David Ross’ Post

I spent a decade as a journalist, both in print and on the broadcast side. I've been on the receiving end of countless news releases and media pitches. Now that I own a marketing firm, people often ask, "What's the secret to getting positive news coverage?" The biggest barrier I see comes from being unable to identify the types of stories reporters are interested in vs. stories they don't care about. Here's a good guide to follow. Reporters care about stories which... 1. Involve human beings doing interesting things. 2. Involve human beings who have lived fascinating lives. 3. Involve unique events or partnerships you don't see every day. Reporters don't care about... 1. A marketing event (unless William Shatner stops by). 2. Your new company van (unless it's driven by Scooby Doo) 3. Your new office chairs (unless Dwight from The Office is sitting in one of them) The bottom line - human interest is interesting to other humans. If you're in #seniorliving like most of our clients, you're in luck. You have a COMMUNITY full of fascinating people with fascinating stories. Need help getting those stories told by the media? That's where we come in. www.bellpr.org

According to Fast Company more than 21,400 media jobs were lost in 2023. This year hasn't provided any more stability. Beyond the headlines are real people, with real lives, and responsibilities. Journalism isn't just a career, it's a lifestyle that everyone in your orbit is subjected to. There is life after a layoff, and it can be an even better one too! On Sunday, March 24th Terry L. Owens will be joining The Rewrite for a Masterclass. The Rewrite is a community I co-founded with Don Champion for journalists looking to reinvent their news career. Terry's LinkedIn post just a few weeks ago (https://lnkd.in/e4Wv8EPv) resonated deeply with so many people. So we're going to discuss the strategies needed to thrive in a new season and provide tangible examples around how your skills translate to other industries. Join us for a free conversation. Save your seat: https://lnkd.in/etvcAuda **We understand the sensitive nature of these conversations, so we take measures to allow participants to remain anonymous.**

Does your #story #pitch have a human connection? I recently provided #mediaconsulting services to a municipality that wanted to get #news #coverage for its new branding. I asked them why a reporter would be interested in their story. The reps shared with me the nuts and bolts and stats but failed to humanize the story (boring). To make your #story standout, share it from a human-interest standpoint. Let the reporter (public) know how the story will impact them. Finding a way to connect with the audience on a personal level makes for a more interesting story and will grab the attention of assignments editors, news directors and reporters. Let me help you tell your "interesting" story. #mediatraining #mediacoaching #interviewpreparation #cameraready

Tip of the day: If you’re trying to get media coverage, there are two secret times during the day you need to know. 🤫 They happen *twice a day* on weekdays in almost every newsroom. It’s when you’ll have your best shot to get a pitch to a news outlet either ✅ or 🚫. They’re the daily news meetings. And they happen like clockwork. 🕥 When reporters, editors, producers, assignment editors, managers, photographers, digital media staff, interns and other newsroom staff gather to decide what will be in the newspaper, the newscasts, and the homepage. You want your pitch to be mentioned in those meetings. 🤞 Generally, they start between: ➡️ *9a-10a* for dayside shift ➡️ *1:30p-2:30p* for nightside shift So, if you want to be considered for that day’s news coverage, you need to get your pitches sent in time for those meetings. Of course, there are exceptions. And this is where building relationships with journalists is key. Now you know the secret times of the M-F news meetings. What have you pitched lately to help keep your community informed? #journalism #mediatraining #storypitching (📸 Isabel Epstein)

I loved this post from a newly retired veteran journalist. Thank you, Jane, for sharing your perspectives and wisdom! Some great advice: —Remember you are your biggest champion. While the boss may say they “have your back” — recognize that just doesn’t make sense. Their loyalty is ultimately to the business that pays their salary, not to you. This isn’t really a journalism thing, it’s just life. —If you’re a retired journalist, stop complaining about “the good old days” and help find a way forward for journalism in today’s reality. Be helpful and empathetic. Listen. Mentor a young journalist at your local media organization or through Report for America. —Pay attention to researchers who study and care about the future of journalism. Continue learning about your profession by reading their work. Attend high-quality conferences and webinars. —Acknowledge the problems in journalism education. We need to refresh the skills of educators whose knowledge of the industry is decades old, and burn the ancient syllabi and journalism course catalogs that have no connection to today’s media world.

I'm now well past the four-year mark as managing editor of Business News, making BN my second-longest employer. And in those four years, the management team has turned this business into one that is unarguably thriving. Key to this has been our investment in journalism ... because that's what we sell - quality news and analysis, written by professional journalists. Yes, we sell the ad space that sits next to those articles, but if there's no interest in your articles, then who is going to want to buy the ad space? So, more importantly, Business News's focus is on a subscription package that businesses cannot do without. As a result, I'm now turning my attention to reinvigorating our data - it's always been there, but we need to make it better and even more integrated with our breaking news and analysis. So if you have any questions or suggestions, I'm all ears. We now have the best events business in town, the biggest team of business reporters (ignore claims you may have read elsewhere) and an engaged audience that cannot get enough news and information. Frankly, it's exciting to work for a media business that is investing, rather than contracting. #journalism #media

When a reporter comes knocking, it's… Go time. In the fast-paced world of media, deadlines are everything. Reporters live and breathe by the clock, and if you can't keep up. You'll miss out. I've seen it happen countless times. A journalist reaches out with an incredible opportunity, but the client drags their feet in responding. By the time they get back, the reporter has already moved on to the next source. The truth is, if you want to score those coveted media placements, you need to be ready to jump at a moment's notice. It's not about being pushy or aggressive, but rather being prepared and responsive. Are you ready to seize the moment when a media opportunity arises? I'd love to hear your strategies! #PublicRelations #PRAgency #MediaRelations #SocialMediaManagement #DigitalMarketing #ExecutiveTraining #BrandStrategy #ReputationManagement

STOP. Reflect. Begin again. As some of you know, I lost my job as part of the mass layoffs at The Los Angeles Times. The news was heartbreaking, but I also feel grateful to have worked at the newspaper that inspired me to become a journalist. When you fulfill a dream you envisioned as a kid, it feels like you’ve reached the top of a mountain. Then another storm hit the media industry. Being a journalist isn’t for the faint of heart. Journalism will place you in a lot of uncomfortable and high-pressure situations filled with conflict. I’ve talked to people who have lost loved ones, faced harassment, and dealt with traumatic events. I’ve spoken to billionaires and homeless people. My first assignment for The LA Times was covering the US president’s forum on artificial intelligence. Journalism taught me how to write accurately, explain complex topics, and tell stories on a tight deadline. It fueled my curiosity and creativity. I’ve always loved the mission behind journalism, which is why I’ve focused more than a decade covering some of the most powerful people and companies in the world. But I also love learning and crafting a story. As someone who studied both journalism and studio art, I see the pursuit of the truth as a key part of those fields. So what am I looking for in my next job? I’m searching for a role that will help me grow as a storyteller and push me creatively. If you know of any opportunities that would be a good fit, please send them my way. Thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with me about their careers. It helped me gain more insight about what I value while also reminding me there’s a lot more to life outside of work. My last day at The LA Times is March 25 even though I’m no longer required to write at the paper (Shoutout to a labor law known as the WARN Act). In the meantime, I created a website to showcase the stories I’ve told over the years. Design, it turns out, is hard so it was definitely a learning process. Check out my portfolio at https://queeniewrites.com/ #opentowork #journalism #storytelling

Journalism has been facing an existential crisis for two decades, with widespread layoffs and newsroom closures. But Independent journalist-run media platforms aren’t easy. Learn more about how to launch your own outlet: https://buff.ly/3WLqrgV #Journalism #Media #IndependentOutlet

When a reporter comes knocking, it's… Go time. In the fast-paced world of media, deadlines are everything. Reporters live and breathe by the clock, and if you can't keep up. You'll miss out. I've seen it happen countless times. A journalist reaches out with an incredible opportunity, but the client drags their feet in responding. By the time they get back, the reporter has already moved on to the next source. The truth is, if you want to score those coveted media placements, you need to be ready to jump at a moment's notice. It's not about being pushy or aggressive, but rather being prepared and responsive. Are you ready to seize the moment when a media opportunity arises? I'd love to hear your strategies! #PublicRelations #PRAgency #MediaRelations #SocialMediaManagement #DigitalMarketing #ExecutiveTraining #BrandStrategy #ReputationManagement