| The one thing media people want is a great story | | | | and to share with others. Examples: The results of a |
| idea. | | | | drug study; the newest interior design trends. |
| A great story gets attention. It can lead to a | | | | 6. Controversy. This is a favorite topic of the media. |
| promotion, award and prestige for the media person. | | | | The key is to be a part of the controversy in a |
| That's why reporters and producers are always | | | | positive, not a negative, way. Examples: An attorney |
| receptive to the next great idea. Which brings us to | | | | commenting on a murder case; an ethics expert |
| the importance of the story angle. The Angle The | | | | giving his opinion on recent corporate scandals. |
| angle - sometimes called the "hook" -is what captures | | | | 7. Celebrity. Another favorite topic of the media. |
| the interest of the media. Here are examples of | | | | National or international celebrity tie-ins are best, but |
| story angles that the media loves: | | | | local celebrities work too. Examples: A famous band |
| | | | donating a show's profits to your charity; a brownie |
| 1. New Product / Service / Book. The media is | | | | taste-off with the local mayor and Chamber of |
| always interested in something new. Thus, if you are | | | | Commerce president as judges. |
| launching a new (unique) product or service, you | | | | 8. Fun / Quirky. Anything quirky or fun gets people's |
| have a ready-made angle. Examples: A new fitness | | | | interest. Examples: A dentist who offers spa |
| book; an accountant who launches a QuickBooks | | | | services; a Hair Restoration Vacation. |
| training service in addition to doing taxes. | | | | 9. Contests. People are competitive, and they also |
| 2. Tie-In With Current Trend. If you can tie into this, | | | | like to root for others. Contests always get attention. |
| you have the opportunity to get publicity. Examples: | | | | Examples: A contest to see who can eat the most |
| An interior designer specializing in designing "green" | | | | hot dogs; Cover Model of the Year for a local |
| homes (trend: anything good for the environment); a | | | | magazine. |
| food company that prepares meals-to-go (trend: | | | | 10. Charity / Sponsorships. People want to help |
| saving time for busy Moms). | | | | others and also want to know who else is helping |
| 3. Holiday. There are literally thousands of holidays in | | | | others. Examples: A benefit held for a local women's |
| the U.S. and throughout the world. Every organization | | | | shelter; sponsorship of a community stadium. |
| should be able to tie into several. Incidentally, | | | | 11. Awards. People also like to read about other |
| reporters are interested in receiving unusual holiday | | | | people who have made great achievements in |
| pitches, either a unique way to tie into a well-known | | | | business and life. Examples: A man honored for his |
| holiday, or a tie-in to a lesser-known holiday. | | | | extensive community achievements; a woman |
| Examples: An upscale restaurant that offers a free | | | | honored as the Small Business owner of the year by |
| Christmas dinner in the restaurant for needy families; | | | | a local Chamber of Commerce. |
| a contest, sponsored by a professional organizer, | | | | 12. Free Give-aways. It's human nature to want |
| offering the winner a free session to organize a | | | | something for free. Examples: A local restaurant |
| home office for "Organize Your Home Office Day". | | | | offering a "kids eat for free" night; free give-aways |
| 4. Useful Advice. The public is always looking for | | | | at a local health fair. |
| information to help make their lives better or easier. | | | | 13. Surveys. We all want to know interesting |
| Examples: A new vitamin that helps lower blood | | | | information. Examples: A survey showing the diversity |
| pressure; legal ways to pay fewer taxes. | | | | of Boards of Directors; a survey showing how much |
| 5. Interesting People or Information. People want to | | | | couples spend on every aspect of their weddings. |
| know interesting information - both for themselves | | | | |