Two useful podcasts: What tech PR can learn from journalists - and vice versa

Nearly every public relations firm now has some kind of a content offering: In-house writers and editors, a content studio, a digital studio, or “content strategy” capabilities referenced explicitly in their capabilities.

I’m part of this wave of content creators, as I joined Highwire PR at the start of this year as the agency’s in-house editor in chief, and my mission here is to help clients build and execute content strategies.

I’m also one of many former tech journalists who have moved onto the corporate side, working for tech companies now instead of publications. And, I’ve learned, my perspective as a journalist comes in very handy when talking with my Highwire colleagues — and with clients — about what stories are likely to resonate and which pitches are likely to be the most effective.

I was fortunate to make guest appearances on two recent podcasts, where I talk about content, the role of the press, the relationship between journalism and PR, and how the two shape coverage of technology companies.

Give them a listen:

• First, the excellent Jennifer Riggins and Rich Gall interviewed me for their podcast, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Tech.” I’m in the April 28 episode, “Machines Made of Words .” (41 minutes)
• Next, the impressive Aarti Shah interviewed me and my boss Kathleen Gratehouse (the co-founder of Highwire PR) for an episode of the PRovoke Podcast called “What Happens When Journalists Become PR Professionals? ” (33 minutes)

Both podcasts are, in my opinion, quite direct, honest, and free of hype. Together they provide a good perspective on how journalists moving into PR can think about their new line of work — and how PR firms should be thinking about embracing content and content strategy as part of their portfolios.

What do you think? Give the podcasts a listen and let me know your thoughts!