press conference

White House press conference 2004

Press conference after the basic contract was signed on December 21, 1972. Egon Bahr (left) and Michael Kohl answer questions from journalists.

A press conference is a means of public relations .

purpose

For example, stars , politicians , non-governmental organizations , institutions , associations , initiatives , companies or even private individuals from current affairs invite representatives of the press and the mass media to a press conference, or “PK” in journalists' jargon . In front of the present reporters they present information on current, often explosive topics and / or comment on these, deny rumors or announce something. The representatives of the press can often ask questions after the statements , which are usually prepared .

construction

DFB press conference with Michael Ballack

The spatial structure of a press conference usually has a two-part location; on one side of the conference room a desk or table equipped with microphones. In contrast, there are seats for journalists . At the desk or table stand or sit the press officer (s) and other people who contribute more specific information about the matter, answer questions or just demonstrate presence and solidarity.

The importance ( relevance ) assigned to a press conference shows roughly the number of visitors, cameras and the microphones attached to the table.

In contrast to the written press release , a press conference provides sound and, if cameras are permitted, also images , which are intended to give emphasis and authenticity to the conveyance of the respective issue .

procedure

Questions are indicated by raising hands.

In the news , the press conference and its content become the message if relevant . In the course of the spread of the special interest channel , news channels (e.g. Welt (formerly N24) , n-tv , Phoenix ) are increasingly broadcasting important press conferences directly.

Specially prepared press releases or the planned statements and often photos (e.g. of products) distributed to press conferences are in press kits . Often the “ blocking period ” (x-day, x-am: time of the PK) and “ the spoken word counts ” are noted: after all, you can have the folders sent to you or pick them up, which after the PK are usually on the organizer's homepage are also available online (for everyone).

literature

Rainer Schirrmeister: How do I organize: A press conference. Self-published, Cologne 2018, ISBN 978-3000564697 .
Michael Cremer: press conference. In: Lexicon of press and public relations. Oldenbourg Verlag, Munich / Vienna 2001, ISBN 3-486-25030-2 , pp. 312-314.
Michael Konken: Press conference and media trip. FBV Medien-Verlags GmbH, Limburgerhof, 2000, ISBN 9783929469233 .

Web links

Commons : Press conference - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Wiktionary: Press conference - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations