Continental Shift: Navigating the Industrial B2B media landscapes of China and Europe

In the dynamic world of B2B industrial sectors, effective media relations and journalist interactions play a pivotal role in shaping brand perception and industry influence. When it comes to engaging with the media, China, and Europe present some similarities but also distinct cultural, communication, and strategic differences.

In this article, our teams at EMG China and in Europe have put their heads together to create this guide that explores the subtleties that B2B companies must consider when navigating media relations in these two influential regions.

Cultural Context: Building Trust and Connections

While both regions value professionalism, the importance of personal relationships and trust are at the heart of Chinese business culture. While media relationships are built on content that speaks to a journalist’s areas of interest or match with their editorial plan, cultivating strong interpersonal bonds is crucial. Face-to-face meetings, networking events, and formal introductions carry significant weight.

European business culture values expertise and well-structured communication. The approach is more formal, and journalists seek in-depth information backed by research and industry insights. European media interactions often revolve around delivering accurate and valuable content as a first step to building trust.

Communication Styles: Directness vs. Indirectness

Nuanced language is often used to convey meaning in Chinese communications and in media interactions, subtlety is valued. It's crucial to read between the lines to understand the full message. Companies should be prepared for less direct questions from journalists and respond with clarity but humility and sensitivity.

Journalists expect concise, clear responses to their inquiries in Europe, so the communication style is much more direct and straightforward. Companies should provide specific details, data, and information to substantiate their claims. Avoiding vague language and staying on point is essential for successful media interactions.

Local Media Landscape and Channels

In both regions traditional media outlets like newspapers, trade magazines and television still have an impact.

China's media landscape is complex and rapidly evolving. While traditional media outlets like newspapers and television remain the authority and ultimate source of credibility, digital channels are becoming more influential. Platforms like WeChat and Douyin (TikTok) are crucial for business news dissemination and engagement with target audiences.

European countries still have a much more diverse combination of traditional media added to the mix, but online media platforms and social media in the deep B2B space are gaining rapid prominence. Companies should tailor their media relations strategies to accommodate both traditional and digital channels.

Crisis Communication: Maintaining Reputations

In China, crisis communication involves striking a very delicate balance between transparency and preserving hard-earned reputations. With the rise of social media, user generated content has become the major source of negative news. Chinese authorities often prioritise maintaining social stability by strongly influencing the narrative during a crises. This can lead to limited transparency and the censorship of information.

European crisis communication emphasises transparency and accountability. Companies are expected to provide detailed explanations, take responsibility for any shortcomings, and outline concrete steps to rectify the situation. A proactive and candid approach is appreciated.

Language and Cultural Sensitivity

While English is spoken and understood in business settings, providing content in Mandarin can facilitate smoother communication in China. Understanding cultural nuances and taboos is essential to avoid misunderstandings. Regional language variations exist due to the vast landscape, so it's essential to talk to local teams to understand customs and avoid giving offense.

Language barriers are less pronounced within Europe due to the prominence of English. However, companies should be aware of cultural and linguistic differences between countries and tailor their messaging accordingly.

While media relations and journalist interactions in B2B industrial sectors require an excellent understanding of cultural nuances and communication styles in both China and Europe, the essence of success still comes down to making sure you have a good story to tell.

Specialist expertise is the key to success

Companies seeking to build their media profiles in these regions should invest in relationship-building and adapt their strategies to accommodate the unique preferences of each market. Working with regional specialists is essential to embracing the differences and fostering positive relationships with the media, which enhances brand reputation.