Global PR, Digital, and Strategic Communications
Media Theory LLC is a Washington DC-based public relations and digital communications agency with a focus on international causes and clients. Services include media relations, strategic communications, social media campaigns, digital marketing, issues advocacy, and web design and development. Media Theory is specialized in advising on complex international political and business issues, with experience in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Media Theory is a leading boutique DC public relations firm, one of a new breed of providers that look beyond traditional print and broadcast media to focus on establishing a strong presence in online communities.
We do things differently from many other PR and digital agencies. Our goal is to avoid overly aggressive marketing language while bringing a more transparent voice to our clients, connecting them with the relevant audiences with an emphasis on authenticity and credibility. We seek to add value to public debates, and communicate the client’s position through every available resource.
Media Theory is not a big firm, and that’s a good thing.
With a focus on high-quality, personal service and committed partnerships, Media Theory services a select group of clients and causes that we believe in. Most of our referrals come from law firms and other PR agencies, however we also work independently with entrepreneurs, cause-related groups, and high-profile public figures. Our role is not just limited to online activities and coordination of press relations, but rather the contribution and innovation of ideas and strategies to help clients influence outcomes and achieve their goals.
As a Washington DC PR agency, our service offering is much more than media relations, including social media consulting, cultivating engaged audiences for campaigns, website design and development, and reputation management.
headquarters
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Portfolio
Amsterdam & Partners LLP, The Atlantic Council, Numerous other international concerns which require discretion.
Reviews
the project
Media Engagement for Non-Partisan Think Tank
"They’re consistently successful at producing high-quality work with a personal touch."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council, which is a non-partisan Washington think tank that focuses on working with partners to secure a better future. The Center was founded five years ago to highlight the transformations in Latin America and the broader global importance of the region.
What challenge were you trying to address with Media Theory?
We wanted to ramp up our traditional media presence and our social media engagement. We also needed to improve the visual aspect of some of our outreach tools, such as publications and newsletters.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Media Theory provides us with drafts of op-eds, and strategic thinking on how to pitch certain topics. They offer contacts and insights with regard to traditional journalists. That helps to ensure that our materials get the proper media attention.
They also help with social media engagement by managing our Facebook and Twitter outreach. They design the Center’s online reports as well.
What is the team composition?
We work with three members of their team.
How did you come to work with Media Theory?
We found them through word of mouth. That personal recommendation was imperative. We chose to work with them because of the comprehensive proposal that they put forward, their ability to listen, and their willingness to tweak deliverables based on our feedback.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together around 2014 and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The number of Twitter and Facebook followers have increased since we started working with Media Theory. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of retweets and other engagement. In terms of press outreach, we've had a number of op-eds accepted. Visits to our website and digital publications are up as well. The web tiles they created help generate social media engagement around key issues.
How did Media Theory perform from a project management standpoint?
Their team is fantastic. They focus not only on delivering high-quality products but also on making sure their clients are taken care of. They’re available after hours if needed, and are always willing to jump in on a time-sensitive issue. They make sure we’re aware of costs and of the time it will take to deliver products. They complete work in a timely way. More importantly, they complete every assignment in a creative way. They deliver what they promise and beyond.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Everything impresses me. They’ll drop anything and work all hours of the night to deliver products for us. They’re consistently successful at producing high-quality work with a personal touch.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I don't have any.
the project
Advocacy Relations for International Law Firm
“Media Theory has provided top-notch advocacy relations for almost two decades... and we've been very successful.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm a founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, a multinational law firm that conducts litigation around the world.
What challenge were you trying to address with Media Theory?
We needed customized advocacy solutions to support us with the many highly important political players we work with.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Media Theory assists with all aspects of developing our advocacy materials and placement.
What is the team composition?
We work directly with James (President, Media Theory).
How did you come to work with Media Theory?
I had worked with James when he was with another firm over 17 years ago, so I already had a very strong relationship with him.
How much have you invested with them?
We've invested about $1 million.
What is the status of this engagement?
We've been working together for 17 years and counting.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Media Theory has provided top-notch advocacy relations for almost two decades. They've helped us position ourselves well for the unique type of work we do, and we've been very successful. There are no words to communicate how much we value their services.
How did Media Theory perform from a project management standpoint?
They're able to integrate and collaborate with a team more seamlessly than any other company I've worked with. They check their ego at the door and are results driven.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They genuinely care about our company's success. James has even worked with us on a number of pro bono cases, investing his own money to take part in them—he's been an unbelievable partner and helped us win the Pro Bono Award from the American Lawyer in 2013.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No. They've been fantastic.