16 replies to this topic

[Dunc]

I know it's a bit of a rude question but I've always wondered? And how does it compare with F1 PRs?

[William Hunt]

not much. Almost all are independents. I once had an offer a couple of years ago but rejected because it was financially totally uninteresting (I worked at an international publisher of industrial magazines at that time; the offer was less than half of what I was earning at that time and included no company car which I also had). My brother works as an independent photographer in the autosport world (mainly sportscars), he also doesn't earn that much with it. I assume the editors of Autosport get paid a lot better than what I was offered.

Edited by William Hunt, 16 December 2009 - 13:58.

[onemoresolo]

I know it's a bit of a rude question but I've always wondered? And how does it compare with F1 PRs?

In general, PRs get paid far more than journalists. I'm sure the same is true of F1, if anything it's probably a more profound difference than usual. F1 journalists are writing about what they love, and many would love their job, so lower salaries. PR is vital to F1 teams for sponsorship and revenues, so will hire the best PR people possible, so higher salaries.

Some figures would be interesting though.

[William Hunt]

In general, PRs get paid far more than journalists.

Not true. PR people don't get paid that much and will for sure earn less than a good independent journalist or a good editor. It's usually women and their job is hardly creative; most of the time writing standard press releases. A marketing manager gets paid a lot more than PR people. You also shouldn't forget that Marketing / Public Relations is only three years of study in most countries and is not a degree that's hard to get; those people usually end up in boring press release functions at companies. Marketing Managers in big companies on the other hand often have studied applied economics which is a much higher degree and takes 4 years or 5 for and economic engineer (handelsingenieur), they are as a result paid a lot more.

Edited by William Hunt, 16 December 2009 - 14:04.

[onemoresolo]

Not true. PR people don't get paid that much and will for sure earn less than a good independent journalist or a good editor. It's usually women and their job is hardly creative; most of the time writing standard press releases. A marketing manager gets paid a lot more than PR people. You also shouldn't forget that Marketing / Public Relations is only three years of study in most countries and is not a degree that's hard to get; those people usually end up in boring press release functions at companies. Marketing Managers in big companies on the other hand often have studied applied economics which is a much higher degree and takes 4 years or 5 for and economic engineer (handelsingenieur), they are as a result paid a lot more.

I wasn't talking about marketing, I was comparing PR and journalism. And PR's on average earn more than journalists. The starting salary of a journalist is £12,000, PR £20,000. Average salary of a journalist is around £30,000, PR nearer £40,000. As somebody who's just graduated in journalism, I'm regretting not choosing the dark side as my career...

[Jodum5]

Generally PR in the U.S. (even with the large firms in major cities) pays barely anything. I think a journalist with an established newspaper or magazine would make a bit more (but not much more - think $28k for pr versus $36k entry level in NY or DC adjusted for cost of living).

An established PR professional maybe with their own small firm could obviously make a lot more, same goes with journalists (think James Allen, alan Henry) who can freelance with top publications and even author books.

[potmotr]

I know the F1 freelance journos share hotel rooms around the world.

I think that speaks volumes!

But as they say, you don't get into journalism for the money.

You do it because it is an interesting career.

Edited by potmotr, 16 December 2009 - 14:26.

[wewantourdarbyback]

But as they say, you don't get into journalism for the money.

You do it because it is an interesting career.

Too right, it's why my engineering degree is now gathering dust.

[Dunc]

I remember seeing a press officer job for a rally team that paid £24,000 p/a. Would you expect something similar in F1 or more?

[Alexis*27]

More in F1. £35k?

[potmotr]

More in F1. £35k?

Still not very good money really.

And I think the danger is when you turn your hobby into your job you might begin to not like it as much.

[wewantourdarbyback]

And I think the danger is when you turn your hobby into your job you might begin to not like it as much.

As I found when I started my degree

[potmotr]

As I found when I started my degree

I have a journalist friend who covers football.

Now that is a hard occupation.

The players, if you get near them, are total arseholes.

[wewantourdarbyback]

The players, if you get near them, are total arseholes.

The only football people I've ever interviewed have been non leaguers, all a nice down to earth bunch. Probably because they earn just enough to get buy as pros and have to work hard.

[MegaManson]

I don't think it is that well paid

Matt Bishop when editor of F1Racing was on about 75k a year

I would guess the top ones - Joe Saward, Peter Windsor etc would get 250k+ with all their work but I would say the typical F1 journo would clear about 40k a year after expenses

[Jordana]

I don't know but whatever the Spanish Ones get, too much! Because most of them are so, so ignorant. They know so little about F1. A real shame!

[Imperial]

Did I read right, that £35k is not good money really?

It's certainly not bad money!

http://www.statistic...gget.asp?id=285