Find Out How to Pitch to the Media
So now you really feel like you are ready! You have decided to harness the power of PR to get national media attention on television, talk radio or in newspapers and magazines for your company, product or services. This are some fantastic first steps.
You should now be fully prepared with what your exact topic and message is. Next up is to start pitching! Marsha Friedman, PR Expert of Event Management Service Inc, a national public relations firm, has been doing this successfully for over 20 years and knows exactly how to gain and hold the attention of various mediums . Here Friedman shares with us methods of pitching to the media 1. Be careful not to pitch yourself. When you are pitching to the media pitch your message not yourself. Friedman says, "Keep your focus on the issue. If you are a doctor specializing in natural health pitch a show idea or story about the 10 foods that will fight off illness during the flu season." Pitch the issue and grab the attention of the journalist or producer. What they want are hot, newsworthy topics that will grab and hold the interest of their viewers and readers, they do not want to be sold to.
2. Don't pitch the product. If you are a product manufacturer it is very important that when you are pitching to the media that you do not focus the pitch on your company's product or service. Friedman says, "Focus on the problem or issue that your product can fix. Don't keep harping on about your product on its own. You will lose their interest. If you manufacture a diet product pitch a show or story on the obesity problems Americans and their children are faced with today. " Producers don't react very well to sales pitches, so really try to stay away from them altogether.
3. Supply facts to the media. Although the media will do their own homework - don't rely solely on the results of their research. Friedman says, "Supply them with your data in advance . Especially if you have a controversial or difficult to understand topic. " When pitching, have an arsenal of facts that you can use to educate the media with. This is more useful then you can imagine. If you have a tricky or detailed topic, present as much information as you can so that the busy, inundated producer or journalist can grasp your message quickly. The more explaining, the higher the chance you will be turned down. Make it concise and full of quality.
4. There is power in numbers. If you are topic is controversial then have some like minded friends or colleagues that can join you when you are a guest for backup. Friedman says, "If you're pitching a controversial topic to a radio or TV show, select the guests you want to appear with you. With this group you will have a better handle on the segment and have people with you that will support your message. This helps you gain acceptance with the audience. " Without a list of suggested guests, you may be put on the spot or pushed into a corner when you appear on the show.
These tips will help you build confidence and get you out the door pitching like mad! If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without monthly retainers .
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Published March 21st, 2008
Filed in Advertising, Marketing