Earned Media

Definition

Media coverage that a restaurant receives organically through PR efforts, rather than through paid advertising. This includes newspaper reviews, TV segments, blog features, and social media mentions by journalists or influencers who weren't paid to post.

Why It Matters for Restaurants

Earned media is the gold standard of restaurant PR because it carries third-party credibility. A glowing review from a respected food critic or a feature on a local morning show can drive more reservations than months of paid advertising. The key challenge is that earned media can't be bought — it must be earned through newsworthy stories, relationships with journalists, and consistent quality.

Related Terms

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