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Whether you’re a junior PR or a seasoned pro, the PR world is always on the go.
So, to make sure you’re in the know about the latest ways to get your stories covered, we’ve tapped into the experience of journalists from top media outlets.
These golden rules will help you know what, who, when, and how to pitch your stories to national newspapers and broadcasts in 2024. Why not give your knowledge a quick refresher? Download our infographic or read on to cruise through the ever-evolving PR industry with ease and get valuable insights to help you create sought-after pitches every time.
News section of national newspapers
1. Align your news pitch with the interests of the news section and newspaper
Get to know what the news section covers and then tailor your pitch to align with their interests – and style. Doing this will help make sure your story is relevant and resonates with the newspaper’s audience, making it more likely to be considered and covered. Showing that you understand their sections and publication needs is a way of giving respect, helping you to promote meaningful relationships with journalists.
2. Avoid pitching for outdated or irrelevant news sections
3. Know the ideal day to pitch your content
Features section of national newspapers
4. Match your pitch to the features section and newspaper
5. Know when to pitch your feature story
TV breakfast news coverage
6. A story with a good case study will always win out.
People enjoy well-supported stories that show examples of solutions and insights. Case studies offer different perspectives and can breathe new life into a not-so-much-interesting piece, make the storytelling engaging and memorable.
TV Spokespeople
7. Make sure your spokespeople are available as promised
Spokespeople put a human touch to stories, making them more impactful and relatable, helping the audience to connect with the message. They become advocates for your company or cause, giving it a human face or personality to any brand.
When TV viewers encounter a well-prepared, skilled spokesperson or a familiar face, you’re already halfway to earning their attention. As a PR professional, you must ensure the spokespeople you pitch to journalists are available as promised, especially high-profile names or celebrities. This helps build trust, not only with your audience but also with your media relationships, as reliability plays an important role in keeping that trust.
Don’t wait! Get our two-minute cheat sheets to learn how to pitch to the media effectively, including who to contact, when to do it, and how to do it right! Get the inside scoop on how to:
- Land your story in national newspapers.
- Earn a spot on TV breakfast news.
- Prep your TV spokespeople for success.
