MEDIA TRAINING COSTS, PRICES & FEES: CONSULTING FIRM & CONSULTANT EXPENSES EXPLAINED

Media training costs, fees, prices and expenses to hire consultants vary significantly based on the scope, duration, and complexity of services provided. Noting the different pricing structures and factors that influence costs can help organizations budget effectively for the essential communications consulting services.

One-on-One Executive Training typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 for a half-day session and $4,000 to $8,000 for a full day. Personalized sessions that prompt media training costs include pre-training consultation, customized scenario development, video recording equipment, and detailed feedback analysis. Additional follow-up sessions might be priced at reduced rates, typically 60-75% of the initial session cost.

Group Training Programs, which can accommodate 4-8 participants, generally boast media training costs between $5,000 and $12,000 per day. Rates typically include preparation materials, multiple trainers, recording equipment, and individual feedback sessions. Larger groups may require additional trainers or days, increasing the overall cost proportionally.

Crisis Communication Training packages typically start at $10,000 and can exceed $25,000 for comprehensive programs. Higher media training costs mirror the complex scenario planning, multiple training sessions, and development of crisis communication protocols. PR firms offer retainer arrangements for crisis preparation and response, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 monthly.

Virtual Media Training, which has become increasingly popular, often costs less than in-person sessions. Virtual half-day sessions typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, while full-day virtual programs run between $3,000 and $6,000. Rates usually include digital materials and online recording capabilities.

Further media training costs and expenses to consider include:

• Travel and accommodation costs for trainers (typically billed at actual cost plus 10-15%)
• Facility rental if training occurs off-site ($500-1,500 per day)
• Equipment rental for specialized recording or broadcast simulation ($300-1,000 per day)
• Custom material development ($150-300 per hour)
• Post-training support and consultation ($250-500 per hour)

Media consulting firms offer package deals that combine different types of training. The comprehensive programs might range from $15,000 to $50,000 and typically include initial assessment, multiple training sessions, materials development, and follow-up support over several months.

Regular retainer arrangements, which provide ongoing access to media training services and consulting, typically start at $5,000 monthly and can exceed $20,000 monthly for large organizations requiring extensive support.

Most firms require a deposit (typically 25-50%) before beginning work, with the balance of media training costs due upon completion. Certain providers offer payment plans for larger packages or ongoing training programs.

Investment in media training should be viewed in the context of potential reputation management costs and the value of positive media coverage. While fees may seem substantial, the cost of poorly handled media interactions can be far greater in terms of reputational damage and lost business opportunities.