How to pitch health writers during a pandemic
You can still pitch non-COVID stories, but the current crisis has deeply disrupted how health care reporters are approaching their work.
Over the past few months, health journalists have been put into the limelight as they provide valuable information on the pandemic. Their jobs are crucial for keeping the public safe and informed about what’s happening in the world today.
I recently attended the MED-PR conference hosted by Wynne Events, which connected fellow PR professionals like myself to more than 15 journalists, editors and producers from different publications that report on health, medicine and wellness. At the conference, most reporters agreed that coronavirus makes up at least 85% of their current focus and coverage.
In other words, medical and health writers are slammed. If your news doesn’t relate to something happening within the last hour, they’re likely to consider it old and move on.
But all hope isn’t lost. There are a few things media pros should keep in mind to stand out to health reporters and increase their chances of getting their stories told—even during a pandemic.
1. There is no lead-time. Lead-time is
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
