Understanding 

Media Types and Tiers


We classify media into different types and tiers, enabling our clients to target the right outlets and audiences for maximum impact.

Types of Media

    Owned Media

    • Company websites and blogs
    • Social media accounts
    • Email newsletters
    • Corporate publications (annual reports, white papers, case studies)

    Earned Media

    • Press coverage (news articles, features, interviews)
    • Media mentions
    • Reviews and recommendations
    • User-generated content

    Paid Media

    • Advertisements
    • Sponsored content
    • Content syndication

    Traditional Media

    • Print (newspapers, magazines)
    • Broadcast (TV, radio)
    • Outdoor (billboards, posters)

    Digital Media

    • Online news sites
    • Blogs
    • Social media platforms
    • Podcasts
    • Online video platforms

    Tiers of Media

    Media outlets are often categorized into tiers based on factors like audience size, domain authority, and industry influence:

        Tier 1

        Tier 2

        Tier 3

        • National news, consumer, and business outlets with audiences over 20 million
        • Podcasts with a 90-100 Listen Score
        • National outlets with audiences of 10-20 million
        • Industry-specific outlets with audiences of 150,000+
        • Podcasts with Listen Scores of 75-89
        • National outlets with audiences of 3-10 million
        • Local news outlets in the top 10 DMAs
        • Podcasts with Listen Scores of 50-74

        When developing a PR strategy, it's important to consider both the type of media and the appropriate tier for your goals. While Tier 1 outlets may seem most desirable, they may not always be the best fit for every company or message. Sometimes, targeting lower-tier outlets that are more closely aligned with your industry or local market can be more effective in reaching your target audience and achieving your PR objectives.

            Why Understanding Media Tiers Matters

            Understanding the different types and tiers of media allows you to strategically position your brand’s story. It helps in determining where to start and how to build momentum, moving from trade media coverage to broader, top-tier media exposure. By starting with targeted outlets, you can establish credibility and gradually work your way up the media ladder.