Essential Tips for Pitching a Reporter

Today we’re joined by Yeleny Brody, senior account manager at EvClay Public Relations, who will share a few insights on pitching a story to a reporter.

As a former reporter, and with 16 years of experience in public relations, Yeleny knows firsthand what makes a pitch stand out and what could land it on the dreaded “worst pitches” board in a newsroom.

Whether you’re new to media relations or looking to refine your approach, here are three tips to help you craft pitches that reporters will appreciate and respond to.

1. Know Your Audience

The first step is understanding who you’re pitching. Reporters cover specific beats and have unique reporting styles. Taking the time to research their recent work will not only help you tailor your pitch but shows respect for their time and expertise.

If a journalist focuses on technology trends, for instance, a pitch about a new app that could impact daily life is far more relevant than a generic press release. Additionally, paying attention to the tone and structure of their stories can give clues about how they prefer to receive information.

In short, knowing your audience makes your pitch more personalized and relevant, increasing the likelihood that a reporter will engage with your story.

2. Make Your Pitch Newsworthy

Every reporter is looking for stories that are timely and meaningful to their audience. Before you hit send, ask yourself: Is my pitch newsworthy? Does it connect to a current event, trend or issue?

Incorporating a strong news hook is essential. This might mean linking your story to a trending topic, recent data or an emerging industry development. For instance, referencing recent statistics or studies can add credibility and make your angle more compelling.

A pitch with a clear, relevant news hook not only captures attention but also demonstrates that you understand what makes a story valuable in today’s fast-moving news cycle.

3. Keep It Concise

One of the fastest ways to lose a reporter’s interest is with a long, drawn out, cluttered pitch. Keep your message short and to the point, ideally a paragraph or two.

Use bullet points and subheadings to highlight key information. This format makes it easier for reporters to scan and quickly grasp the essentials without having to wade through wordy paragraphs.

By respecting a reporter’s time, you increase the likelihood your release will be read thoroughly and considered seriously.

Conclusion

By researching your audience, crafting newsworthy angles and keeping your pitches concise, you’ll build stronger relationships with reporters and improve your chances of media coverage.

Keeping these tips in mind, your next pitch might just be the one that stands out for all the right reasons

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