Episode 3: Being the Voice: The Decisions, Pressure and Judgement of a Spokesperson

In this episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray explores what it actually takes to be a spokesperson in today’s media environment. Moving beyond soundbites and prepared lines, the conversation focuses on the reality of the role — representing an organisation under scrutiny, responding in real time, and making judgement calls when the stakes are high. Jack is joined by Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations at daa, to discuss spokesperson pressure and crisis communications; Dylan Kerrigan, Senior Research Executive at MediaHQ, to explore changing media trends; and Rob Carr, Product Lead at MediaHQ, to explain email deliverability and how PR teams get stories into journalists’ inboxes. Drawing on real-world experience, the episode examines how spokespersons prepare, how they handle pressure, and what separates those who perform well from those who struggle when it matters. At the centre of the discussion is a deeper question: what does good look like when you are the voice of an organisation? How do you balance clarity, control and authenticity, and how do you make the right call when there’s no time to pause? It’s a practical look at the role behind the microphone — and what it takes to speak with confidence, credibility and impact.