Press secretary

The Press Secretary communicates with journalists, prepares press releases, and organizes press conferences.

On this profession page, you will learn:

Who is press secretary

The press secretary communicates with journalists, prepares press releases, and answers media inquiries. They shape and convey information about an organization or individual, presenting them in the best light. The press secretary analyzes news, tracks mentions of their organization in the media, and determines how to respond to journalists' requests effectively. They play a crucial role in crisis situations, where conveying the organization's position clearly and quickly to the public is essential. The press secretary organizes press conferences, plans interviews, and coordinates work with the media to ensure a smooth flow of information. They maintain relationships with journalists, fill information channels with news, and help foster a positive image.

AI impact on press secretary

Low risk

AI replacement risk

25%

Drafting standard press releases and compiling media lists will increasingly be done by AI, so you'll spend less time polishing boilerplate and more time on calls and quick replies. What stays is the face-to-face work: showing up at press conferences, reading the room when a reporter pushes back, and deciding which questions to dodge or answer. Your day-to-day shifts toward quick calls, last-minute event fixes, and choosing the tone that keeps people from misreading the company.

Tasks at risk of automation

drafting routine press releases
compiling media contact lists
monitoring news mentions
basic copy editing

Tasks that will remain human

organizing press conferences and media events
responding to journalists in real time
reading tone and context in interviews
deciding messaging strategy under pressure

Key skills of press secretary

communicability oral communication establishing contacts persuasiveness active listening empathy critical thinking ability to solve problems time optimization stress management writing editing collaboration and productivity software digital marketing journalism media planning copywriting

Work schedule and conditions

A press secretary usually works 8 hours a day. The work schedule can be from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Generally, the weekends are Saturday and Sunday. The job is mostly office-based, but remote work is possible. Urgent situations often arise, requiring extra working hours. A press secretary may also be involved in events during weekends or in the evenings.

What a press secretary does

Creating and distributing company press releases.
Organizing press conferences and media events.
Responding to journalists' inquiries quickly and professionally.
Monitoring news and media related to the company.
Developing communication strategies for external messaging.
Engaging with journalists and media partners.
Ensuring a positive company image in the media.

Benefits of the press secretary profession

Communication Skills

Enhancement of communication abilities.

Critical Thinking

Improvement of analytical skills.

Variety of Tasks

Project work on diverse topics.

Disadvantages of the press secretary profession

Stressful Situations

Unpredictable deadlines and pressure.

Constant Availability

Requirement to be always reachable.

High Expectations

Need to meet expectations.

How to become a press secretary

You can become a press secretary in the UK without a compulsory degree — what matters is strong written and spoken communication, writing press releases and working with the media. A degree in journalism, communications or public relations helps but is not a legal requirement, and no special licences are needed.

1. Courses and communications practice

The quickest route is a short course in PR, copywriting or media communications — including PR apprenticeships and CIPR-aligned training — combined with running your own public channels. In a few weeks to months you learn to write press releases, work with the media and prepare public statements, letting you enter the market without a degree.

2. Placement in a press office

A placement in the press or communications office of a company, charity or public body gives real experience working with journalists and builds your portfolio. It is a practical way in even without prior experience — you learn directly on the job.

3. Higher education

A degree in journalism, communications or public relations gives a systematic grounding and eases your start, especially in large organisations. It is the longer route and not a requirement, but it widens your options for career progression.

The fastest way in is a short PR or communications course alongside a placement in a press office and your own portfolio of writing. A degree is useful but not essential, and your skill grows with hands-on experience dealing with the media.