AP updates social media guidelines: 5 takeaways for PR pros

The guidelines cover a range of topics, from disclosure to friending and following. It’s worth a read. In the meantime, here are three useful takeaways from the guide for PR pros:

1. AP journalists should be all over social media. Chief among the additions is AP’s urging that journalists connect through social channels:

“All AP journalists are encouraged to have accounts on social networking sites. These sites are now an integral part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. They have become an essential tool for AP reporters to gather news and share links to our published work. We recommend having one account per network that you use both personally and professionally.”

Many PR professionals have found success building relationships with reporters on Twitter. At the very least they’ve picked up valuable intelligence from reporters’ Twitter account in order to craft a better pitch.

(For a refresher, read this PR Daily story on how to cultivate relationships with reporters on Twitter.)

The latest update to the AP’s social media guidelines means there will be more reporters on social media sites for you to follow and maybe even friend.