3 ways to build relationships with reporters

Journalists are key public stakeholders in your communications plan, so build rapport with them.

Before I joined the corporate world, I was a TV journalist and received many pitches from PR professionals. Respectful communications associates called me in the morning before I was assigned or working on a story. Amateur PR pros annoyingly called while I was in the middle of deadlines and filing my stories. Those names went on a “don’t pick up” list.

I kept a contact list of media relations officials who took time out of their day to invest in me. We went for coffee or drinks, or they invited me to cool events that would pique my interest.

They knew me, and I got to know them—which meant if they had a pitch, I was ready to listen.

Journalists have a built in “ugh” meter when they get calls from needy PR practitioners. You only get one chance to wow members of the press with a pitch, so save your reputation by getting to know the reporters in your city before you call.

Here are three tips to help you land that next headline:

1. Schedule face-to-face meetings. Take a reporter out for a coffee or drink once a week.