Which statement differentiates Public Relations from Media Relations?

• A. Public relations focuses on creating goodwill with all publics, while media relations focuses on obtaining favorable media coverage
• B. Public relations handles crisis only, while media relations handles routine communications
• C. Public relations is for government, media relations for private sector
• D. Public relations and media relations are the same

Answer: (A)

Public relations is about building goodwill and long-term relationships with all publics—residents, business owners, neighborhood groups, elected officials, and the media alike—through broad, strategic communication and outreach. Media relations, on the other hand, is the focused activity of managing interactions with news organizations to obtain favorable or accurate media coverage, using tools like press releases, media briefings, and spokesperson coaching.

In a code enforcement context, PR would handle general community outreach about new codes, safety campaigns, multilingual resources, and ongoing engagement with the public. Media relations would come into play when communicating news to the press about a high-profile enforcement action, coordinating with reporters, and ensuring consistent, accurate messages.

So, the statement that PR aims to create goodwill with all publics while media relations concentrates on obtaining favorable media coverage best captures the distinction between the two.