A Communication expert and Mediaprenuer, Alhaji Bashir Adigun has advised Public Relations Practitioners to maintain cordial relationships with Journalists in order to build brand reputation, drive businesses and positive political results.
Adigun, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Media and Communication gave this advice at the monthly Clinic of the Kwara State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations [NIPR].
Alhaji Adigun, whose lecture was titled “Effective Media Relations, Key to Public Relations Practice”, described effective media relations, as a best tool for deploying integrated communication strategy, for mass marketing and dissemination of messages designed to reach target audience, with mechanism for feedback.
He noted that though, navigating the complexities of these relationships could be challenging, as we now live in a competitive world, where there are options for consumers to choose from, enumerated various methods of promoting brands, product, or principal in the media.
Alhaji Adigun, who is a multimedia Journalist with over three decades experience in international wire service and Proprietor of Albarka fm, then enjoined Public Relations Practitioners, to among other things always build relationship with key Journalists, editors and influencers, organize exclusive interviews, insights or access to information that benefits media Practitioners and develop narratives that showcase the organization’s unique value proposition, mission and values.
In his contribution, the Senior Adviser and Counselor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, who observed that media relations could make or mar the career of Public Relations Practitioners, explained that the role definition of holding Political Office holders accountable assigned to Journalists in the nation’s Constitution has not been resolved and enjoined Public Relations Practitioners to always avoid class distinction in order to have an effective media relationship.
Alhaji Salaudeen noted with displeasure that investigative Journalism was going into extinction, pointing out that, investigative Journalism provides answers to power bestowed on media Practice in the nation’s Constitution.
Also contributing, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, explained that Public Relations Practitioners, must be proactive and deploy appropriate crisis management communication strategies, when a situation arises.
In his opening address, the state chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations [NIPR], Mr. Gabriel Ogunade, explained that the monthly Clinic was organized to sharpen the skills of PR Practitioners for effective service delivery and praised the Guest Speaker, for ensuring scholarly delivery, which according to him touched strategic communication during crisis.
