Now don’t get me wrong, I know that as a nation, and as an industry, that we are all working longer hours and regular lunch breaks are a luxury, but I think it’s about time that journalist lunches make a comeback! Many journalists and PR professionals look back at the 1980s and 1990s as the good old days, when boozy three hour lunches were a regular occurrence. On the downside, I admit that this often caused people outside the industry to look upon PR in a negative way – think AbFab! – but the thinking behind these lunches are vital for media relations.

Nothing beats being able to meet journalists face to face over a meal - or even a coffee or a drink if time is tight. It builds and cements relationships as it means that you, and they, can put a face to name and they can get to know you as a person rather than just another PR. In an age of modern technology, media relations runs the risk of becoming faceless and we need to stop only being known as an email address or a voice.

And the proof is in the pudding (excuse the pun!) as I have noticed an increase in the amount and quality of coverage that is generated from journalists that I have met face to face. So what are you doing for lunch…?

Emma Stonier (63G Account Manager)