6 tips to delivering a power pitch from a newsroom veteran

After nearly 35 years in journalism, I recently retired as the executive editor of a major Southeast daily and made the switch to public relations. I saw newsrooms change dramatically during my time in the business. I’m now among the PR professionals trying to respond to the new media landscape, a difficult one.

Journalists get hundreds of emails, messages, story ideas and news tips each week from community members, editors and colleagues, as well as PR pros. Most have multiple duties each day in short-staffed, hectic newsrooms – from crafting a story and creating a companion video to posting on social media and monitoring digital audiences. They want to tell compelling stories of interest and importance and welcome great ideas, yet they’re often inundated with run-of-the mill pitches.

You can elevate your strong stories above the mundane and get them told. But first, believe in the value of your ideas and the important part you play in the new media world. You can give today’s journalists what they need. You just have to deliver it the right way and with confidence.