That’s a big shame, not least of all because ‘ex-PR’ journalists tend to be very good at their jobs, very principled, yet always get the most value out of the PR process.  I can think of two off the top of my head; one is an extremely successful news editor; the other a prolific freelance feature writer.  Their experience of working with journalists informed them it would be hard crossing over, so they went into it with their eyes wide open, and are now both very satisfied with their lot.

Aside from their writing expertise and insight into the workings of publications, one of the anticipated benefits of ex-journalists taking roles at PR agencies is their contacts.  You can’t teach someone to hold good contacts; you either have them or you don’t.  However, if that’s pretty much all an ex-hack is selling themselves on, then they will quickly become disillusioned with their new PR job.  All too often, PR looks like an easy earner – but walk a mile in a PR’s shoes and you’ll soon find your feet aching.  To blindly assume that great journalists will make great PRs is pretty sketchy judgment.  Some will be; many won’t.

The current Byers-Hoon-Hewitt lobbying story is showing no signs of slowing down, and the thing that strikes you is the sheer arrogance of assuming that ‘contacts are everything’.  Even if it was all pukka and above board, I’d be surprised if many MPs could make a good fist of lobbying as a profession, despite their experienced perspective from the other side of the table.  While ministers, their mistake would have been to overlook the skills of ’the lobby’ and see them only as carbuncles (albeit soaked in cash) fighting for the influence of the powerful. 

Good luck trying to get a job now!