How to Connect with Journalists
How to make sure you’re pitching well to the right person at the right time
This four-hour course on how to connect with journalists focuses on how to make sure you’re reaching the right person for a story – and how to nail your pitch.
What You’ll Learn
We’ll demystify newsroom structure and show you how some of the UK’s most well-known and reputable outlets are organised. From day-to-day operations to long-term planning, you’ll broaden your understanding of exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes at broadcasters and publications and learn exactly what journalists do – and don’t – want.
We’ll also explore how to find the right contact for a story, as well as the merits (and downsides) of pitching via email, on the phone, and in-person and drill down into what makes an effective pitch. Practical exercises will give you plenty of opportunity to build your writing skills and get feedback on your work.
This advice will help you improve your current and future releases, and make sure your story ends up on a journalist’s ‘yes’ pile. The clinic ends with a group discussion on key lessons from the day.
How you’ll learn
This two-module how to connect with journalists course will be led by an excellent trainer and practitioner who will share their practical expertise through presentations, discussion and practical exercises – ensuring you have opportunity to reinforce your learning and test your understanding.
Who the course is for
This course is for you if you want to build on your ability to write a great press release, and develop your understanding of how to follow up effectively. If you’re looking for support on writing skills, you might like our How to Write the Perfect Press Release, Writing Press Releases Essentials or Writing Press Releases Advanced.
We currently offer this course as bespoke training for teams and can deliver it remotely, or in your offices. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates, as well as how we can tailor it to your needs.
If you’re booking for yourself, find all of our scheduled courses here.
Course Modules
How Newsrooms Work
- How newsrooms are organised
- The editorial decision-making process
- What journalists want (and don’t want)
- Matching a story to the right journalist
- Opportunities outside the news cycle
From Press Release to Pitch
- Why do we pitch?
- Preparing your pitch
- How to write your pitch
- Practicing your pitch
- Building your media contacts and pitching in practice
How to Connect with Journalists
How to make sure you’re pitching well to the right person at the right time