10 PR Pitfalls That Make You Look Like a Novice (or Worse) to Reporters
Journalists are inundated with people who want press coverage but are clueless and sometimes rude when dealing with reporters. Pitches, press releases and interviews are often embarrassing, full of blunders and irrelevant. If you want to build relationships with reporters and keep your self-worth intact, consider the following pet peeves of news decision-makers. Are you guilty of any of these gaffes?
1.You ask to see the story before it’s printed.
2.You tell the reporter, producer or host when your client is available, disregarding their schedules.
3.You arrive at the interview with scripted out answers.
4.Your press release contains “J-A-R”- jargon, adjectives and rhetoric.
5.You write a bylined article for their publication but they don’t run bylined articles (in other words, Do Your Homework!)
6.You use the phrase “First Annual” in your press release.
7.You have too many quotes in your release.
8.You inundate them with brochures, media kits, and annual reports that they didn’t ask for and don’t want.
9.You fail to ask the most important question: “What’s your deadline?”
10.You have a story that is self-serving and is simply not newsworthy.
The newsroom culture is quite different than any business or office. Reporters have a unique way of thinking. To gain credibility with the media, you can start by understanding what they are looking for, what constitutes a good story and interview…and avoid the pitfalls. I invite you to refer to my “25 Tips for Powerful Press Releases". Good luck!
Communications
Quote:
"Speak when you are angry--and you will make the best speech you'll ever regret." - Laurence J. Peter
