Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Writing-an-Effective-News-Release.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Writing-an-Effective-News-Release.html Newspaper and television reporters should not be approached the same way when it comes to press releases. The two mediums face different time constraints and deadlines with their stories, which will dictate how long or short you should make your pitch. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Gotcha-TV.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Gotcha-TV.html You’ve seen it on TV dozens of times. The businessman is walking casually to his car when a reporter and television crew ambushes him on the sidewalk. Sometimes the businessman shields his face. Other times he tries to answer the impromptu questions. When television is at its best, a camera gets shoved and doors get slammed. But what should you do and how should you respond when confronted with this situation? Here are a few simple steps you should take that can ensure your reputation remains intact. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Unconventional-vs-Conventional-Pitches.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Unconventional-vs-Conventional-Pitches.html One size does not fit all when it comes to pitching a story idea to the media. In many cases, you will have more success with your story pitches by targeting the proper news medium and reporter through unconventional ways. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Selling-Your-Story-Idea.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Selling-Your-Story-Idea.html Everyone knows the best salesman is the person who believes soundly in his product. This is why you must be absolutely convinced that your story idea is newsworthy before you pitch any journalist. Here are a few tips to help you bring focus to your idea so it sounds more news worthy. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/When-to-Pitch-Reporters--Producers.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/When-to-Pitch-Reporters--Producers.html When is the best time to pitch reporters or producers? Should you pitch your story idea in the morning, afternoon, or after the reporter files his story? There are better times to pitch your story idea which can be the difference between a successful or failed PR strategy. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Why-Credibility-Matters.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Why-Credibility-Matters.html Pitching the media is more than just pitching a story idea. It is about pitching the entire package, and that means pitching yourself. If you are trying to get yourself on the news or in the newspapers, you need to establish why you are qualified to speak on the topic. Here are a few ways to establish your credibility before pitching the media. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/How-to-Slow-or-Stop-Negative-News.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/How-to-Slow-or-Stop-Negative-News.html What happens when you discover negative news is leaking out about you or your company? Do you ignore it? Confront it? Hope it goes away? The beginning of a news cycle can be the most crucial point for how a news story will be placed, which is why you need to always be in front of the story. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Why-You-Should-Never-Lie-to-the-Media.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Why-You-Should-Never-Lie-to-the-Media.html What happens when you try to cover-up a lie? If you are talking to a reporter who makes a living by uncovering information, you will probably get caught, which is why you should always think twice before trying to lie your way out of a crisis situation. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/The-Rules-of-Gift-Giving.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/The-Rules-of-Gift-Giving.html What are the rules when it comes to giving products or samples to the media? Does it work in your interest to provide a free sample of your product to a reporter or would you be better off by just sending out a news release? There might be a better way to get the media's attention, and it is something money can't buy. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Losing-the-Battle-Winning-the-PR-War.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/4003/Losing-the-Battle-Winning-the-PR-War.html Sometimes in crisis communications you need to lose the smaller customer battle to win the greater public relations war. It's a strategy practiced by war Generals, which suggests if the act can protect lives, it can also probably protect your image.