What journalists at local outlets wish PR pros knew about their jobs

In public relations, a lot of focus and glory goes to national and international news outlets. But local news remains the lifeblood of communities, and a key way to share hyper-local messages with engaged audiences.

After seven years working at the Indianapolis Star as a social media producer, content creator, digital strategist and editor, I’ve met plenty of media relations folks. Here are some of the things I wish PR professionals knew about life in a local newsroom—along with some tips from journalists in other newsrooms.

Sometimes I’d look through the Indianapolis Star’s archives and be amazed at how many journalists used to cover the city. From a whole squadron of statehouse reporters to an honest-to-goodness architecture critic, newsrooms used to be a lot bigger.

They’re getting smaller all the time.

Since 2008, all newsrooms have shrunk by 26%, according to Pew Research. The coronavirus pandemic further hastened that pain with layoffs, consolidations and shuttered newsrooms.