Hoggan PR Tip #4: Media Bashing: A Short-term Pleasure

It's sometimes tempting to demonize the media, to point out their failings, and, in dramatic cases, to refuse to deal with them.

This is risky.

You should always move decisively to correct inaccurate media reports, and to challenge media bias if it is easily demonstrated.  But surveys show that the public appreciates the media's watchdog role.  And castigating all media can create hostility where there was none.

It is naive, especially in politics, to think of media members as your friends. It's worse to make them your enemies.

This is part of an ongoing series of practical public relations tips taken from Jim Hoggan’s book, Do the Right Thing: PR tips for a skeptical public.

See all the tips Jim has posted so far on this page here: Jim Hoggan’s PR Tips Series.