How to Pitch Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stories to the Media

BONUS FREEBIE: Do you want to know what the media is looking for and how to give it to them? Check out my free three-part video course How to Be a Media Magnet for my expert tips on how to become a pro at pitching and getting booked. 

We’ve all seen the news recently — the media is reporting on coronavirus (COVID-19) 24/7.

I worked in newsrooms for almost 20 years — I know how this works. Journalists are eager to find coronavirus stories, since it’s what everyone wants to know about. 

So how do you pitch coronavirus stories? I shot a video with some ideas for you. 

Consider your expertise. 

This is your chance to think about how your expertise might be helpful to easing fear and spreading useful information during this time. 

Media is a public service. How can you be of service to the public? 

For example, I decided to launch an online training about how to become a pro at virtual meetings, since so many people are working from home.

I do video calls every day as I’m a media trainer, so this course is a way for me to use my skills to help people out.

Don’t wait for the media to come to you. 

Once you think about how your expertise can be helpful during this time, look at the content you’re already producing. That content is your pitch!

For example, after I launched my online training “Virtual Meeting Pro,” I thought I might as well pitch my idea to some outlets as well.

In addition to my media-training background, I’ve also written two books, Listful Living and Listful Thinking, about how to be more productive and less stressed.

And since I’ve been working from home for the past few years, I know a lot about getting things done outside of a traditional office environment.

So I pitched a story to Fox News about how to stay productive when you’re working remotely. And they liked it and interviewed me. 

If you’re looking for more tips on pitching my free three-part video series, How to Be a Media Magnet, is a great resource for learning how to get your ideas out there. 

You can register for it here. 

Be strategic about reaching out to people.

My clients often say they’re not sure who to contact when they want to pitch an idea.

I always tell them to check out LinkedIn and Twitter to find editors and producers. Then you can reach out by sending a message on those platforms. 

You can also look on the masthead of an magazine, which will have the names (and usually contact information) for the staff. 

Plus, you might also look at bylines to find names and then Google them to see how you can get in touch.

As always, make sure your pitches are compelling and have great subject lines!

Media begets media.

As I’ve said before, doing one story will often lead to more media hits. After I did the Fox News story, I got inquiries from other people about doing a virtual training with their teams.

Even if that media hit didn’t get people to sign up for my training, it got people’s attention and showed them how I can be helpful in this situation. 

As an expert, you have valuable knowledge and experience to share. The media is a powerful tool to help fight coronavirus, and pitching your ideas is a great way to help. 

Check out my full video of tips and tricks for how to pitch coronavirus stories. 

BONUS FREEBIE: Do you want to know what the media is looking for and how to give it to them? Check out my free online course How to Be a Media Magnet for my expert tips on how to become a pro at pitching and getting booked.

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