Media Relations Wrapped: Top PR Trends to Amplify 2025

If 2024’s media relations trends were a playlist, what would it be--a bop? A one-hit wonder?

Welcome to 2025, public relations enthusiasts! As we step into the new year, it's time to reflect on the top media relations trends of 2024 and explore how we can leverage them to drive even greater success in 2025. Consider this your "Media Relations Wrapped," your guide to building stronger relationships in the media and achieving your public relations goals. So, let's hit play on 2024 and discover how we can make 2025 our biggest hit yet!

Are We Still in Harmony?

Did we accidentally hit "unfollow" on our media connections?

As we look back on media relations in 2024, it's clear that developing those connections was the real chart-topper of the year. With the rise of freelancers in the media landscape, 2025 calls for more thoughtful relationship-building. Whether it's expressing thanks for an article collaboration or sending a simple note to a journalist who got lost in the shuffle last year, these gestures can start the new year off strong.

The best way to carry that collaborative energy into the new year is to take stock of where clients and media left off. Take the time to share quick thank-you's, engage with their LinkedIn posts, or finally schedule that coffee chat—virtual or in person. These actions could connect us to some of our top partnerships for 2025.

The Hits and the Misses: What Pitched and What Flopped

Every playlist has some skips.

One of my favorite things to do is look back at pitching efforts from the previous year and ask myself, "What resonated? What formats saw the most engagements? What left me with little to no response?"

Finding out whether any of those public relations story angles are connected with the media is a great jumping-off point as we prepare ourselves for our pitching efforts in 2025. Data-driven stories seemed to lead to successful "hits" with the media, showing that backing up our stories with data is still important in today's media landscape.

Utilizing experts and their insights is another strong way to connect clients with the right audiences—these experts have endless experiences and value to add to the stories our clients are telling. What better way to share those thoughts than by encouraging connections with our experts and the media?

Moving forward, it's great to see what worked and what didn't while also keeping pitches and stories fresh. This can be as simple as refining targeted audiences and publications, adjusting the pitch's tone, or dedicating more time to experimenting with trends, storytelling, and thought leadership as it relates to the publication. By defining upcoming trends, we can create more impactful pitching that will hopefully resonate with a journalist and send our stories to the top of the charts.

A Contact List Glow-Up

Outdated playlists? We don't know her.

If there's one thing that sometimes falls by the wayside in the day-to-day hustle, it can be our media lists. As we enter a new year, it's the perfect time to refresh those contacts—because pitching to a journalist who's moved on (or out) isn't exactly setting ourselves or our clients up for success.

Take this opportunity to explore emerging publications and uncover new voices to keep outreach fresh and relevant. An updated list isn't just housekeeping; it's the foundation for hitting all the right notes in 2025 and ensuring our stories are reaching the right people.

2025 Prep Mode

2025's going to be on the PR "Hot 100" list.

Now's the time to gear up for Q1 and Q2 by working on editorial pitch calendars, brainstorming story topics, and researching trends that will help shape the conversation for our clients in the year ahead. Think of it as creating an essentials playlist: track what matters to your clients and their industries, monitor national news cycles to capitalize on certain stories, and uncover new angles for trade publications to keep your outreach new and engaging. With a strategic media relations plan, you'll be ready to hit play on a productive start to 2025.

Replay Button Ready

It's a wrap on 2024, but 2025's encore is just getting started.

By reflecting on this year's wins and lessons—whether it's refreshing contacts, fostering media relationships, or staying ahead of trends—you're setting the stage for a stronger, more intentional approach to media relations. The replay button isn't just about looking back; it's the foundation to build even deeper connections for yourself and your clients.

If you want your 2025 Media Relations Strategy to be more hit than miss, contact us to learn more about the simple steps we will help you take.