Press secretary

A press officer takes for a company or other organization ( eg, government agencies, associations ) contact with the press and other media, which is referred to as media relations. Often, the press spokesman main contact persons for journalists. In clubs and non-profit organizations, the press or media work often takes place voluntarily. Since they represent the organization or institution also compared with other media ( television, radio, Internet), they are also called media spokesperson.

Tasks

The most important task of a spokesperson to represent their own employers in the public media positively. This is done by supplying the eligible editors with press releases and statements, or by holding press conferences and other events (eg awards ). According to the press laws of the states is for the public administration also a directory assistance or information requirement to the press.

The press secretary is also responsible for interviews in the rule. With become known failures that are associated with your employer, the press secretary must make on behalf of these the questions of the journalists.

The internal functions of a spokesperson to write brochures and speeches heard. Also part of the work of the Press Secretary is the collection, analysis and objective review of internal and external issues and the preparation of reports, Strategy Paper n and recommendations for action - often against internal organizational resistance.

The media monitoring and media content analysis are fundamental activities of the Press Secretary as well as the early detection of medial crises and advising managers in all publicity issues and processes.

Structures

In many Western countries, the press secretary is an established profession with a greater number of professional representatives. Frequently there is a separate professional association representing the common external representation and quality assurance and offers training courses and conferences.

In Germany there are several journals, including pressesprecher ( ISSN 1612-7668 ) and PR magazine. In addition, there is also a statement chosen by journalists Spokesperson of the year. Will be assessed according to the criteria of professional handling, journalistic skills and level of information. Since 2007, the Federal Association of German press secretary promotes press spokesman offspring by award outstanding theses and dissertations remarkable.