Secrets of working with broadcast media

Secrets of Working With Broadcast Media

When pitching a story idea:

DO:

Be familiar with the show or program you are calling. Learn what works on that show and know who the decision maker is.
Lead with your most interesting information, i.e., Who's the biggest name or celebrity? What's the event? Where and Why? You have about 15 seconds to hold a producer's attention.
If there's time, send it in writing first, follow up in a day or two.
In television — think visuals!
Be flexible.
Learn how to accept no.

DONT:

Call 5 minutes after sending a fax and ask if it's been received yet!
Leave excruciatingly long messages on voice mail.
Use someone's pager # unless it's truly urgent.
Argue with the decision maker.
Make promises you can't keep.

— Lorraine S. Howell, KTVU, Oakland

Strike PR Gold in Local Television

Library Media & PR, ISSN 1093-3840, © 1997 Stephanie Stokes Design. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of materials published by Library Media & PR without the permission of the publisher is forbidden.