Press Secretary
Press secretaries advise ministers on how to deal with the media, and help them to communicate government policy and decisions to the wider public.
Tasks & duties
Press secretaries may do some or all of the following:
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liaise with the media and respond to reporters' questions
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advise politicians on how to deal with the media
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liaise with ministerial departments and portfolio private secretaries about media questions and policy
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write media releases and ensure they are consistent with the agreed priorities and messages of the Government
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write speeches about government policy and decisions
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monitor the news and advise their minister of developments that may affect their portfolios
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analyse the attitudes and opinions of the public
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proactively manage issues that have the potential to generate negative media coverage about their minister's portfolios
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manage issues that have already generated negative media coverage
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organise press conferences, media interviews and public events
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advise on communication strategies
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assist politicians to write newsletters and columns
Skills & knowledge
Press secretaries need to have:
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an understanding of the political environment
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knowledge of parliamentary procedures
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knowledge of how the media works
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knowledge of promotional and publicity techniques
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knowledge of what the spoken word will look like in print, and sound like on television or radio
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excellent communication skills
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writing skills
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excellent planning and organisational skills for arranging press conferences and media interviews
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the ability to grasp issues quickly and analyse how they might affect their minister's portfolios and the Government's objectives
Entry requirements
To become a press secretary you need to have a tertiary qualification in one of the following areas:
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journalism
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communications
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public relations
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media studies
A detailed knowledge of communications and public relations is also needed.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Bursary or NCEA equivalent English is preferred.
Training on the job
Press secretaries may attend relevant training courses and conferences.
Useful experience
Useful experience for press secretaries includes:
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work in a relevant government sector or industry area
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work in a communications-related position
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radio, television or newspaper work
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work in public relations
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research work
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work as a journalist
Related courses
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies
Political Science
Public Relations
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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