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

---

Know What Matters Most About PR?

When, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you are... Read More

Writing a Press Release: The Medias Dirty Secret

There's a dirty little secret about press releases that the... Read More

Publicrelationistas?

Is that what we are? Fanatic, over-the-top disciples of some... Read More

Publicity - What to Say to a Reporter

You can have dozens of marvelous ideas to get free... Read More

Why PR is a Vital Force

Because it can alter individual perception and lead to changed... Read More

Want to Light a Fire Under Your PR?

Yes? Then do something positive about the behaviors of those... Read More

Promote Your Products With A Press Release

Writing an effective press release is a way to draw... Read More

Five Publicity Buckets For Marketing-Minded Financial Planners

Maybe you've seen another financial planner on TV, and thought,... Read More

Why Good PR Warrants Your Attention

Because good public relations can alter individual perception and lead... Read More

PR Works! 15 Ways To Make Your Press Release Stand Out From the Crowd

Do editors of newspapers, magazines and online news sites really... Read More

Making Your Own News

Getting a press release published in a newspaper or magazines... Read More

10 Tips to Give Your Press Release The Edge It Needs to Make the News

Writing a press (or media) release is quite an art... Read More

Trade Show Tactics Revealed

Being part of a trade show gives small business a... Read More

The 7 Deadly Sins of Press Releases

A press release is often your only chance to make... Read More

Financial Planner Marketing - Problems Are Good (For Financial Planners Seeking Free Publicity)

A common complaint you'll hear is that the media is... Read More

Your Organization: What Role PR?

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

All Youve Got To Lose Is Everything

Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More

Building The Best Network

If you want to succeed, build a great team. A... Read More

Financial Planners, Make Sure Reporters Comprehend Your Topic

Don't assume that a reporter understands financial planning. If anything,... Read More

Culture As A Barrier To Communication

Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More

Why Not PR That Gets Real Results?

And not results you can measure only in terms of... Read More

The Ten Ps of PR

Everyone is talking about the Ps of successful marketing, so... Read More

A PR Surprise for Managers

For those business, non-profit and association managers committed to PR... Read More

16 Publicity tips for Restaurants

With a dismal failure rate of more than 75 percent... Read More

4th Quarter 2003 Publicity = 1st Quarter 2004 Prosperity

As the year starts to wind down, many businesses and... Read More

PR: Short Form for Managers

Experience tells me that too many business, non-profit and association... Read More

PR: The Thrill of a Good Idea

The notion that a business, non-profit or association manager can... Read More

How Marketing-Minded Financial Planners Get Publicity

You've probably noticed, if you live on this planet, that... Read More

Not Getting the PR Results You Want?

The reason might be this simple: as a business, non-profit... Read More

Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Prior to a TV interview it is guaranteed the journalist... Read More

A Winning Game Plan

You want to sell your products or services, and that... Read More

Ready For A Business Recovery?

Who wants to face the challenges of a business recovery... Read More

Why Not Juice-Up Your PR?

Say, from tactics like special events, brochures and press releases... Read More