Top 5 Tips for Media Relations


Media Relations Tips


1. Establish A Message

Like any other marketing or promotional initiative, success begins with strategy. Establish a strong and consistent message that focuses on what makes your company unique. Position yourself as an industry expert and target the message to your prospective markets. Use this message in press releases, media pitches and as a talking point in interviews.

2. Know the Reporter

What kind of stories does the journalist typically cover? Who are the journalist’s readers, viewers or listeners? What is important to them? What do they like? Knowing the reporter’s style, beat and audience is a key component to successful media relations.

3. Provide a Quality News Angle

Think like a reporter. Journalists typically look for stories that have one or more of the following elements:

  • Timeliness. Does the story contain information that is new or relevant to current events?
  • Impact. Does the story resonate with and affect the reporter’s audience?
  • Uniqueness. Do you approach the story from a different and interesting perspective?
  • Conflict. Does the story cover a struggle or an encounter with danger?
  • Proximity. Is the story local and targeted to the reporter’s readers, viewers or listeners?
  • Celebrity. Does the story involve someone famous?

4. Know the Deadlines

Journalists are always on tight deadlines. It’s important to know the deadlines so that you provide them with the story on time. A story pitched a day or two before deadline will most likely not make it into the publication. Schedules vary depending on the media outlet. For example, magazines typically work three months ahead while weekly newspapers or news programs work just days ahead. Likewise, respect a reporter’s deadline. If a journalist on deadline calls, respond as soon as possible.

5. Interview Well

Reporters look for clear, simple quotes that help tell the story. Interview skills are critical in securing a positive, lively story. Before the interview, make sure you are well-informed on the subject matter of the interview. Prepare a few key messages that you will want to communicate. During the interview, listen to the questions and provide an answer while staying on message. Get to the point immediately and provide details later. Also, don’t feel rushed to respond. If you need to confirm details with someone, let the reporter know. But send them the information as soon as possible.

For further media relations assistance, contact the public relations experts at GREENCREST.