How to find quick media opportunities
A lot of what we talk about in these newsletters is you pitching a specific idea to a journalist or editor and doing everything in your power to ensure it’s a fit.
But sometimes, it’s the journalists who come looking for you!
Now, when you go looking for existing opportunities in the media, you’re unlikely to have much say in the story, but there are some great benefits to incorporating this into your DIY PR practice that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Firstly, the coverage usually comes pretty quickly - these are writers who are on a tight deadline going beyond their personal network to find the experts they need. Secondly, it’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of media without the full pressure of having to create a pitch.
Here, I’m going to share some of the best places to find and respond to requests from journalists.
Twitter - #journorequest
Twitter is the wordsmith’s platform - it’s the main place that journalists go to share their work, talk about news and events and, most importantly, share their requests. To find them, you’ll need to type this - #journorequest - into the search bar. Then, ensuring you’ve clicked on the ‘Latest’ tab rather than the ‘Top’ one that it automatically shows, you’ll see all the experts, opinions, or case studies journalists are currently looking for.
Facebook Groups
There are a few Facebook groups that connect journalists with expert sources, but my favourite has to be https://www.facebook.com/groups/MediaMatchmaker. This group shares media opportunities from UK journalists that need help with articles, stories or expert comments for print, broadcast and digital.
HARO
Help A Reporter Out - otherwise known as HARO - is probably the most comprehensive and official spot to find requests from journalists and editors. Here, you can filter your preferences, so that you only receive requests that are relevant to your industry and expertise. There are both free and paid options here, so it’s up to you how much access you want. https://www.helpareporter.com/
