Keywords: africa , curricula , learning interventions , media and information literacy , milli , multiplier , namibia
The lead-up to the production of the media clips is where the real learning happens. What makes good news? What agendas can be behind news? What is propaganda and how do I recognize it? What are the risks with consuming and sharing news via social media? All training nurtures critical thinking and critical awareness.
Raising awareness about the existence of ‘online bubbles’ and ‘echo chambers’ forms part of that. It looks at the agendas of online actors, and how they, through the use of algorithms, present you with news and adverts that will fit your interest. It results in a limited view on the bigger issue.Most youth in Namibia do not shop online. Therefore the online commercial world will not find an easy entry point to target the individual with advertisements. But this might change.
As a digital strategist, we all know it’s important to earn media coverage from journalists- it creates brand awareness, increases reach, and can even attract new clients! But the lingering question at hand is; how do we get journalists to notice us?
Well, a huge platform you can use in your favor is…
That’s right- Twitter!
When Should I Send My Pitch to Journalists?
According to the State of Journalism 2020, there are many tips and tricks you can use to your advantage that will help you earn media coverage from journalists! Let me break it down.
64% of journalists prefer to receive pitches before noon
Although most journalists don’t have a preference regarding what day of the week they prefer to be pitched to on, Monday is the leading day of preference for 20% of journalists
This means that if you’re looking for the most promising day and time to send a pitch, you are most likely to have the best luck with journalists on Monday’s before noon. However, there are a few stipulations…
43% of journalists receive at least five pitches each day
The majority of journalists run fewer than five stories per WEEK
So, Here’s How You Can Combat Those Odds…
First, follow journalists on social media, especially Twitter and LinkedIn!!! This allows you to see the types of stories that each journalist is most likely to run, and may even allow for a journalist who receives your pitch to recognize your name.
Plus, if the journalist follows you back they are more likely to come to YOU for stories!
Second, make sure you are remaining active on Twitter. The majority of journalists agree that Twitter is the most important social media platform, so it is important to take advantage of this tool to connect with journalists. Even though it is a social media platform, PR professionals can use it to their advantage to network.
Lastly, a fantastic way to gain coverage from a journalist is by connecting the story you pitch to a currently trending topic. If you can connect your story to something everyone is talking about, or a meme the whole world is laughing at, you are much more likely to receive coverage! As a plus, this also allows you to add personality to your work.
For the times that you can’t connect your story to a trending topic, pictures are KEY! In fact, including a picture with your pitch follows closely behind a connection to a trending topic, with 75% of journalists agreeing it is the second most important factor when they decide which story to run.
Summary of Tricks
After all of this information, let me summarize these tricks for you so that you can ensure you’re using each to your full advantage!
The best time to pitch a story to a journalist is on a Monday before noon
Most journalists run less than five stories per week, so make your pitch stand out!
Follow journalists on Twitter and LinkedIn
Engage on social media, especially Twitter
Connect your stories to trending topics
Don’t forget pictures!
What if IDGAF about journalists (and/or twitter and/or linkedin and/or some other retard media website)? How would the enticing work in that case?
Jacks News 