Top 5 Tips to Work with Reporters
By: Suu Hanhtun
Public relations professionals work closely with a lot of departments. However, the most important relationship that a PR practitioner can build and maintain is with a reporter. Reporters are a vital part of working in PR, be it pitching story ideas, promoting an event, or solving a crisis; PR and reporters work hand in hand. Below are 5 tips for working with reporters.
- Research, research, research. Always research the reporter and media outlet they are working for. What beat do they cover and if it matches the story you will pitch. When you pitch your story make sure you include all details including quotes and necessary information.
- Be available. When reporters want to ask questions, be available to answer and address the question. This will help build a stronger relationship with the reporters. Reporters work with tight deadlines so, make sure when they ask questions you respond promptly.
- Proofread your pitch – Grammar and punctuation are correct and use formal and professional language. When on the phone, do not call after work hours, call during working hours and be concise, professional, and pleasant.
- Do not follow up right away. Reporters need time to review the pitch. Give them a few days before following up.Respect the time of the reporter.
- Make the subject line summarize the pitch. Reporters receive a lot of emails, and you need your email to stand out from the rest. Do not send a mass pitch to every single reporter, really tailor it to each reporter and the subject line is key. Catch the reporter’s attention with the subject line and also understand what the story your pitching is about. Do not let the subject line be too long or too short. Being concise and catchy is key.
