15 May Reviving Your News Pitch: Strategies for Reinvigorating Media Interest

A compelling news pitch is a public relation professional’s ticket to securing great media coverage for clients. However, sometimes despite our best efforts, a pitch simply falls flat and doesn’t garner the interest that we were hoping for (this could be because of breaking news, etc). The good news is that there are several steps that you can take to refresh your content and get a second chance at making the headlines.

Analyze Feedback

If your initial pitch did not resonate with the media, take a step back and review any feedback you received from journalists. Sometimes reporters may find an angle too generic for their audience or the timing may not be right. If your pitch resulted in a low open rate, you should also take a look at your headline and determine whether you can make it more attention-grabbing.

Reevaluate Your Angle

Sometimes a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference. Reevaluate your story angle and determine whether there is a newsworthy hook that you are missing. Is there a timely event or holiday coming up that you can tie into the story? Or a unique aspect to this story that was left out? Highlighting a different angle can make a pitch feel fresh and relevant.

Tailor Your Pitch

Once you’ve evaluated the audience and angle, revise the pitch to be more concise, compelling and tailored to the interests of specific reporters and outlets. Personalize your pitch by referencing recent articles or segments they’ve covered and explain how your story aligns with their beat or audience.

Pitch to New Outlets or Reporters

If your story didn’t resonate with your initial target list of reporters or outlets, expand your efforts. Research and identify new reporters or outlets that may be a better fit for your story and tailor your pitch accordingly. Sometimes, a different outlet or reporter with a fresh perspective can be more receptive to your pitch.

Tap into Trends or Current Events

Keep an eye on current events and trending topics that may provide a relevant context or tie-in for your story. By aligning your pitch with ongoing conversations or trending topics, you can increase its newsworthiness and relevance, making it more likely to capture media attention.

Add Visual Elements

When pitching television reporters especially, it’s important to convey how your story will develop into a visual segment for their audience. Describe the story location, video opportunities and the characters that you’ll have available to interview to make a well-rounded story.

Follow Up Strategically

Don’t be afraid to follow up with reporters or producers after sending your refreshed pitch. Keep your follow-up brief, polite, and professional, and use it as an opportunity to reiterate the key points of your story and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Learn and Adapt

Finally, take the experience of pitching your story as a learning opportunity. Pay attention to what worked and what didn’t. Use that knowledge to refine your approach for future pitches. The media landscape is constantly evolving, so be willing to adapt your pitch strategy accordingly.

If your news pitch doesn’t initially garner the attention you desired, don’t lose hope. By analyzing feedback, reevaluating your angle, and updating your pitch accordingly, you can give your story a second chance at catching the media’s eye. With persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking, you can increase your chances of securing coverage and getting your story the attention it deserves.