Authors love to debate the merits of having a book published by a publishing house, versus self-publishing. I’d choose the latter any day. Here’s one more reason why. I’m featuring the new book “Publicity for Nonprofits” published by Kaplan Publishing in the July/August issue of The Publicity Hound subscription newsletter and was hoping to excerpt several tips… Read More
Media Relations
Spokane Spokesman-Review broadcasts editors’ meetings twice a day
Kudos to the Spokane Spokesman-Review, which is broadcasting its editors’ daily meetings at 10 a.m. and 4:30 PM Pacific Time. You’ll need to have the latest version of Quicktime installed. You don’t have to be from Spokane to learn a lot about how newspaper editors decide which stories will get into the paper. To help you understand what goes on in those meetings,… Read More
Where do reporters find stories? Here are 50 places
People in the media will never admit to outsiders, but they often think their occupation gives them a license to snoop. I certainly thought so when I worked as a newspaper reporter in Ohio in the seventies and eighties. In fact, I loved to eavesdrop during my lunch hour. I’d go to a local restaurant with another… Read More
Fact-checks with reporters help ensure accurate stories
When I read a correction in this morning’s paper, it reminded me to remind you that whenever a print reporter interviews you for a story, never ask if it’s OK to read the story before it’s printed because you’re afraid they’ll screw it up. That’s not the way the game is played, and it will label you as… Read More
Radio, TV talk shows need emergency guests
If you’ve been a guest on a TV or radio show and you’d love to make a return visit this summer, here’s a quick way to get the producer’s attention. Offer to fill in if a guest cancels or runs into travel problems. Radio and TV talk show hosts dread having to fill an entire hour… Read More
TV talk show guest wannabes make these critical mistakes
Here are the biggest mistakes people make when they pitch TV talk show producers. They pitch a producer whose name they added to their Rolodex four years ago, but they haven’t contacted the producer since then. They contact the wrong producer at the show and don’t know who’s the correct one for their topic. The lead the… Read More
Wall Street Journal changes health reporters
One of the biggest frustrations of generating publicity is getting to know a reporter, then watching her leave, or change beats. So it is with health reporters at The Wall Street Journal. The Navigator, a blog published by Bacon’s, reports that WSJ health reporter Sarah Lueck, 202-862-9245, has switched to the Congress beat. “In her place,… Read More
Pay-for-placement spreading to TV news
When I watch “The Sopranos,” my eyes are riveted on their refrigerator and kitchen cupboards, hoping to catch a peek at what America’s most dysfunctional mob family is eating these days. Son AJ chows down on Kellogg’s Corn Pops, and papa bear Tony guzzles Tropicana orange juice right out of the carton. Those product manufacturers… Read More
Do the media view you as a beggar?
Answer true or false to the following statements: —The first time I call a media outlet, it’s always to pitch a story idea about me, my company or my client even though I usually don’t read the publication or watch the program I’m pitching. —When I call, my pitches usually zero in on the product… Read More
Bulldog Reporter teleseminar on pitching will show you how to hit ’em out of the park
Not exactly hitting your pitches out of the ballpark? Join me and three other PR experts at 1 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, April 20, for a teleseminar on “Pitching Secrets from the Masters: How to Craft Flawless Pitches That Compel Coverage.” Joining me will be my buddy Paul Furiga, former editor of the Pittsburgh… Read More