10 tips for crafting better PR pitches for broadcast

A common request from clients based in other countries, like the US or Singapore, is to get their CEO on the telly during a visit to the UK. While not impossible, it needs a considered strategy and an understanding of what broadcasters are looking for.Luckily, Good Broadcast, a PR agency specialising in TV and radio, held a PRCA event at its trendy office in Buckingham gate this week. During the presentation a few themes emerged, not only on how you can grow a younger audience using broadcast, but also, how their comments can apply to other pitches for TV and radio.But, don’t take my word for it, most of these tips comes straight from broadcast editors, Jess Bulman, deputy editor of Channel 5 News; Jack Leather, digital editor of Channel 5 News; and Chris Smith news presenter on BBC Radio 1.Let’s get to it!1. Manage client expectations earlyMost broadcast and digital editors only publish and produce five to seven unique pieces of content per day that isn’t recycled from other news reels. If your client wants a slot in a broadcast show, remind them of the number of slots available and the level of competition, which could be in the low hundreds. The numbers of broadcast content are quite similar to national print publications and many trade publications. Keep this in mind when pitching and developing a story.2. Plan earlyWhile there are no concrete deadlines or best practices, all of the editors recommended pitching at least two days or up to two weeks in advance. The more time to develop an idea or story the better.3. Be creativeDon’t be afraid to pitch something different or non-mainstream. Many of the stories that resonate have an everyday feel or are stories with more emotion — things most news journalists won’t talk about like still-births, proposed bills, mental health, cost of funerals and other issues with a lasting impact on families.4. Think about the audienceThis should be fairly standard, but some people still seem to miss it. Think about the audience for your story, will it resonate with a specific age group? Or a specific group of people? Who will not care?5. Consider the logisticsDuring the initial planning stages, know what spokesperson you would like to use, where they will be, possible timings, and try to be flexible. You might have the best story in the world but if the camera crew and reporters can’t get there to film it, then it’s a lot of wasted effort. Don’t miss out on an opportunity because you didn’t take a few moments to consider the obvious.6. Have a good storyAdmittedly, this is not a helpful point on its own, but a general tip for determining what makes a good story is to answer the simple questions first, “who cares?” and “why would they care?”7. Do not try to shoehorn in a celebrityHaving a celebrity in your pitch will not make up for a poorly thought out or non-relevant story. Make sure the celebrity can add a different perspective and speak with passion about your story — audiences will be able to tell.8. Incorporate a human-interest angleConsider if there is there a way to centre the story around a hot topic or a social issue with opposing views, or another way to incorporate a lived experience to make your story stronger.9. Be authenticDo not try to “sound young” to appeal to a younger audience. Be real. They can see right through it.10. Pick up the phoneOnce you have developed your amazing pitch or while you are still trying to sort it out, call the broadcast team. Ask to speak to the planning team, not a journalist. Be able to answer basic questions and be flexible to new ideas. You never know there might be a slot that opens up or an editor might like the idea and want to run with it.Overall, try to make your pitch concise, make sure it has legs (basic details sorted), and a way for the story to connect to audience. Good luck and happy pitching!