Welcome to our next instalment of Media Spotlight: 3 Questions with…
This week we speak with the Nine Network’s Alison Ariotti who has enjoyed multiple roles with the network over the past 16 years, including reporting, presenting and being the Queensland correspondent for the TODAY Show for four years.
Here’s Alison’s valuable insights…
- Please explain your role within the newsroom:
I am a news presenter and reporter. I currently present Channel Nine’s Afternoon News (at 4pm) for Queensland three days a week – Wednesday to Friday.
- What do you look for in a good story?
A good story has to have a great hook and you need to find that ‘headline’ or ‘water cooler angle’ (as it was always described to me). I.e. What will people be talking about with colleagues, family and friends in the lunchroom or over the dinner table?
It also has to impact people, whether that’s physically or emotionally. There needs to be a connection or a reason to watch or listen to the story. You also need great characters to tell the story.
- What advice do you have for small businesses, who are pitching the media for the very first time?
+ Don’t be afraid to promote yourself – number one! Find a unique promotion point, or angle. Thank about what you’re doing that’s different or sets you apart from the rest?
+ A simple tip – find out the best way to get material to the media, whether it’s the right email address, the right person etc. Be sure to do your research.
+ Don’t be afraid of rejection – your story may not be right for all mediums, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pitch it to the next media organisation. Also ask for tips or feedback if the story DOESN’T run, enquire as to what would make it work?
+ Workshop any contacts you have in the media to try and get traction on your story or business. Once one organisation picks it up, others often follow.
+ Be available. If you pitch your story, you need to be available should a media organisation want to interview you, take a photo or send a camera out, Be ready for that and willing to juggle timings in order to make it happen.
+ Keep your social media strong and active. That way you can promote the fact you’re getting mainstream media coverage on your social media – effectively cross promoting yourself!
If you want to learn more about effective PR and pitching media, then check out our Mastering the Art of Media Relations manual which is jam packed full of everything you need to know to become PR and pitching pro in no time