Journalist

A journalist is a professional who researches, verifies and reports news and stories for a media outlet, including reporters who gather facts, interview sources and write news stories, and is the primary audience for every pitch, press release and statement in public relations.

PR professionals do not control journalists. They earn coverage by being useful: accurate, timely and relevant to what the journalist covers. Understanding deadlines, editorial hierarchy and sourcing rules is the foundation of media relations. Related roles include the reporter, the editor and the freelancer.

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