Again: Here's how to pitch journalists at a time of tragedy

‘No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens. That’s the satirical headline The Onion runs after every mass shooting. I’m reminded of that endlessly repeating cycle as I resurface the below post I originally shared after Uvalde. I hope you may find a useful nugget in it at yet another time of domestic tragedy. (Below it is the usual fare — new stories and open press opportunities.)

[Originally posted 05/26/22]

Most of us feel both bereft and helpless at times like these. We can support organizations such as the ones listed below. But how else should we be moving through our days when it seems like the world should rightly stop?

I've watched as publicists have tried a range of approaches in my email this week. And I asked other journalists to share their feedback on what was working and what wasn't.

“PR isn’t really where to direct annoyance or outrage. You take care of your side of the street. If you don't want to do your job as a beauty blogger for a day, take a day off. But you can't decide how PR does theirs.”

This writer (whose deep empathy I can personally vouch for) views times like these as personal matters and does not expect publicists to tailor unrelated pitches to meet the moment.

“We have been in a constant state of tragedy for three years now. Pandemic, wars, civil unrest, mass shootings. It's terrible, and we can't help but feel like writing about the next air fryer or body wash is frivolous. Ultimately, we still have to do our jobs, even if we feel torn on it. I am fine with receiving pitches, but maybe it would be best to be to start with a sentence disclaimer, such as ‘We understand if following yesterday’s tragic events you are not covering lifestyles topics right now, but wanted you to have this in case it’s a fit for your coverage.’”

I have received a number of pitches with this lead-in and it feels appropriate to me, too.

“I want to not get PR emails during times like these. Like, read the room and stay quiet IMO.”

Several journalists in my circle co-signed this approach.

I think a one-day breather (at least) works. It almost feels like a moment of silence. And a brief waiting period of one day is not likely to offend anyone, whereas a too-prompt response might.

The fact is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone grieves differently. And everyone has different opinions about how to move forward. But I hope this range of opinions helps inform your thinking at such times of crisis.

Recording available: 2024 holiday gift guide pitching workshop

Thanks so much to everyone who came to our holiday gift guide pitching AMA, which I co-hosted with Aly Walansky and Jill Schildhouse. If you missed out — no worries. We do have a recording of the session available for free as an exclusive benefit to anyone who is a paid subscriber of all three of our newsletters. If you want to opt in to receive this recording right in your inbox (and you’re a paid subscriber to all of us), just reply to this post and let me know so I can send it your way!

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Open press opportunities

• For Woman’s Day, I’m working on a roundup of gift ideas for the best friend. [*braces for inbox explosion*]

• STILL OPEN: For Travel + Leisure, I’m working on a roundup of the best luxury hotel-style bedding to make your bed at home feel like a luxury hotel. I’m open to pitches for pillows, duvets/quilts, sheets, and comforters.

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Open jobs

Job posts in this newsletter are now a free perk for paying subscribers. Do you have an open opportunity you want me to promote? First, upgrade here if you need to. Then email me at info@alicedubin.com.

• BON Communications is hiring a remote account coordinator based in Los Angeles or Denver. “We specialize in earned media with a passion for telling our clients’ stories in impactful ways. BON works with inspiring talent in food and beverage, travel, and design.” Previous agency experience is required. Email your resume to hello@boncomms.com to apply.

• Quinn PR is hiring an account supervisor in a commutable distance to Los Angeles. The ideal candidate will have four+ years of PR agency experience working on travel, hospitality, and wine brands and must demonstrate they have current and relevant media relationships. Candidates can learn more and apply here.

• Quinn PR is hiring a senior account executive for its London office. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of PR agency experience, an interest or experience in working on luxury travel and property clients, and in commutable distance to central London. Learn more and apply here.  

• Eleven Six PR, a NYC-based travel, hospitality and lifestyle PR and social media agency, is looking for a senior account executive. “The right candidate has a passion for travel, a strong knowledge of the travel/lifestyle/food media landscape and a keen eye for digital strategy…” The job is in a “fun, fast-paced environment… along with travel to incredible parts of the world, a competitive salary, great benefits, 24 paid holidays off in addition to annual vacation, summer Fridays, paid time off to volunteer, and more, are all part of the Eleven Six experience. This is an excellent growth opportunity for an ambitious self-starter with a passion for PR, digital marketing and the media world.” For consideration, please send your resume and cover letter to info@elevensixpr.com.

• AVE WEST PR is looking for a publicist in Nashville who has experience strategizing, creating, managing, and executing PR plans for multiple clients. The position will run point on Dolly Parton licensee accounts like Dolly Wines, Doggy Parton, Hoffmaster (paper and party products) as well as other celebrity brand clients. “In the always changing field of media, this individual understands traditional press goals but loves chasing/experimenting with innovative and fresh ways of connecting with audiences in the digital editorial, social, and print spaces. For this role, organization is key, but being able to think quickly on your feet and react with confidence is just as important.” All the info here: AVE WEST PR - Publicity Manager

• LDPR is seeking a senior account supervisor “with a strong and diverse network of media contacts and a proven track record in travel and lifestyle PR to deliver incredible results for some of the agency's most high-profile accounts.” This hybrid role requires a presence in the NYC office (twice weekly). Find the details and apply here.

• Diamond PR is hiring a senior account executive or account manager for a hybrid role in West Hollywood. “Seeking experienced candidates with demonstrated understanding in the travel vertical. Client management, media relationships, positive attitude, creative thought leader and a willingness to push norms are all important qualifications.” The ideal candidate will have four+ years of PR agency experience working in hospitality. Here’s the full description and how to apply.

• IHG Hotels & Resorts is hiring a PR specialist to join its PR team. The job requires “4 to 6 years of demonstrated experience developing and implementing PR strategies and tactics; in-house or agency experience mandatory, hospitality experience preferred.” Candidates must be based in South Florida. Find out more here.

Work with me

• I am always available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.

• Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.

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