Most reporters actually need the help of PR people to obtain facts, figures, background information and quotes for their stories. In order for journalists to do a good story, they need both factual information and quotes from people to provide perspective on the topic. Since just about every company has some sort of PR representation, the reporter must work through the PR person to get those facts and figures, as well as set up phone calls with key management for the quotes. The same process is repeated for magazines, television reporters, radio shows, and just about every form of media.

The name of the game is to help the reporter, not become a roadblock, for the story. And it’s important for the reporter to have the right information for their story.