Becoming a Publicist for Someone in the Media

By: Jackie Sears

Photo There are many branches of PR that a recent graduate can consider when applying for their first job. The great thing about public relations is that it is very versatile and the professional can only benefit from diving into different types of PR throughout their career. One branch of PR that sparks interest to know more about is being a publicist for someone in the media. What all does it take to be a well known and well liked publicist?  The job description of a publicist for someone in the media gives and takes from these few things: Oversee the overall making of public image Manage media relations for the said client Coordinate events Make sure the client knows what is best to do and where to appear at Release statements, press releases, attend and managing press conferences Pitch story ideas to media, make client available for interviews Among these tasks, there is much to consider before choosing to become a celebrity publicist. Like most PR jobs, it is a full time around the clock job that requires a lot of maintenance. Needs are required to be met just like any other PR job, but in this instance, you are serving what is best for the person themselves, not just for a product or promotion. A powerful skill to have as a celebrity publicist is crisis communication. Dealing with a client that is human, there are bound to be mistakes and mishaps to happen during the time you are working for them. A quick thinker who is able to strategize what is best for the situation and for the client is a requirement, along with being an open communicator. According to Study.com, many publicist start in a PR firm or mentor with a celebrity publicist in order to secure and grow clientele following.  As of May 2014, $64,200 is stated as the median salary for a celebrity publicist according to the Business of Labor Statistics.   Do you think you have what it takes to be a publicist for someone in the media?

Works Cited 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). 13-1011 Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes. Retrieved  from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131011.htm

Dube Dwilson, S. (n.d.). What Does a Celebrity's Public Relations Representative Do? Retrieved  from http://work.chron.com/celebritys-public-relations-representative-do-22353.html 

Study.com. (n.d.). Celebrity Publicist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements. Retrieved March 04, 2016, from http://study.com/articles/Celebrity_Publicist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html