Why newspaper reporters should love PR folks

Sometimes it seems like PR-bashing must be a parlor game for journalists. And while sometimes it’s well-deserved, the industry often suffers subtle digs and outright attacks from reporters who dismiss the value of PR.

But here’s why you should reserve your judgment, reporters (or at the very least, give us a chance!): PR professionals make up a large contingent of those who continue to believe in the importance and relevance of newspapers. We know that it takes more than an Internet connection to qualify as a journalist.

Many readers have cancelled their subscriptions and companies have pulled their ad budgets. The Pew Research Center found that only 33% of Americans would miss their local newspaper a lot if it folded.

The ad budgets that newspapers solicitously court? Companies have taken most of those dollars elsewhere. Someone may even be walking around with what was formerly a quarterly print ad budget tattooed on their forehead.

We know your words still matter. Though we’re at the forefront of leveraging the power of social media, we also recognize your power and influence.

We buy your newspapers and carefully clip your articles. Sometimes we even frame them. We read your articles for tone and nuance, share them with clients and friends. We subscribe to your RSS feeds and check out your blogs and tweets. You put a smile on our faces when you respond to our pitches. We wait for your calls and avoid calling you when you’re on deadline. We commiserate when layoffs or closures are announced.

We stand by you. And we’re cheering you on as you find a way to adapt to the changing landscape. And if you do get laid off, just remember that your writing skills are marketable and transferable.