12 ways journalists annoy PR professionals

 Journalists and PR pros may work on the same side of the communication spectrum, but their methods can differ wildly. From late-night calls to off-brief interviews, journalists have their quirks; some charming, others not so much. Let’s break down the 12 most common irritants PR folks face daily.

1. Ignoring the brief completely

You send a crisp, to-the-point press release. The journalist reads it, then asks for something entirely unrelated. It's like bringing a menu and they ask for something off the menu entirely.

2. The ghosting act

Nothing is more frustrating than a journalist showing early interest and then disappearing into the digital void. No replies, no updates, just a haunting silence.

3. Last-minute deadlines

“Can you get me a quote in the next 10 minutes?”,  the dreaded line that PR pros know too well. Journalists love tight deadlines, but PR folks have approval chains to go through!

4. Twisting the narrative

Sometimes, even after sending key points, the story comes out with a surprising spin. It might get more clicks, but it can leave PR teams scrambling to explain to clients.

5. Bypassing the PR contact

PR pros often serve as the gatekeepers for client communication. When journalists go directly to the CEO without looping in the PR team — it’s like skipping security at an airport.

6. "I Need This ASAP" – Then disappear

The urgency is real — until it isn’t. Journalists push for information instantly and then vanish for days, leaving PR professionals wondering what the fuss was about.

7. Misspelling names and brands

Despite sharing brand decks and name pronunciations, typos still find a way into stories. For PR pros, these errors are more than minor — they can become a major headache.

8. Forgetting the embargo

Embargoes exist for a reason. But occasionally, journalists publish stories early, causing confusion and misalignment across multiple channels.

9. Publishing without confirmation

Sometimes journalists hit ‘publish’ before verifying facts or final quotes. This not only jeopardizes brand reputation but also puts the PR team in damage control mode.

10. Skipping the credit line

The PR person spends days arranging interviews, background notes, and visuals. The story goes live — and the brand isn’t even mentioned. Ouch.

11. The clickbait trap

Headlines are meant to attract, sure. But when they completely misrepresent the story for a few extra clicks, PR professionals are left answering angry client calls.

12. Treating PR pros like gatecrashers

PR professionals are not just messengers — they’re strategic partners. Dismissing their efforts or excluding them from editorial planning reduces the value they bring to the table.

Although the journalist-PR equation may have its quirks, strong PR professionals know how to turn challenges into opportunities. One such expert agency is TYC Communication, known for its result-driven, insight-led approach. Offering a full suite of services including media outreach, corporate communication, reputation management, and digital integration, they stand out among top PR companies in India.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of what works in media circles, TYC Communication continues to raise the bar for effective brand storytelling and impactful media relations.

https://tyccommunication.com/services/online-reputation-management/

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