Exploring the Diverse Roles in Media

At Think Differently, we love media. It’s our passion. It’s our experience. It’s what we know.

Our mission is to connect brilliant people with brilliant opportunities in media. So today we’re breaking down the different types of roles across the Irish media sector, from traditional broadcast to digital, creative, PR, and beyond.

Ireland has a strong legacy in traditional media. Print (national newspapers like The Irish Times, Irish Independent, and regional titles) remains very influential. Radio stations like RTÉ Radio 1, Today FM, and Newstalk are widely consumed across demographics. Television (RTÉ, Virgin Media, and TG4) remains central to the broadcast landscape, alongside global platforms like Netflix and Sky.

Most brands now prioritise digital-first strategies. Roles in SEO, content marketing, programmatic advertising, and digital strategy are in high demand.

Ireland is home to a vibrant agency scene, particularly in Dublin. Global and local agencies manage campaigns across TV, radio, digital, and social. Roles here include account managers, creative directors, planners, and media buyers. Many campaigns are now integrated, blending traditional and digital for maximum reach.

Public Relations is a key part of the media mix. Irish PR agencies handle everything from press launches to reputation management. Skills in media relations,crisis comms, and corporate storytelling are highly valued.

Ireland’s social media market is maturing quickly. Brands rely heavily on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Social roles range from community managers and content creators to paid social specialists and influencer coordinators.

Let’s break it down further!

Advertising

Advertising roles span creative and strategic positions, from copywriters and art directors to media planners and buyers. These professionals are the storytellers and tacticians who bring brand messages to life through campaigns that inform, entertain, and inspire action. Types of advertising roles include:

Creative Director
Copywriter
Media Planner/Buyer
Campaign Manager

Media Sales

Media sales is the commercial engine behind the industry.

Professionals in this space connect brands with audiences through the sale of ad space across radio, TV, print, digital, outdoor, and sponsorships. In Ireland, media sales roles exist within publishers, broadcasters, out-of-home media owners, and digital platforms. It’s a relationship-driven space, where understanding audience data, campaign goals, and client needs is crucial. Key roles include:

Sales Executive / Manager
Sponsorship & Partnerships Manager
Account Director
Ad Operations Specialist

Sales professionals who can combine a strong commercial instinct with digital know-how are particularly in demand as traditional and digital media converge.

Marketing

Marketing professionals bridge the gap between a brand and its audience, using insights, data, and innovation to shape compelling narratives and strategies. Marketing roles include:

Marketing Manager
Brand Strategist
Content Marketer
CRM Specialist

Public Relations (PR)

PR specialists manage reputation and media relationships, crafting messaging that builds trust and credibility across multiple channels. Key roles include:

PR Executive
Communications Manager
Media Relations Officer
Crisis Communications Specialist

Creative

The creative sector encompasses visual storytellers and designers who translate brand identity into eye-catching assets and experiences.

Key roles:

Graphic Designer
Art Director
UX/UI Designer
Producer

Digital

Digital media professionals harness SEO, SEM, email, and analytics to drive online engagement and measurable ROI. These roles span the whole media landscape:

Digital Marketing Manager

SEO/SEM Specialist
Data & Analytics Lead
Email Marketing Manager

Social Media

From TikTok trends to LinkedIn thought leadership, social media professionals cultivate brand personality and community through real-time engagement. Key roles include: