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In this solocast episode, host Jason Mudd discusses how to improve your media pitches and craft news releases journalists will notice.

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Five things you’ll learn from this episode:

1. How to improve four media pitch examples
2. Keep your pitch short and visually appealing.
3. Tailor your pitch to match the journalist's beat.
4. Offer value — why should the journalist care?
5. Have a copy editor review the release.

Quotables

“About half of the news stories they write come from media pitches. So media pitching works when it's done right. Media pitching works when you have a relationship or attempt to build a relationship; you don't need a relationship to get media coverage.” — @JasonMudd9

“You just want to send a teaser and have them say, ‘You know what, I would like to hear more’ or ‘This isn't a good fit for me.’ But instead of doing it in 10 paragraphs, what if you just did it in three sentences?” — @JasonMudd9

“That's why we believe in having copy editors on our team who are grammarians. They're experts at what they do — the red-pen police or the people who correct your grammar in public that you don't like.” — @JasonMudd9

“If you can't tell me who said it, then I'm probably not going to quote you on it.” — @JasonMudd9

“You should not send a news release, or even a media pitch, through blast … think 1-to-1 with each media pitch that you send out.” — @JasonMudd9

“More targeted, more selective pitches are going to help you be more successful.” — @JasonMudd9

“Just like in dating, just like in sales, in media pitching, the intent of the first meeting is to get a second meeting.” — @JasonMudd9

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others or leave us a quick podcast review.

About Jason Mudd, Axia PR

Jason Mudd is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist for some of America’s most admired brands. Since 1994, he’s worked with American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster’s, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon. He founded Axia in July 2002. Forbes named Axia one of America’s Best PR Agencies.

Guest’s contact info and resources:

• Jason Mudd on X
• Jason Mudd on LinkedIn
• Axia Public Relations
• 10 elements of news
• 10 elements of news with Jason Mudd | On Top of PR Podcast
• 1:1 consultations and training with Axia

Support the show

• On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.
• On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

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In this episode, Alfredo Garcia joins On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss best practices for producing PR events.

Tune in to learn more!

Our guest:

Our episode guest is Alfredo Garcia, vice president of sales for Sight & Sound and Mugwump Productions. He started his journey with Sight & Sound as a marketing intern, where he discovered his passion for the audio-visual production side of events. Now an executive leader, he’s played a pivotal role in the company’s growth from 15 employees to more than 50 today.

Five things you’ll learn from this episode:

1. Questions event producers will ask
2. Technical media accommodations
3. How much notice event production teams need
4. What organizations should consider before planning an event
5. Logistics and budget planning

Quotables:

“My first question is always the same, no matter what type of media event it is. And that is, “Why are we doing this event? Why are we spending your money? Why are we pulling in resources and what is the purpose and outcome we are trying to get out of this event?” — @Alfredo Garcia

“If you’re depending on media to be there, how embarrassed might you be if they just can’t come or don’t come for whatever reason?” — @JasonMudd9

“If you’re depending on media to fill the room, you better have a pretty good announcement.” — @JasonMudd9

“Whenever I see a whole bunch of microphones, I think of crisis communication.” — @Alfredo Garcia

“Why would you not want to engage with an expert company to have them bring their experience, know-how, and ideas that might save you time, money, and ultimately drive home that better first impression for the attendees at your event?” — @JasonMudd9

“We try to become an extension of what our clients are trying to do. We are thinking of things people don't think about.” — @Alfredo Garcia

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others or leave us a quick podcast review.

About Alfredo Garcia

As Sight & Sound’s vice president of sales, Alfredo manages daily sales operations, develops sales strategies, and forecasts company revenue. He focuses on client retention and expanding the client base locally and nationally.

Alfredo earned a communication degree from Jacksonville University, which laid the foundation for his career in the hospitality industry. He’s drawn to the industry’s opportunities for travel, bringing creative solutions to events, and building long-lasting relationships. His journey with Sight & Sound began in 2005 when he joined as a marketing intern and discovered his passion for the audio-visual production side of events. After progressing through roles as a marketing coordinator and project manager, he found his niche in sales.

Outside of work, Alfredo enjoys gardening with his wife, traveling with his family, and supporting all his local sports teams.

Support the show

• On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.
• On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

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In this episode, Axia’s David Triana joins host Jason Mudd to discuss key strategies for nurturing mutually beneficial media relationships that make a lasting impact.

Tune in to learn more!

Our Guest:

David Triana is a public relations professional specializing in media relations and securing earned media coverage for clients in a variety of industries. He currently serves as the director of media relations at Axia Public Relations. He has been mentioned in outlets such as the Daily Mail, Business Insider, and Forbes, providing commentary on topics related to the PR industry.

Five things you’ll learn from this episode:

1. Always provide value when communicating with the media.
2. Proprietary data can differentiate you from your competition.
3. Respect for journalistic ethics is key.
4. Stay ahead of the news cycle whenever possible.
5. Make the media's job as simple as possible (and be as prepared as possible).

Bonus: Tips on earning media coverage for PR professionals with no prior newsroom experience.

Quotables

“Not being afraid to fail — I think that is the most important thing and most important attribute you can have as a PR professional.” — @David Triana

“It’s like a venn diagram: what the media wants, what the company wants, and what is newsworthy and interesting.” — @JasonMudd9

“Anytime I’ve reached out to the media on behalf of a client, I never want to go empty-handed.” — @David Triana

“Sometimes a really good media pitch is just three sentences. You want them to say, ‘Tell me more, I'm interested.’” — @JasonMudd9

“I tell clients, you probably have some data internally that you don't even realize would be valuable to help set a finger on the pulse of the marketplace and the economy and what it’s doing.” — @JasonMudd9

“So much of this is making a really good first impression that defines the longevity of that relationship. And if you're willing to be available right off the bat … things like that set you apart from many others.” — @David Triana

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others or leave us a quick podcast review.

Guest’s contact info and resources:

• David Triana on X
• David Triana on LinkedIn
• Email David at DTriana@axiapr.com

Additional Resources:

• Axia Public Relations
• Resources

Support the show

• On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.
• On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.