There have been a number of recent announcements about hacks who’ve made the move to the ‘dark side’. Guardian business writer Richard Wray joined Vodafone; Nick Hasell, editor of The Times’ Tempus column, moved to FD; Daily Mail columnist Alice Dogruyol became comms head at Occo. Edelman has also signed up the BBC’s former head of news, Richard Sambrook and FT writer Stefan Stern.

Journalists who move into PR undoubtedly bring precious skills such as the ability to sniff out a good story and provide insight into how it will play out. They can also draw upon impeccable media contacts. However, as with any cross industry move, it’s not a career change without difficulty. Whilst some skills are clearly transferable, there are of course politics and personalities at play within PR companies and their clients. Hacks, in some of these circumstances, may not be the most flexible of hires – especially if their journalist sensibilities clash with the need to provide a client service which supports various stakeholders.

And let us not forget, PR is about so much more than media relations.

Despite some of these reservations, at senior levels hacks probably make great hires. Removed from account and client relationship management, they can certainly give strong strategic input and provide a fresh perspective on a client’s communications objectives. After all, journalists know better than anyone what makes a good story.

However, a hack moving into an account management or client relationship role, without proper training and experience, would be a tough move.

A grounding in PR, built up over years, is essential at that middle level where PRs are expected to be a jack of all trades. At this stage in their careers, PRs must be great writers, networkers, organisers, multi-taskers, financial planners, strategists and consultants, as well as fantastic man-managers. It probably requires some of the most varied skills needed in any professional industry.

Could a hack take it, I wonder?