- Media pitching involves several steps:
- First, research your issue, the nuances of your issue, likely arguments against your issue and be prepared to confidently discuss. There is nothing worse than finally getting a reporter on the phone, only to fumble with your pitch.
- Next, research the person you are pitching so you know the issues they are most interested in covering. You can do this by conducting a Google search of the issue you’d like to receive coverage of and the reporters or producers who have written on your topic. You can also do this by going to your local paper and finding the reporter who has written stories similar to your issue or who are said to cover your issue.
- Next, once you’ve researched the appropriate journalist, confirmed that they are indeed the person most likely to cover your issue, write out your pitch. Writing a pitch will help with memorization and improve communication.
- Finally, practice your pitch. Before contacting a reporter, think of all the likely questions you’ll receive and the appropriate answers for each question.
