news, headlines or updates during a news broadcast.
Newsbreak: A brief and concise news update or report that provides the latest information on a breaking news event or development.
Newsjacking: The practice of leveraging current news or trending topics to generate media coverage and bring attention to a brand, product or organization by associating it with relevant news stories.
Newsroom: The central hub of a television news organization, where journalists, producers and editors work together to gather, verify and produce news stories.
O
Off The Record: Information provided to the media with the understanding that it will not be published or attributed to the source, often shared for background or context purposes. (Note: nothing you say to a journalist is really ever off the record.)
On Cam (OC): Referring to a reporter or anchor appearing on camera during a live or recorded news segment.
On Location: Refers to the physical presence of a journalist or production team at the site or place where a news event is happening, allowing for firsthand reporting and coverage.
On The Record: Information provided to the media that can be quoted and attributed to the source.
One-Shot Story: A self-contained news story or article that does not require follow-up or ongoing coverage, as it covers an entire event or development.
Op-Ed: An abbreviation for "opposite the editorial page," it refers to opinion articles or columns written by individuals not employed by the newspaper, expressing their personal viewpoints on various issues.
Open-Ended Question: A question that allows the interviewee to provide a detailed and unrestricted response, encouraging discussion and exploration of a topic.
Opinion Leaders: Individuals recognized as influential and respected within a particular field or community are often sought after for their opinions and insights to shape public opinion and trends.
Opinion Piece: A written article or commentary expressing the author's viewpoint or perspective on a specific topic, often published in newspapers, magazines or online platforms.
Outcue: The concluding portion of an audio or video clip, typically indicating the end or upcoming content transition.
Outtakes: Unused or extra footage, images or content that was not included in the final version of a media production, such as a film, commercial or photo shoot.
Over the Shoulder Graphic (OTS/OC Box): A graphic or text displayed on the screen next to the anchor or reporter, providing additional information or context related to the news story being discussed.
Overmodulated: Audio distortion when the audio signal is too loud, causing the sound to become distorted or unpleasant to listen to.
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Pagination: The arrangement and organization of content in a magazine, including page numbering, section breaks and overall layout.
Photog: A photographer.
Photojournalist: A journalist specializing in capturing and documenting news events and stories through visual storytelling, using photography to convey information and evoke emotions.
Podcast: An audio program that can be downloaded or streamed online, typically consisting of episodes covering various topics and featuring discussions, interviews, storytelling, or educational content.
Point-of-View Shot (POV): A camera shot that represents the perspective of a particular character or viewer, giving the impression of experiencing the scene from their point of view.
Pool: A shared resource or arrangement where a group of journalists or media outlets collectively cover an event and share the resulting news material.
Position Paper: A written document that presents an organization's or individual's stance, views and recommendations on a specific issue or topic, often used in advocacy, policy-making or academic contexts.
PR (Public Relations): A commonly used abbreviation for "public relations," which encompasses managing relationships and communication between an organization or individual and the public or media.
Public Relations Agency/Firm/Company: A public relations agency is a professional firm that specializes in managing and enhancing the public image and reputation of individuals, organizations, or brands through strategic communication and media relations such as TrizCom Public Relations.
Press Briefings: Scheduled events where representatives of an organization or government provide information, updates and answer questions from journalists and the media on specific topics or developments.
Press Conference: A formal gathering organized by an organization to make an announcement or address the media, often involving a panel of spokespersons and a Q&A session with members of the media.
Press Coverage: Media attention and reporting received by a company, individual or event, typically through news articles, interviews or features.
Press Junket: An event organized by a company or movie studio to provide exclusive access to journalists for interviews or coverage of a specific product, film or event.
Press Pool (News Pool/Media Pool): A cooperative arrangement where multiple news organizations collaborate and pool their resources to gather and report on news events collectively.
Press Release: A written communication to the media to announce news or updates about an organization, product or event.
Press Run: The total number of copies of a newspaper printed and distributed for a particular edition.
Press Secretary: A professional who represents and speaks on behalf of a government official organization or public figure to the media, handling press relations, briefing journalists and managing public messaging.
Press Tour: A planned series of meetings, interviews or visits organized by a company or publicist to promote a product, event or initiative to the media in multiple locations.
Presser: A colloquial term used to refer to a press conference, a formal event where members of the media are invited to ask questions and gather information from a spokesperson or public figure.
Print Edition: The physical newspaper version that is printed and distributed to readers.
Producer: An individual responsible for overseeing and managing the production process of television programs, including planning, budgeting, coordinating and supervising the creative and technical aspects of bringing a show to fruition.
Product Drops: The strategic release of new products or limited-edition items to generate excitement and anticipation among consumers.
Product Plugs: Promotional efforts where individuals or influencers endorse or recommend specific products or services to their audiences.
Publicity Stunts: Planned and attention-grabbing events or activities aimed at generating media coverage and public interest for a brand, person or cause.
Production Element: Pre-recorded audio, video or visual effects used in a news production to enhance the overall presentation and engage the audience.
Promo: A short advertisement or preview that promotes upcoming news stories, programs or events.
Pronouncer: A guide or note broadcasters or anchors use to indicate the correct pronunciation of a person's name or a specific word.
PRSA (Public Relations Society of America): A professional association that represents and provides resources, education and networking opportunities for public relations practitioners, promoting ethical standards and best practices in the field.
PSA (Public Service Announcement): A message or advertisement that aims to promote the public interest, welfare or social issues, often provided free of charge by media outlets as a community service.
Publicist: A professional responsible for managing the public image and reputation of individuals, organizations or brands through strategic communication, media relations and publicity efforts.
Publicity: The act of generating media coverage, attention or awareness for a person, brand or organization through strategic communication and media relations activities.
Publisher: The person or entity responsible for overseeing a media outlet or publication's overall operations, business strategy and financial aspects.
Pull Quote: A highlighted excerpt or quotation from an article, enlarged and visually emphasized to draw attention.
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Radio On Scene Report (ROSR): A live or recorded report from a reporter at the scene of a news event, providing real-time information and updates for radio broadcasting.
Raw Video: Unedited and unprocessed footage or visuals captured during a news event or shooting, often used as source material for editing and inclusion in news reports.
Reach: The total number of unique individuals who see an influencer's content or posts, often measured by the number of followers or subscribers an influencer has on social media platforms.
Reader: A news segment where the anchor or reporter reads a pre-written script or news story directly to the camera without any visual elements.
Remote: A live broadcast or report conducted from a location away from the central studio or newsroom.
RNR (Radio News Release): A pre-recorded news segment or report, typically featuring an audio clip distributed to radio stations for broadcast.
Round-Up: A type of content or article that compiles information or opinions from various sources into a single piece, often providing an overview or summary of a particular topic or trend.
Rundown: A chronological outline or schedule of the stories, segments and timing planned for a news broadcast.
S
Satellite Media Tours (SMT): A series of pre-arranged (virtual or in-person) television and radio interviews conducted by a spokesperson or expert, connecting with multiple media outlets via satellite to promote a specific message or campaign.
Scoop: A term used to describe a significant and exclusive news story or information obtained and reported by a journalist or media outlet before others.
Section: A distinct part or category of a newspaper, such as news, sports, business, entertainment or lifestyle.
Share Of Voice: The portion of media coverage or mentions that a brand or organization receives compared to its competitors within a specific industry or market.
Shot List: A detailed inventory or plan that outlines the specific shots and camera angles to be captured during a video production or photo shoot.
Shot: A single continuous recording of footage or images, often referring to a specific camera angle, composition or sequence within a video production.
Sidebar: A smaller supplementary article or feature placed alongside the main article, often providing additional information, quotes or context.
Sidebar: An additional, smaller article or feature that accompanies and provides additional information or context to a main news story, often appearing alongside the main article.
Sign Off/Sig/Sig Out: The final words or statements a news anchor or radio host makes to conclude a broadcast.
Simulcast: The simultaneous broadcast or transmission of the same content across multiple platforms or channels, such as a television program or radio broadcast.
Slate: A marker or board that displays information such as scene numbers, takes or production details, used in film or television production for organization and identification purposes.
Slug: A title of a script. A short descriptive label or identifier that distinguishes and categorizes news stories within a newsroom or production system.
SMT (Satellite Media Tour): A series of pre-arranged interviews with a spokesperson or expert remotely connected to multiple television stations via satellite, allowing for simultaneous interviews and broad media coverage.
Social Media Mentions: References, tags or shares of a brand or organization on social media platforms, which can amplify reach and generate organic word-of-mouth publicity.
Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms are online services and applications that enable users to create and share content, engage with others, and connect with a wide audience in a virtual social environment such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Snapchat and YouTube,
Soft News: News articles or stories that cover human interest, lifestyle, entertainment or less time-sensitive topics, often providing lighter or more feature-like content.
Soundbite (SOT): A concise and memorable statement or quote, often used by spokespeople or public figures, designed to convey a key message in a media interview or news coverage.
Source: An individual organization or document from which a journalist obtains information or quotes for use in a news article or story, often requiring proper attribution.
Special Edition: A magazine issue that focuses on a particular theme, event or topic, often published outside of the regular publication schedule.
Spin Doctor: A term to describe a PR professional or spokesperson skilled at shaping or influencing media coverage and public perception through strategic messaging and presentation.
Spokesperson: A designated individual authorized to speak to the media on behalf of an organization or company, usually trained in media relations and knowledgeable about the subject matter.
Sponsored Content: Content created by influencers in collaboration with a brand or advertiser, where the influencer discloses their partnership and promotes the brand's products or services.
Spot News: Breaking news or events that require immediate coverage and reporting, often involving unexpected or developing situations.
Spot: A short advertisement or commercial that is typically broadcasted on radio or television, usually lasting between 15 to 60 seconds.
Spread: A two-page layout in a magazine, typically used for large-format images, feature articles or visual storytelling.
Stacking: Scheduling or arranging multiple news stories or segments back-to-back within a broadcast or publication.
Staff Writers: Journalists who are employed by a publication on a full-time basis, responsible for researching, reporting and writing news articles or features on a variety of topics.
Stagger-through: A rehearsal or practice run of a live news program or segment, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the flow and timing of the content.
Stakeholder: Any individual or group with an interest, involvement or influence in an organization or its activities, including employees, customers, shareholders, media and the public.
Standup: A segment in a news report where the reporter appears on camera and delivers information or commentary while being present at the scene.
Stand-Up: A live on-camera report by a correspondent who appears in front of the camera while delivering a report or providing context on location.
Still: A static image or photograph used in a news report or publication to accompany and support the written or spoken content.
Sting: A short musical or audio effect used as a transition or attention-grabbing element between segments or stories.
Stop Set: A designated segment within a radio broadcast where commercial advertisements are played.
Story Update: Additional information or developments that follow up on a previously published news story, providing new details or updates to keep the audience informed.
Street Reporter: A journalist who actively gathers news, conducts interviews and reports on events and stories directly from the field or public spaces, often focusing on local happenings and community issues.
Stringers: Freelance journalists or contributors hired by media outlets on a per-assignment basis to cover specific events or stories, often in locations where the outlet does not have a permanent presence.
Studio: Referring to a live or recorded broadcast that takes place within the confines of a broadcast studio instead of being on location.
Stunt: A planned and often unconventional public relations activity or event aimed at generating publicity and capturing the attention of the media and the public.
Subject Matter Expert: An individual who possesses specialized knowledge, expertise or experience in a particular field or subject area, often sought after by the media for commentary, analysis or interviews.
Sweeps Week: A designated period, usually four times a year, when television ratings are measured to determine advertising rates, often associated with special programming or promotional events.
Switch: Transitioning between different camera shots or angles during a live broadcast or video production.
Syndication: The distribution of content, such as articles, columns or television programs, to multiple media outlets or platforms for publication or broadcast (for example, The Associated Press content).
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Tag: A brief conclusion or closing statement delivered by a news anchor or reporter at the end of a news story.
Talkback: A segment or feature in a radio or television program where listeners or viewers are invited to call in or provide feedback, opinions or comments on the topics discussed.
Tanda: A term used in broadcasting to refer to a short break or intermission between television programs, typically filled with advertisements or promotional content.
Tear Sheets: Physical or digital copies of published articles or advertisements cut or collected as evidence of media coverage or as work samples.
Teaser: A short preview or promotional segment used to generate interest and anticipation for upcoming news stories or segments.
Teleprompter: A device that displays the script or prompter text on a screen before the camera, allowing news anchors to read the text while maintaining eye contact with the audience.
Thought Leadership: The positioning of an individual or organization as an expert or authority within a specific industry or field, often achieved through earned media coverage featuring their insights, perspectives or expertise.
Tight on: A camera shot focusing closely on a specific subject or detail, typically excluding surrounding context.
Time Code: A system of numeric codes embedded in video or audio recordings that indicate the exact timing or duration of specific moments or events.
Toss: To throw or pass a segment or story from one anchor or reporter to another during a news broadcast.
Total running time (TRT): The combined duration of all segments, stories or programming within a news broadcast or video production.
Track: To follow or monitor the progress or development of a news story, event or issue.
Tracking: The act of smoothly and continuously adjusting the camera's position, focus or framing to keep a moving subject in the frame during filming.
Traction: The progress, attention or momentum gained by a brand, campaign or initiative, often measured through indicators such as media coverage, social media engagement or public response.
Trade Publication: A periodical or magazine that focuses on a specific industry, profession or trade, providing news, insights and information relevant to professionals within that field.
Two-Shot: A camera shot that includes two people or subjects within the frame, often used for interviews or discussions.
U
Upcut: The technique of editing or cutting a video clip so that it starts abruptly or partway into the action or dialogue.
UVM (Unique Visitors Per Month): A metric used to measure website traffic, representing the number of individual visitors to a website within a specific timeframe, typically calculated monthly.
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Video Journalist: A journalist responsible for all aspects of video production, including shooting, editing and reporting news stories.
Videographer: A professional specializing in capturing and recording video footage, often working in news, events or documentary production.
Vlogger: An individual who creates and shares video content online, typically through platforms like YouTube, focusing on various topics such as lifestyle, fashion, travel, gaming or personal experiences.
VNR (Video News Release): A pre-recorded video segment or package that contains news or promotional content created for distribution to television stations and online platforms.
Voiceover (VO): The narration or spoken commentary provided by an unseen narrator or presenter in a video or audio production.
Voicer: A news report or segment where a news anchor or reporter provides a voiceover narration over video footage or visuals, summarizing and presenting a story's key points or highlights.
VOSOT: An abbreviation for "Voiceover/Sound on Tape," referring to a news package or report that includes both narration by a journalist and recorded audio or interviews.
W
Watermark: A semi-transparent logo, text or graphic superimposed on a video or image to indicate ownership or copyright.
Wire Service: A news agency or organization that distributes news stories, press releases and other content to multiple media outlets simultaneously, typically through a wire distribution network.
Woodshedding: Extensively rehearsing or practicing before going on air or delivering a presentation, often to refine performance or ensure readiness.
Wrap: The closing segment of a news program or broadcast, summarizing the key stories and providing a concluding remark from the anchor or reporter.
Wraparound: A promotional or advertising content that surrounds or encloses the main editorial content in a publication or media format, often used to highlight sponsored content or advertisements.
Z
Zinger: A brief, memorable, and often witty remark or comment made by a speaker that delivers a powerful or surprising punchline.
