Making the News - Tips from A News Journalist

What makes a good media release and how do you engage the media with your story idea? How do you pitch stories to the media, especially hard-nosed news hounds who can sniff out a 'puff piece' a mile away?

The media receives literally hundreds of media releases a day, many which are instantly disregarded. Why? A number of factors contribute to the demise of a media release, one key aspect however that contributes to a well written and published releases is the writers ability to be media savvy, that is identify the aspects an editor is looking for when selecting the day's news.

In an in-depth interview with a veteran news editor and journalist I posed the question " What makes a good media release?" Here are his 7 tips in identifying a good release;

1. ONE THAT MAKES SENSE.

An obvious point but one often overlooked in the pressure to put out a media statement.

2. APPEALS TO A WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE.

3. DOES NOT HAVE AN OBVIOUS 'SPIN'

If it is overtly trying the 'sell' something the release is likely to go no-where.

4. FOR RADIO - IT MUST BE SOMETHING THAT WILL ENGENDER TALKBACK AND DISCUSSION.

5. FOR NEWSPAPERS - IT MUST BE IMPORTANT, NEWSY AND INTERESTING

6. DELIVER IT VIA EMAIL.

Avoid the use of fax for a competitive radio station as it is unlikely to reach its target.

7. DON'T BULL S**T!

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com

---

Custom Reasons for Custom Publishing

Once considered the stepchild of the publishing industry, custom publishing... Read More

Top Ten Tips for Writing your Best Press Release Ever

Keep these few crucial details in mind when writing and... Read More

The Working Case Study

Next to white papers, case studies are the most popular... Read More

Media Contact Lists and How to Build a Fantastic One

I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the... Read More

Public Relations: Understanding Educated Gambling

As an entry level position to PR, I found myself... Read More

Making Press Releases Work - Creating News Where None Existed

Aren't you tired of hearing how extremely easy it is... Read More

Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, the Media Wants to Give You Free Publicity

In this great country of ours, there are basically three... Read More

3 Essential Elements For Turning Your PR Pitch Into Publicity Exposure

1) Establish Rapport, then get the editor/producer excited.There's not a... Read More

Managerial Survival Key

For business, non-profit or association managers like yourself, survival pretty... Read More

GETTING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS

You have a story to tell. Your company has developed... Read More

E-Mail Media Releases

E-mail is becoming the preferred way to receive media releases.... Read More

The Ratings are Coming

Small businesses have always known the importance of word of... Read More

PR Failure Defined

I define public relations failure this way:key audience perceptions are... Read More

How PR Makes a Managers Life Easier

Things are pleasant for many business, non-profit or association managers... Read More

Why PR is an Engine for Economic Growth

Business, non-profit and association managers committing their public relations resources... Read More

What Some Pros Know About PR

They know they had better do something positive about those... Read More

If Your PR Cant Do This, Bag It!

As a business, non-profit or association manager, why continue a... Read More

Getting Free Publicity with Radio Interviews

Imagine that you are a radio producer. You have to... Read More

Make the Media Your Friend

The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help... Read More

Right PR Focus A Powerful Advantage

Powerful is a strong word. But it fits here. As... Read More

Your Organization: What Role PR?

As a manager, does your current business, non-profit or association... Read More

Why You Should Write a Book (Even if You Really Dont Want To)

Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More

How To Get Zero Cost Publicity For Your Business Part 1

Would you like to expand the volume of your business?... Read More

How to Work with Newspaper Photographers

The next time a newspaper photographer takes your photo, remember... Read More

Promoting Your Website Through a Press Release

Have you ever gotten one of those letters from your... Read More

How to Write Press Releases That Work And Get Free Publicity

One study found that as many as 90% of the... Read More

Are There Secrets to Gaining Media Coverage?

Are there secrets to gaining media coverage or is it... Read More

Writing a Press Release: The Design Basics

Big corporations like General Motors and Coca-Cola spend thousands of... Read More

Is PR Right for You? 6 Questions to Ask

When most people think about marketing, they think advertising. While... Read More

Publicity - Use This System to Track Publicity Progress

Tracking your correspondence with reporters, via phone or email, is... Read More

The Ultimate PR Edge: Getting Reporters To Open Your E-Mails

You know that getting publicity is vital to the health... Read More

Media Training: When Reporters Lie

I recently worked with a group dealing with an unusual... Read More

Submitting A Press Release Can Benefit Your Business

A Press Release is a captive story that can be... Read More