August: What to Pitch to the Media

In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations and media, understanding what to pitch and when is crucial for maintaining relevance and maximising exposure. Whether you're targeting short-lead or long-lead media outlets, the key is to provide timely, engaging, and newsworthy content. Here's a guide on what to pitch to the media right now, tailored to both short-lead and long-lead items.

Short-lead Items

Short lead media typically includes daily newspapers, online news sites, radio stations, and television news programs. These outlets seek immediate, newsworthy content that can be turned around quickly. Here are some pitch ideas:

Seasonal Trends and Events

Winter Wellness Tips: With winter still in full swing, pitch expert advice on staying healthy during the colder months. This could include immune-boosting tips, winter fitness routines, and mental health strategies for dealing with seasonal affective disorder. Usually, we would pitch this kind of topic before or early winter, but there are more short-lead opportunities as there are just so many health publications!

Spring Activities: We all love having a spring in our step, and it is the last month of winter, so let's move on to the next season! Offer content on the best spring activities for families, such as local events, outdoor activities, and new fashion.

Spring Food: We love our spring lamb in Australia! It is a good time to start landing those new recipes and collaborations.

Fathers Day Gift Guides: If you have a product or service that would make a great gift for dad, you need to be getting that information out now! Fathers Day in Australia is Sunday 1st September which is only a month away.

Current Affairs and Breaking News

Economic Insights: Provide expert commentary on recent economic developments, such as interest rate changes or market trends, and how they impact businesses and consumers. How does Olympic glory impact business? 

Health and Wellness: Tie your pitch to recent health news, such as new medical research findings or public health advisories, offering expert opinions or practical advice.

Product Launches and Innovations

New Product Announcements: If your client is launching a new product, especially something innovative or unique, pitch it as breaking news. Highlight what makes it stand out and what is its potential impact on the market.

Local Community Stories

Community Initiatives: Share stories about local businesses or organisations making a difference in the community. This could include charity events, sustainability efforts, or community outreach programs.

Olympics-Related Content

Gold-Winning Strategies: With the Olympics capturing global attention, pitch stories that draw parallels between Olympic athletes' strategies and business success. Highlight lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and achieving excellence.

Long-lead Items

Long lead media includes monthly magazines, trade publications, and some online platforms that plan content months in advance. These outlets look for in-depth, evergreen stories that remain relevant over time. Here are some pitch ideas:

Industry Trends and Forecasts

2024 Business Trends: Offer insights into upcoming trends in various industries, such as real estate, pharmaceuticals, or FMCG. Provide expert opinions on what businesses should watch for in the coming year. We will likely have a federal election in the next eight months; how will this impact your industry?  

Technological Advancements: Pitch stories on how emerging technologies, like AI or blockchain, are set to transform specific industries.

Human Interest Stories

Success Stories: Share in-depth profiles of inspiring entrepreneurs or businesses that have overcome significant challenges. Highlight their journey, strategies, and key takeaways. Aspirational profiles make for great recruitment campaigns. 

Community Impact: Long-form stories about businesses or individuals making a lasting impact on their communities, focusing on the broader implications of their work.

Seasonal and Holiday Features

Holiday Planning: I don't want to think about it too much, but it will be school holidays again in about 10 minutes. Pitch comprehensive guides on planning for the spring holiday season, including gift guides, travel tips, and stress management strategies.

Thought Leadership and Expert Opinions

In-Depth Analyses: Provide detailed analyses on current industry issues or trends, supported by data and expert opinions. This could include white papers or research-based articles.

Future Outlooks: Pitch visionary pieces that explore the future of certain industries or societal trends backed by expert (your expert) predictions and insights. This is a great way to pitch professional service organisations and is a strategy I often use to raise profile. 

Conclusion

Successfully pitching to the media requires a keen understanding of what different outlets are looking for and when. You need to read and follow the news. By offering timely, relevant, and engaging content, you can ensure your pitches stand out and garner the attention they deserve.

Whether you're focusing on short-lead or long-lead items, the key is to stay informed, be creative, and always think ahead. And remember, just like an Olympic athlete, aim for gold-winning content that captures the audience's attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Have some news pitch? Reach out, we are only too happy to help. info@popcom.com.au