The Value of Hiring a Journalist for Your Communications Strategy

Caroline Balchunas • February 24, 2022

The Great Resignation is real and touched nearly every industry in 2021. If you’ve noticed a revolving door of new faces in local news, you’re not alone. Newsrooms are losing talent with particular fervor nationwide. Where is everyone going? Where they can use their skills — public relations, corporate communications, non-profit groups, academia and so on.

It takes a certain type of person to be a journalist — strong work ethic, high moral standards, desire to make an impact and then some. We’ve highlighted five qualities that add particular value to an organization looking to up its communications game.

Addicted to Deadlines

Journalists survive and thrive on deadlines. Meeting a deadline is not only a requirement of the job, it’s an adrenaline rush. Depending on the medium, most reporters turn multiple stories a day. It requires serious critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Journalists can think fast, write fast and deliver fast. If there’s an organizational crisis needing immediate attention — just like breaking news — these folks are on it.

Original Storytelling

While social media has undoubtedly changed the face of traditional journalism, the need for original storytelling has not gone away. Journalists today come with an arsenal of multimedia experience, which means they know how to use various social media platforms, shoot quality photos and videos, and weave in some creative copy, too. This adds exceptional value for both internal and external communications. Reporters can sniff out an interesting detail or anecdote pertaining to your organization, craft an original story from it, and then figure out the smartest way to share it.

Jack of All Trades

Journalists are curious by nature and have the unique ability to become instant experts on any topic, any given day. They are masters at weeding through industry jargon, jazzing up a boring subject and communicating complex topics. Traffic light synchronization? Rodenticide regulation? School board controversy? A reporter knows how to dumb down any topic — a useful skill for writing press releases, articles, Op-Ed pieces, website content, messaging materials, and more.

Natural Influencers

Building sources is all about building relationships. Journalists know how to connect with people from all walks of life — elected officials, corporate executives, industry experts, community advocates, grocery workers, neighbors, and the homeless. Journalists also know other journalists and what makes the media tick, which is invaluable when it comes to securing media coverage and getting eyeballs on a pitch.

Content Development and Engagement

Multimedia reporters are masters of multitasking. They know what will gain traction on social media and how to make it stand out from the rest. Reporters these days must market themselves in order to gain a following, garnering story engagement in return. This frame of mind easily translates to brand identity and development, producing original content and improving the overall quality of an organization’s messaging.

The NP Strategy team has a dynamic and diverse group of media professionals, including eight former journalists. Regardless of their background — TV, newspaper, radio, magazine, or podcast — journalists have a myriad of skills and valuable qualities. Let NP Strategy help bring your story to life!