How to pitch journalists when the news cycle is focused elsewhere

A masterclass.

Did you hear? A big thing happened at Mar-a-Lago yesterday.

It’s just the latest example (if not the most tragic or viscerally emotional) of a time when news outlets are singularly focused on a particular event that might not line up with your own pitching goals.

After I wrote here about how to pitch journalists in times of national tragedy following the Texas school shooting, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) invited me to speak on the topic for a meeting organized by its Los Angeles chapter.

I offered my insights on the panel alongside Anita Busch (mass-violence specialist, president of the nonprofit VictimsFirst.org) with moderation by media strategist David Bloom (comms exec, journalist, and social media strategist).

It was a candid and insightful discussion about working with journalists during times of tragedy and other global mega-stories that disrupt the “normal” news cycle.

NOW is a good time to get prepared for the inevitable mega-stories that lie ahead.

Watch the full video from the session below for valuable insight and actionable tips you won’t want to miss.