The 2020 State of Public Relations

Muck Rack, a communications platform popular with public relations practitioners and journalists, has released its annual report on the state of public relations in America.

The survey of PR professionals aims to detail best practices, new tools, and potential solutions for problems old and new. The report is especially relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed the way communicators have connected with journalists and the public.

A few key findings:

• The vast majority—94 percent—of public relations professionals consider individual emails the best way to connect with journalists.
• A plurality of respondents say COVID-19 will affect their budgeting.
• Social media platforms Twitter and LinkedIn are seen as equally important to connecting with journalists and the public this year.

Muck Rack’s full report is available here.

The Public Relations team in University Relations is always available to help you pitch stories to the media, train your faculty and staff on speaking with journalists, and consult on media plans, strategy, and best practices.

Find your UR Public Relations contact, or email unews@umn.edu for more information or to speak with someone.