ReportWire

Tag: Journalists

  • How Jeff Bezos Brought Down the Washington Post

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    Downie, who served as executive editor from 1991 to 2008, contrasted the paths of the Times and the Post. During the past decade, the Times transformed itself into a one-stop-shopping environment that lured readers with games such as Spelling Bee, a cooking app, and a shopping guide. By the end of 2025, it was reporting close to thirteen million digital subscribers and an operating profit of more than a hundred and ninety-two million dollars. The Post does not release information about its digital subscribers, but it was reported to have two and a half million digital subscribers at the time of the non-endorsement decision, in 2024.

    “One of the big differences to me was that they hired a publisher”—Ryan—“who didn’t come up with any ideas,” Downie told me. “And then when he left . . . we knew that Bezos was losing money, and we were encouraged by the fact that they were looking for somebody who could improve the business side of the paper and the circulation side of the paper. And then they chose this guy who we hardly ever heard from, who had a checkered past in British journalism.”

    Writing last month on a private Listserv for former Post employees, Paul Farhi, who as the media reporter for the Post covered Bezos’s acquisition of the paper, shared his “utter mystification and bafflement” about Bezos’s tolerance of Lewis. “Even as a hands-off boss,” he wondered, “could Bezos not see what was obvious to even casual observers within a few months of Will’s arrival—that Will was ill-suited to the Post, that he had alienated the newsroom, that he had an ethically suspect past, and—most important—that none of his big ideas was working or even being implemented?” (Farhi, who took a buyout in 2023, gave me permission to quote his message.)

    Even before these new cuts, a parade of key staffers had left the Post. A beloved managing editor, Matea Gold, went to the Times. The national editor, Philip Rucker, decamped to CNN, and the political reporter Josh Dawsey to the Wall Street Journal. The Atlantic hired, among others, three stars of the paper’s White House team: Ashley Parker, Michael Scherer, and Toluse Olorunnipa. These are losses that would take years to rebuild—if the Post were in a rebuilding mode. The Post, Woodward said, “lives and is doing an extraordinary reporting job on the political crisis that is Donald Trump”—including its scoop on the second strike to kill survivors of an attack on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. But the print edition is a shadow of its former self, with metro, style, and sports melded into an anemic second section; daily print circulation is now below one hundred thousand. More pressingly, it’s unclear whether a newsroom so stripped of resources can sustain the quality of its work.

    The sports columnist Sally Jenkins, who left the Post in August, 2025, as part of the second wave of buyouts, has been more supportive of management than many other Post veterans. So it was striking that, when we spoke recently, she was both passionate about the work of her newsroom colleagues and unsparing about how the business side had failed them. “When you whack at these sections, you’re whacking at the roots of the tree,” she told me. “We train great journalists in every section of the paper, and we train them to cover every subject on the globe. And when you whack whole sections of people away, you are really, really in danger of killing the whole tree.” When I asked how she felt about the losses, Jenkins said, “My heart is cracked in about five different pieces.”

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    Ruth Marcus

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  • Trump says he does not think Pentagon should limit what journalists report on

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    Donald Trump appeared to talk down about Pentagon restrictions that aim to severely limit journalists’ abilities to report on US military issues.

    The president faced questions about the directive as he departed the White House for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday. Asked whether the Pentagon should be in charge of deciding what reporters can report on, Trump said: “No, I don’t think so.”

    He added: “Nothing stops reporters. You know that.”

    In a memo issued days earlier, the US military demanded that journalists must pledge not to gather any information – including unclassified documents – that has not been authorized for release or else risk revocation of their press passes.

    Using an abbreviation for the recently rebranded Department of War headed by Trump appointee Pete Hegseth, the memo said: “DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”

    And in a post on X, Hegseth said Friday: “The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon – the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules – or go home.”

    The memo follows an announcement by Hegseth in May regarding new press restrictions at the Pentagon. These limit reporters’ movements within the building to specific areas including the press pens, food court and courtyard.

    Related: Pentagon demands journalists sign pledge not to gather certain information

    Under previous presidential administrations, reporters typically had more freedom of movement within the Pentagon.

    Hegseth has severely limited media access after facing backlash for sharing sensitive information about US strikes in Yemen in March in a Signal group chat where a journalist was accidentally included.

    Since he assumed office, Hegseth has maintained a hostile attitude towards major media networks. He ordered the removal of various longstanding news organizations including the New York Times, CNN, Politico and NPR from their dedicated offices in the Pentagon.

    Journalists and free press advocates have criticised the new restrictions. The National Press Club’s president, Mike Balsamo, saying: “This is a direct assault on independent journalism at the very place where independent scrutiny matters most: the US military.

    “If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American.”

    Freedom of the Press Foundation said “this policy operates as a prior restraint on publication, which is considered the most serious” violations of the press freedoms guaranteed by the US constitution’s first amendment.

    “The government cannot prohibit journalists from public information merely by claiming it’s a secret,” the foundation said.

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  • 3 dead from Israeli airstrike on a journalist compound in Lebanon

    3 dead from Israeli airstrike on a journalist compound in Lebanon

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    An Israeli airstrike on a compound housing journalists in southeast Lebanon has killed three media staffers, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said Friday.Local news station Al Jadeed aired footage from the scene — a collection of chalets that had been rented by various media outlets — showing collapsed buildings and cars marked PRESS covered in dust and rubble. The Israeli army did not issue a warning prior to the strike.Video above: U.S. to send anti-missile defense system to Israel amid Middle East tensionsThe Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen TV said two of its staffers — camera operator Ghassan Najar and broadcast technician Mohammed Rida — were among the journalists killed early Friday. Al-Manar TV of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said its camera operator Wissam Qassim was also killed in the airstrike on the Hasbaya region.Ali Shoeib, Al-Manar’s well-known correspondent in south Lebanon, was seen in a video filming himself with a cellphone, saying that the camera operator who had been working with him for months was killed. Shoeib said the Israeli military knew that the area that was struck and had several chalets was home to journalists of different media organizations.“We were reporting the news and showing the suffering of the victims and now we are the news and the victims of Israel’s crimes,” Shoeib added in the video aired on Al-Manar TV.The Hasbaya region has been spared much of the violence along the border and many of the journalists now staying there have moved from the nearby town of Marjayoun that has been subjected to sporadic strikes in recent weeks. Earlier in the week, a strike hit an office belonging to Al-Mayadeen on the outskirts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.Several journalists have been killed since exchange of fire began along the Lebanon-Israel border in early October last year.In November 2023, two journalists for Al-Mayadeen TV were killed in a drone strike. A month earlier, Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon killed Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and wounded other journalists from France’s international news agency, Agence France-Presse, and Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV.Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.The Israeli campaign has since expanded to Lebanon, where Israel launched a ground invasion Oct. 1, after trading fire with the Hezbollah militant group for much of the past year.Lebanese health officials reported another day of intense airstrikes and shelling Thursday, which they said killed 19 people over 24 hours and raised the overall Lebanese death toll to 2,593 since October 2023.

    BEIRUT, Beirut Governorate —

    An Israeli airstrike on a compound housing journalists in southeast Lebanon has killed three media staffers, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said Friday.

    Local news station Al Jadeed aired footage from the scene — a collection of chalets that had been rented by various media outlets — showing collapsed buildings and cars marked PRESS covered in dust and rubble. The Israeli army did not issue a warning prior to the strike.

    Video above: U.S. to send anti-missile defense system to Israel amid Middle East tensions

    The Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen TV said two of its staffers — camera operator Ghassan Najar and broadcast technician Mohammed Rida — were among the journalists killed early Friday. Al-Manar TV of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said its camera operator Wissam Qassim was also killed in the airstrike on the Hasbaya region.

    Ali Shoeib, Al-Manar’s well-known correspondent in south Lebanon, was seen in a video filming himself with a cellphone, saying that the camera operator who had been working with him for months was killed. Shoeib said the Israeli military knew that the area that was struck and had several chalets was home to journalists of different media organizations.

    “We were reporting the news and showing the suffering of the victims and now we are the news and the victims of Israel’s crimes,” Shoeib added in the video aired on Al-Manar TV.

    The Hasbaya region has been spared much of the violence along the border and many of the journalists now staying there have moved from the nearby town of Marjayoun that has been subjected to sporadic strikes in recent weeks. Earlier in the week, a strike hit an office belonging to Al-Mayadeen on the outskirts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

    Several journalists have been killed since exchange of fire began along the Lebanon-Israel border in early October last year.

    In November 2023, two journalists for Al-Mayadeen TV were killed in a drone strike. A month earlier, Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon killed Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and wounded other journalists from France’s international news agency, Agence France-Presse, and Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV.

    Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.

    Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.

    The Israeli campaign has since expanded to Lebanon, where Israel launched a ground invasion Oct. 1, after trading fire with the Hezbollah militant group for much of the past year.

    Lebanese health officials reported another day of intense airstrikes and shelling Thursday, which they said killed 19 people over 24 hours and raised the overall Lebanese death toll to 2,593 since October 2023.

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  • Mondo Appropriato #8: Another Male Kennedy Scandal Involving Philandering

    Mondo Appropriato #8: Another Male Kennedy Scandal Involving Philandering

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    In a series called Mondo Appropriato, Culled Culture examines how “on the nose” something is in the pop cultural and/or political landscape.

    Where once it was easy to bill any Kennedy “tragedy” as merely part of the “Kennedy curse,” it seems that, more and more, the overshadowing word is “scandal” rather than “tragedy.” And most of it is less a “curse” than largely being the making of the (often depraved) Kennedy men. The latest to outshine some of his forebears’ former “glory” in that department is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While, sure, one might have thought that his brand couldn’t possibly be more damaged after years of anti-vaccine rhetoric, a bid for president in 2024 that has almost been as embarrassing as Donald Trump’s and admissions to two separate incidents of “bizarre” (to say the least) behavior with dead animals (specifically, a bear cub and a whale), it turns out, they were wrong. There was so much more damaging to do in 2024.

    The latest scandal in the Kennedy arsenal in general and the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arsenal in particular is Olivia Nuzzi’s admission to having a “personal relationship” with the presidential hopeful earlier this year while on the campaign trail. And yes, the vagueness of the term “personal relationship” leaves far too much to the imagination. Described as a “star reporter” for New York Magazine, Nuzzi was suspended from the publication after “acknowledging” her close dynamic with RFK Jr. (evidently, close enough to risk her entire career on this confession), though she was certain to stress that the relationship wasn’t physical. Even so, as any woman who has ever had to deal with a boyfriend or husband’s “best friend” in a female form, there is obviously such a thing as an emotional affair (which is oftentimes even worse than a physical one). And it’s likely just as grating to Cheryl Hines as it is to any other woman.

    Per a statement released by NY Mag,

    “Recently our Washington Correspondent Olivia Nuzzi acknowledged to the magazine’s editors that she had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign, a violation of the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures. Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign. An internal review of her published work has found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias. She is currently on leave from the magazine, and the magazine is conducting a more thorough third-party review. We regret this violation of our readers’ trust.”

    Alas, it’s unlikely that RFK Jr. would ever apologize for the violation of Hines’ trust. Then again, the Kennedy men are more than somewhat known for their penchants for having affairs and doing a very shitty job of being discreet about it. Leaving the door open for people to say that Hines should have “expected” it/“known better.” Especially considering his ex-wife, Mary Kathleen Richardson, killed herself after discovering a journal of RFK Jr.’s detailing how he slept with thirty-seven women in 2001 alone (which means who knows what the total number of women he had affairs with really added up to in the years before and beyond that). In other words, while RFK Jr. was usually in a non-marriage bed, Hines should have seen that she was making her own to lie in. But those who would try to fault her with “I told you so” logic, well, they clearly haven’t been subjected to “the heart wants what it wants” phenomena.

    In the male Kennedys’ case, however, that saying has always been “the dick wants what it wants.” And damn the aftermath. Perhaps that’s what makes the Nuzzi “incident” one of the more unique ones for Kennedy shame in that RFK Jr. didn’t even “go all the way,” despite probably knowing somewhere deep down that there would be an inevitable fallout (so why not make it all slightly worth it with an orgasm here and there?). And, apparently, plenty of email/sext exchanges showcasing the nature of his and Nuzzi’s emotionally intimate rapport.

    As for Nuzzi, it will be for her just as it has been for every woman that has suffered at the hands of a Kennedy scandal: her reputation will still end up being more tarnished than his (which is, quite simply, the patriarchy in active motion). Particularly because she’s a journalist now facing an extreme loss of credibility, even more so due to the fact that she’ll be billed as some kind of Jezebel in future dealings with male subjects. Indeed, her behavior is liable to be met with plenty of contempt from fellow journalists of the belief that the last thing the industry needed was another reason for the public to doubt it. And the last thing the Kennedy “dynasty” needed was yet another (cum) stain on it thanks to a man who couldn’t resist a flirtation that turned into something far more unseemly.

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    Genna Rivieccio

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  • The DNC Brings Wiener-Obsessed Politicians, Journalists, and Comedians to Chicago

    The DNC Brings Wiener-Obsessed Politicians, Journalists, and Comedians to Chicago

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    While the Democratic National Convention may not be a boon for Chicago’s restaurant industry, local politicians, journalists, and comedians are still planning on sampling the city’s culinary delights this week. Some point to a lack of variety in those diets (we have some suggestions for that); there’s certainly a tendency to stay close to downtown and visit the same North Side neighborhoods. Still, there’s some fun to be had, even if these visitors have limited taste buds and stick with pizza and hot dogs. Eater scoured the convention floor and asked politicians what they put on their hot dogs.

    Lori Lightfoot

    Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images

    After taking a nearly year-long hiatus, Lightfoot returned to the media circuit this week with DNC analysis on CBS Chicago. The former mayor, who chose an unorthodox smorgasbord for her Super Bowl spread in 2019, prefers a “modified Chicago-style” dog.

    “Brown mustard, dill pickle slices, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt,” Lightfoot says, “Sometimes also giardiniera instead of the sport peppers. But sometimes if the hot dog is really good and grilled right, just a dog in a bun.”

    Jaime Harrison

    Jaime R. Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from August 19-22.

    DNC chair Jamie Harrison.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    The DNC chair kept his restaurant plans under wraps but his spokespeople tell us he’s a slaw dog fan. Harrison tops his dog off with chili, coleslaw, relish, ketchup, mustard, and onions.

    Grace Kuhlenschmidt attends the “Boys Go To Jupiter” premiere during the 2024 Tribeca Festival at Village East Cinema on June 07, 2024 in New York City.

    The Daily Show correspondent Grace Kuhlenschmidt.
    Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

    The 28-year-old self-described “straight lesbian comedian” and Daily Show correspondent has a soft spot for Roost Chicken & Biscuits with locations in River West and Wrigleyville.

    “I was living in Chicago when the pandemic hit and on the news they started talking about how we were going to go into lockdown,” she says. “My roommate Andrew and I turned to each other like ‘We need to order The Roost NOW.’ So we did and that was the last thing I ate before I started wiping down my groceries.”

    During the DNC, Kuhlenschmidt will return to her old favorite and order the House-Style fried chicken sandwich with cheese on a biscuit, plus the chocolate chip bread pudding. When it comes to hot dogs, Kuhlenschmidt took a swipe at Chicago tradition: “When it comes to hot dogs, I need ketchup,” she says. “I really don’t care what Chicago or the National Hot Dog Association say. Ketchup is a divine condiment.”

    DNC senior advisor Keiana Barrett (the chief diversity & engagement officer for developer Sterling Bay) plans on sticking close to McCormick Place and patronizing Williams Inn, the pizzeria and sports bar in the South Loop, owned by the same Black family as Jeffery Pub, one of the oldest queer bars in the country. She’ll start with the hot wings, “fried hard” with ranch dressing, and deep-dish pizza with mushrooms. Barrett only eats turkey hot dogs and prefers them grilled with mustard, barbecue sauce, relish, pickle, and a dash of seasoned salt.

    Christy George

    Christy George, executive director of the host committee, speaks while the Democratic National Convention holds a media walkthrough on Jan. 18, 2024, at the United Center.

    DNC executive director Christy George.
    Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

    Winner of the 2022 Banchet Award for Best Alternative Dining, Sinhá should expect a visit from the DNC’s executive director Christy George (Gov. Pritzker’s first assistant deputy governor for budget and economy). Among her top picks at the Brazilian restaurant: mango salsa, plantains, chicken curry, and steak.

    “Best Brazilian food in the city recently had it and can’t wait to go back,” George tells Eater — not that there are a ton of Brazilian options in Chicago. “Their patio is intimate and beautiful, it’s a local woman-owned restaurant, and the food is killer.”

    When it comes to hot dogs, George ignores Chicago-style rules.

    “Ketchup and mustard, unapologetically,” she says.

    Don Harmon

    Senate President Don Harmon arrives before Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered his State of the State and budget address at the Illinois State Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois.

    Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
    Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

    The Illinois state senate president hasn’t had much time to sit down and dine during the DNC.

    “I wish I had been eating anywhere but off the fat of the land, wherever food is put in front of me from reception to reception,” Harmon says on the convention floor on Tuesday before the delegates cast their vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

    “Hot dogs you’ve only got three choices: you can eat it Chicago-style, you can eat it with mustard and onions, or you can eat it plain,” Harmon says, adding that he’ll eat any of those three options depending on the circumstance.

    “If I can’t spill I’m not above a plain hot dog, mustard, and onions when I’m low-key and Chicago style if someone else is fixing it,” he says.

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    Leigh Giangreco

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  • Navigating Media Relations in the Cannabis Industry: Tips for Effective PR – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news

    Navigating Media Relations in the Cannabis Industry: Tips for Effective PR – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news

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    Navigating Media Relations in the Cannabis Industry: Tips for Effective PR – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news




























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    Michael Mejer

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  • Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

    Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

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    An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it. In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump. With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event. “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window. Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism. Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023. Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.” Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October. More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether. “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment. According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants. “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement. Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.” In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.”How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

    WASHINGTON —

    An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it.

    In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump.

    With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event.

    “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

    Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

    Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

    Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

    Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

    Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

    Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”

    Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.

    The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023.

    Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

    The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.”

    Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

    More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

    “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

    One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment.

    According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

    “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

    Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

    In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

    “How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

    Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

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  • Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

    Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

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    An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it. In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump. With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event. “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window. Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism. Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023. Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.” Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October. More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether. “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment. According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants. “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement. Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.” In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.”How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

    WASHINGTON —

    An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it.

    In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump.

    With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event.

    “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

    Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

    Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

    Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

    Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

    Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

    Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”

    Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.

    The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023.

    Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

    The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.”

    Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

    More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

    “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

    One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment.

    According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

    “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

    Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

    In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

    “How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

    Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

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  • Tips for Aspiring Journalists! Plus, Jon Stewart, New Hampshire, and ‘Barbie’ Think Pieces With Chris Suellentrop.

    Tips for Aspiring Journalists! Plus, Jon Stewart, New Hampshire, and ‘Barbie’ Think Pieces With Chris Suellentrop.

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    On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by his big brother in the media, The Washington Post’s Chris Suellentrop. After thousands of conversations, their first recorded discussion will address the following:

    • Advice you give to students who want to be in journalism (2:30)
    • Whether or not the New Hampshire primary is a semi-decisive moment (13:02)
    • The expectations set for Nikki Haley and how to interpret the results in real time (24:52)
    • Jon Stewart’s new show coming in February (36:27)
    • An inevitable “somebody’s got to say it” think piece on ‘Barbie’ (45:52)

    Host: Bryan Curtis
    Guest: Chris Suellentrop
    Producer: Brian H. Waters

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / RSS

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    Bryan Curtis

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  • Global Media Access To Gaza During Cease-Fire Under Question

    Global Media Access To Gaza During Cease-Fire Under Question

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    Some Biden administration officials are reportedly worried about the effect broader press access might have on the public’s opinion of Israel.

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  • 3 Ways to Attract Media Coverage | Entrepreneur

    3 Ways to Attract Media Coverage | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    You’re press-worthy. How do you feel when you read that? If your initial reaction is to shrink back and question it, you’re certainly not alone.

    Many companies (especially small to midsize companies) question if their story is really worth media coverage — and this is the biggest thing holding them back from that coverage.

    Because they don’t truly feel worthy of press, they don’t reach out to the media, or they give up after a few pitches go unanswered. Or, they try PR for a few months off and on but never commit to it fully enough to develop an effective long-term strategy for their company’s visibility. They act as though a journalist would be doing them a favor by featuring them rather than realizing the value they can offer by contributing to that journalist’s content.

    The truth is, these companies are — and you are — worthy of incredible, widespread press. And once you truly embrace that, how you show up for the media will dramatically change.

    Thousands of experts are interviewed every single day, not because they have a magic secret for getting press but because they do two simple things: showcase their expertise and tell an unforgettable story.

    Speak to a journalist, and you’ll realize they’re not looking for someone with thousands of social media followers or award-winning books. They just want someone to share serviceable expert tips or tell a good story because those two things are of the highest value to their readers.

    Here’s the good news: Expertise and a good story are two things practically every business owner has.

    How to pinpoint your expertise and story

    You are an industry insider for your niche — and your knowledge is extremely valuable to journalists and their audiences.

    Think about the questions customers ask you most often: How do you answer them, and what knowledge do you share? What unique perspective do you have? What industry trends have you noticed, either anecdotally or through your collected data? This becomes your high-value expertise. Through the media, readers and viewers can learn directly from an insider pro (that’s you!).

    Your expertise provides an immense amount of value for them and credibility for your brand. It also makes that audience more likely to turn to you when they have a usage occasion for your product or service.

    There’s also a special story about how you got to where you are now. You may not know what it is yet, but you don’t have to write it from scratch. You simply have to uncover it.

    Start by telling your story frequently to your customers, friends and family. Pay attention to what makes their eyes glisten, and their ears perk up. Usually, these are elements of your journey you haven’t thought much about — but that stands out to others. This is what you should lean into when sharing your background with the media.

    Because journalists are looking to educate and tell a good story, they’re grateful when they find sources who can help them do that.

    Related: 5 Things Journalists Wish You Knew About Getting Press Coverage for Your Company

    Being ready for press vs. being worthy of press

    Almost every company is worthy of the press, but not all companies are ready for the press.

    Being ready for press involves having the budget for a long-term media strategy that can grow over time, creating a collection of branded photography to share with the media and updating your website so it’s ready for journalists (say, by having up-to-date Press Room and About pages).

    Once you’ve honed in on why you’re worthy of press, make sure you have these “ready for press” elements prepared to increase your chances of landing coverage.

    Related: 5 Key Things You Need Before Launching a PR Campaign

    Three ways to show up for the media

    1. Make your story and expertise ultra-visible. Upon skimming your company’s website or social media channels briefly, it should be immediately clear what knowledge you can share and what makes your mission and story unique. Work on polishing this until it’s concise and easy to grasp — and avoid long, winding narratives. Make sure your story is present in messaging and visuals on your homepage, About page and Press Room page.

    Related: 5 Ways Companies Can Create Content That’s Actually Helpful

    2. Start sharing your story and expertise on your owned channels. Even if journalists aren’t knocking on your door quite yet, you still have the opportunity to share what they’re looking for (and catch their attention in doing so!). Use your social media platforms as an opportunity to be a thought leader and share your story and expertise there consistently.

    Plus, key players in your company should be prepared to share content on their personal accounts as well. CEOs and other executives have a powerful opportunity to leverage social media to share expertise and tell your brand story to your clients, customers and employees. In doing so, they position themselves as valuable media spokespeople.

    3. Set up a profile on Qwoted and actively use it. Qwoted.com has a free offering that allows you to set up a profile as an expert and pitch to relevant news outlets. Just like setting up a press page on your website, this is an impactful way to show that you’re ready for press (and worthy of it!).

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    Kelsey Kloss

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  • Pitching to Journalists and Investors Is Like Playing a Game of Cards. Here’s How to Know Which Ones Will Help You Win. | Entrepreneur

    Pitching to Journalists and Investors Is Like Playing a Game of Cards. Here’s How to Know Which Ones Will Help You Win. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Pitching your story to journalists and investors is similar to playing a game of cards. Although the outcome does depend on your strategy and experience, it is still largely determined by what’s in your hand. The thing is, to get the most out of the cards received, it is necessary to realize their value.

    So, let’s discuss what can become your trump cards and help you achieve your goals — and how to use them properly.

    Joker: $10+ funding round

    When pitching news to journalists, a large investment amount can become your joker. If a company has raised over $10 million, top media outlets will unlikely remain indifferent. Crunchbase data shows that US Series A funding has declined for five consecutive quarters. The situation with Series B funding is no better — it’s even harder to raise. The chances of startups reaching these stages have never been exceptionally high, but the decline in venture capital makes the task even more difficult.

    It also means that journalists are likely to pay attention to your project if you get past this milestone. News about companies raising millions of dollars and guest posts about how they managed to do it in such a volatile economy regularly appear in Techcrunch, Forbes, Venture Beat, Entrepreneur and other media outlets. So, it’s much easier for a startup that has attracted such funding to pitch its success story to editorial boards.

    Although the odds of winning the game with a joker increase dramatically, you’ll also need trumps for sustained success. Let’s talk about them now.

    Related: 5 Ways to Make Journalists Actually Want to Publish Your Brand’s Stories

    Industry reports with exclusive figures

    Unique market data may be the trump ace that will help you get into top-tier media outlets. A cybersecurity company specializing in preventing DDoS attacks can collect information on the number and types of such attacks in different regions, as well as the most attack-prone industries, and share the results with journalists. At the very least, this story may be published on specialized cybersecurity news websites. And at most, international publishers with a broader profile and audience, such as Bloomberg and CNBC, will express their interest.

    An important tip from my experience is to consider the specifics of a particular media outlet. If you want to pitch your report to a news agency that writes about the UAE, don’t try to focus on global trends in your story, as editors will be primarily interested in the local situation. And vice versa, if you aim to get into the global technology and business media, emphasize the international trends and how the industry is changing.

    A well-known investor

    With an investment of at least $1 million, this card can be your trump jack, queen or even king. A high-profile investor can attract media attention for two reasons. First, the name of a recognized venture fund or business angel can hook the reader and compel them to read the entire article. Second, it is a quality marker for journalists. If an experienced investor noticed a project, there is a higher chance that the startup makes a worthwhile product. Of course, this is not always the case — the story of Theranos shows otherwise. Still, the project gained worldwide fame even before the scandal.

    This trump card works exceptionally well if the investment made is the first of its kind for the fund — or, on the contrary, continues a series of funding rounds in a particular area. For example, in 2022, Techcrunch wrote about a16z investing in BreederDAO, a blockchain-based producer of digital assets for games and virtual worlds. Before this, a16z had supported several other decentralized solutions, which caught journalists’ attention. And in 2023, Reuters mentioned that Sequoia made its first investment into defense technology company Mach Industries.

    Having a reputable investor on board also becomes a trump when raising the next round. At the very least, they can help founders with valuable contacts in the industry. One study shows that 20% of venture deals come from referrals by other investors. Plus, the fact that someone experienced has invested in the company means that they have already conducted due diligence, evaluated the market, competitors, product and team —and concluded that the deal is worth the risk, which enhances the reputation of the project in the eyes of venture capitalists.

    Innovative technology

    If you have developed a unique solution and can prove it — congratulations, that’s another trump card. I’m pretty sure that you’ve seen articles with headlines like “This startup is looking to…” more than once in major media outlets. For instance, “This startup is zapping seawater to tackle climate change” in The Verge or “This startup wants to give farmers a closer look at crops-from space” in Wired. Often, subjects of these stories try to tackle pressing issues, such as staff shortages in the healthcare industry, food crisis or global warming, through technology. So, if you offer a truly innovative solution, especially if you are solving a critical social problem, the chance of seeing a feature about your startup in a top media outlet increases dramatically.

    However, often, more than this is needed. In our practice, there was a case where a top-tier journal was interested in a healthcare robotics project but agreed to publish a longread about it only when the team got first clients on board. In the case of The Verge story mentioned above, partnership with Boeing became one of the startup’s chips, which helped it to win the pitching game. If you don’t have that, the task can get more complicated.

    Plus, in some cases, pitching to investors may take more time and effort. Suppose we are talking about a complex, innovative high-tech product, for example, in biotechnology or alternative energy industries. In that case, many investors may be scared off by the long payback period and the hardships associated with hardware development.

    Still, if you are disrupting a niche and can provide supporting documents such as patents, a detailed description of the technology, test results, competitors and market analysis — you’ve added a trump card to your hand.

    Related: The 10 Things You Should Cover in Every Investment Pitch (Infographic)

    Successful entrepreneurial experience

    If your past projects have succeeded, it will be easier for you to attract your target audience’s attention. And if you have already created a market leader, count that as your trump king or ace, both for the media outlets and investors.

    The most straightforward example confirming both theses is Adam Neumann, founder of WeWork, who raised $350 million from a16z for his new real estate startup, Flow. Major media outlets wrote about it because of the huge investment amount, the well-known investor and the fact that it was Neumann, the founder of a coworking giant. His controversial past didn’t scare off a16z. General partner Chris Dixon said of Adam, “He’s one of the few founders — I mean, he’s one of the only people in the world who has built a real estate brand name.”

    If the previous project was successful but did not reach such heights as WeWork, such a trump card will unlikely change the situation without others and may not help you get into the top-tier media. But it is indispensable when pitching to investors because, at the early stage, they look at the team first. With an experienced founder in front of them, they will be more interested in considering the project. According to PitchBook, the fundraising process is easier for serial entrepreneurs. Moreover, they get a deal size and preliminary valuation 2-4 times higher than their less experienced colleagues.

    News tied to current events

    Journalists want their stories to be relevant. Tying your pitch to current events greatly increases your chances of being mentioned. Since no one can constantly generate breakthrough news, it’s a great way to stay in the spotlight. During the pandemic, media outlets featured compilations of projects fighting Covid-19, stories about companies that had to change strategies to stay afloat, and guest posts about how different technologies can help to stop coronavirus from spreading. Of course, you can’t predict how things will turn out and when your expertise and product will be most relevant to journalists. Still, keeping a finger on the pulse and seizing the right moment can become your trump card.

    As your company grows, you will acquire more and more trumps. The best part is that they will stay with you for future battles, unlike in a real game of cards. For example, the “Attracted substantial funding from a recognized investor” card will definitely help you in the next round of pitching. The more trumps you have, the stronger the player you are — the easier it is to win even the most challenging games: getting top-tier media coverage and finding new investors through publications.

    Related: 6 Tips on Grabbing Major Media Coverage for Your Business

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    Evgeniya Zaslavskaya

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  • 3 Kinds of Bad Press (And How to Handle Each of Them) | Entrepreneur

    3 Kinds of Bad Press (And How to Handle Each of Them) | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As a 15-year publicist, I can tell you that simplistic, feel-good adages don’t always hold true. Not all press is good press; in fact, in our current culture of basically everything going online instantaneously — whether it’s true or not, confirmed or not — bad press can be quite damaging, running the gamut from words that wound, at the least, to total ruination, at the worst.

    To take just one timely example: In the late summer of 2023, popular entertainer Lizzo was sued by three of her former dancers for creating a hostile work environment and for sexual harassment. The damage was immediate (including the cancelation of the Made in America festival she was headlining, omission of her name from a song Beyoncé performed only hours after the case was announced, others coming out of the woodwork with similar allegations) and the backlash is ongoing: criticisms of her lack of accountability, haters predicting her doom, the press having a field day with the negativity surrounding a pop sensation known for her stance on body positivity.

    Basically, bad press can transform into a bad reputation in a New York minute, so you have to take it seriously. If you don’t grab the reins of the narrative, someone else will — and then they’ll be in charge of the direction in which the subsequent news goes, not you.

    Though most of us don’t have to deal with the immense notoriety that can come with immense fame, we all live in the same world at the same time. If you’re in business for yourself in the digital age of the early 21st century, here are three types of bad press you’re likely to encounter and starting points on how to handle them.

    Related: Don’t Let Your Biggest Client Become Your Biggest Nightmare — You Should Fire Them Instead. Here’s Why.

    Scenario #1: Negative reviews

    Everyone’s a critic these days, right? Customer comment sections of websites are free and virtually anonymous to access, not just allowing bad reviews but almost inviting them. Let’s face it: Are you more likely to post about a positive experience you had or to wield the power of a negative testimonial when you’re unhappy with an experience? The point being: if there’s a forum to publish a bad review of your company, your service, or your product, you’d be a unicorn not to get at least some bad reviews at least some of the time.

    What can you do about it?

    • Don’t take every negative review to heart. Many are just one voice about one encounter, and reasonable people (the kind of people you want as clients) understand that one two-star review does not outweigh a multitude of four and five-stars and does not accurately reflect the whole of your enterprise.
    • Do not respond personally to what amounts to a personal anecdote — especially when you’re coming from a place of reactionary emotion — and train your staff to refrain in kind. No exceptions.
    • Instead, appoint a spokesperson from your internal communications team or hire an external crisis management specialist to be the voice of your company when something needs to be said, and then rely on that person to ensure consistency and accuracy of messaging.

    Related: 3 Tips for Dealing With Negative Reviews Like a True Entrepreneur

    Scenario #2: Troll comments

    Like it or not, trolling is another thing that’s not going away in modern society. Many faceless, nameless lurkers on the internet (hello, Reddit) and especially on social media are only too eager to initiate potentially inflammatory conversations or instigate conflict, usually just for a sense of self-importance. Trolls love to weigh in on comments that have gone viral or well-noticed posts — the more eyes that see their contributions, the better. Sometimes troll comments are just ridiculous and can be ignored … but sometimes, especially when there’s a lot of them on a related theme, it’s time to look at how to respond.

    What can you do about it?

    • Have a system in place to address or resolve the comments. Don’t wait until your brand is trolled to devise a plan of action.
    • Assess the volume of commentary. If we’re only talking about a few derogatory comments, it’s okay to hide or delete them.
    • But if there’s a significant amount, you need to search for the kernel of truth in them and look into doing things better to create a new truth. If an apology is called for, have one curated by an expert. Trolls are trying to get a rise out of you, but a PR pro isn’t emotionally invested, and so won’t rise to take the bait.
    • Whatever you do, don’t clap back. You can respond, but don’t clap. There’s a time for silence, such as when the comments are simply unfounded and do not call for redress. But silence can also make things worse when a response is warranted. If you think you can easily kill off the bad buzz with a direct, objective, fair response, go for it.

    Scenario #3: Dislike of your brand

    An article critical of your brand just got published. Ouch. A food critic didn’t like your new tasting menu. A fashion blog panned your new yoga pants. Your customer service department got three thumbs-downs in a row. Professional criticism can feel like a personal attack when you’re the one ultimately responsible for quality control, and your natural first impulse is to get upset, followed by a desire to sling some mud back at the source. Don’t.

    What can you do about it?

    • Instead of recoiling from the sting, lean into it for a few minutes, considering the level of validity of what’s been said.
    • If you can find some — and you probably will (I truly believe the media isn’t out to get us business owners but, rather, serves as neutral “secret shoppers”) — just acknowledge the experience and what you can learn from it.
    • Call a team meeting to investigate any changes worth making to improve the situation, like trying less salt in the soup or adding a question about customer satisfaction to the end of your call center’s script.
    • With new best practices in place, feel free to broadcast them loud and clear via a press release, a posted blog on your website, or a newly added product description line.

    Yep. Negative press is a reality of doing business. The bad news? The situations discussed above are becoming more widespread by the day. The good news? Because they’re so ubiquitous, you’re not alone in learning how to navigate them with tact and finesse. When you see red flags waving on your business landscape, view them as an opportunity to forge ahead smarter and stronger, and you’ll be better equipped to act rather than react.

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    Emily Reynolds Bergh

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  • 5 Ways Startups Can Increase Their Visibility | Entrepreneur

    5 Ways Startups Can Increase Their Visibility | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    During the recent pandemic, many startups had to rethink their business models. In some cases, this meant refocusing on their core business and determining how well they served customer needs. In other cases, startups had to change their business models completely to succeed.

    Now that the world is back to normal, I recommend that startups place a new urgency behind becoming more visible and keeping their momentum going. Methods to do so include attending or speaking at events, competing in startup competitions and establishing new customer or partner relationships. Taking advantage of such opportunities will help startups emerge stronger than ever before from the pandemic.

    1. Target the right events

    Around the world, I see event organizers switching from virtual events to hosting in-person events. I recommend that startups take advantage of this opportunity to increase their visibility. Startups can research which events are the most relevant based on event themes and the typical attendee profile. At technology and business events, attendees often include corporate executives, other startups, potential partners and customers and investors. Most events publish in-depth profiles of their attendees, so startups can study these ahead of time and determine which events are the best fit.

    Before any event, take advantage of event websites and apps to see who is attending. This allows you to reach out to set up networking meetings ahead of time. Journalists often attend business and technology events, so there’s a good chance that startups can meet them and ideally set up press interviews.

    Related: 5 Ways to Make Journalists Actually Want to Publish Your Brand’s Stories

    2. Compete to promote your startup

    I also recommend that startups consider competing in startup competitions to raise the visibility of the business and its founders. Even if you don’t win, you get to pitch your business, fine-tune your elevator pitch and network with attendees – including other competitors, judges, investors and journalists.

    Typical opportunities include:

    • Business plan competitions are offered by MBA programs, which offer startups with a connection to the school to present their business plans and compete to win.
    • Pitch competitions are offered by leading technology events around the world, such as Collision, Web Summit, Startup Grind and The Next Web. Startups who compete typically take the stage to pitch their ideas in front of the event audience.
    • Startup competitions allow startups to compete on a local, regional, national or international basis. At the Startup World Cup, for example, startups compete at 70+ regional competitions worldwide. The grand finale winner earns a $1 million investment prize.

    Related: 8 Business Titans Reveal the Best Social Media Tactics to Promote Your Company

    3. Build new relationships

    While virtual meetings have their place, there’s nothing like meeting in person to build genuine, long-term relationships. Forbes Insights reports that 85% of people reported building stronger, more meaningful business relationships with people they’ve met face-to-face. When I attend events and competitions, I often meet influential people from different walks of life that I would otherwise not meet. Startups should take advantage of such opportunities and either ask for introductions or just introduce themselves. My business relationships with partners, startups, portfolio companies and journalists started with a casual introduction and in-person meeting.

    4. Publish thought leadership content

    Another good way startups can increase their visibility is by publishing thought leadership content. I often advise startup founders to write about what they know – whether about new technologies, business trends or leadership advice. This allows the author to establish themselves as an expert in one or more topics. The press might notice such content, and it often opens the door to new business relationships.

    Research shows that thought leadership works. In fact, 88 % of decision-makers surveyed by Edelman and LinkedIn think that thought leadership effectively improves their perceptions of an organization. Business-to-business decision-makers said that high-quality thought leadership strengthens a company’s reputation and positively impacts requests for proposal invitations, wins, pricing and cross-selling that occurs post-sale.

    Writing thought leadership content can take different forms. The most straightforward method is to write an article on LinkedIn, populate social media or use a self-publishing channel. Experts can also submit their articles to local, regional or national publications that accept contributed content. Doing so will help a startup founder share his or her expertise without generating news, which is typically required to get press coverage. Thought leadership content goes beyond articles. On the technical side, startup founders — or other experts, including chief technology articles — can publish technical articles or research findings. On the creative side, entrepreneurs can create short-form videos that demonstrate their expertise while entertaining the audience.

    Related: So You Want to Be a Thought Leader? Here are 5 Steps to Take

    5. Continue your momentum

    Now that it’s possible to meet people in person and attend live events, I recommend that startups work hard to increase their visibility and maintain their business momentum. Don’t sit back and hope that business will come to you. Put yourself out there and take advantage of opportunities to attend events, network, compete and build new relationships. Each can help startups grow more quickly, enabling them to capitalize on their innovative ideas and ultimately make the world a better place.

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    Anis Uzzaman

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  • Don’t Give a Sales Pitch to a Journalist — Tell Them Your Story. Here’s Why. | Entrepreneur

    Don’t Give a Sales Pitch to a Journalist — Tell Them Your Story. Here’s Why. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As entrepreneurs, it’s in our blood to always be selling. But when it comes to public relations, pump the brakes on the sales pitch when speaking with reporters.

    Over the years, I’ve watched entrepreneurs, CEOs and business owners jump right into their sales pitches with reporters. I suspect they see this media interview as another opportunity to sell their products to a larger audience.

    That’s not how it works with journalists. Reporters tell stories for a living. They don’t want to hear subjective information on why your product or service is better than others, even if it comes from a client testimonial — they want to hear the story.

    Related: 5 Secrets to Talking to the Media (And Not Sounding Like a Fool)

    Don’t talk about ‘how the sausage is made’

    A popular mistake I see even the smartest entrepreneurs make: They want to tell how the sausage is made. Unless you’re speaking with a trade reporter writing for an industry-specific audience, stay away from the backstory.

    Let me give you an example: A few years ago, I worked with a physician who continued to start each interview with how his surgical procedure worked. I took science and biology classes in college — like most journalists — but I don’t think any of us remember the medical jargon. Journalists don’t want to hear a long lecture on anatomy.

    With most articles, writers have only 1,200-1,500 words to tell the entire story, and if you’re lucky, they will give you 20 minutes to talk at most. In TV, it’s even shorter, with 120 seconds for most on-air segments — so don’t waste the first 10 minutes going in-depth on how the sausage is made. Instead, focus this valuable time on explaining how your procedure is more advanced or different from previous approaches. Start your conversation with the end result; not the beginning.

    This approach applies to any industry — tech, health care, politics, etc. If you’re selling a new mobile app, don’t go into the coding or cloud experience. Keep the conversation focused on the client benefit and value-add from your product, and stay away from any industry lingo. It only confuses the reporter.

    PR sells the story — not the product

    This might sound counterintuitive on the surface, but if you’re hiring a publicist or PR agency, you want to see results that grow your business. That’s understandable, and it will happen. Our expectations are aligned.

    But an interview with a reporter is not the time to ask for the sale. These interviews should be focused on the client or customer. You can highlight this message by focusing on the five Ws of journalism: who, what, when, where and why.

    • Who is your product or service helping?
    • What is different about your product or service?
    • Why should we care?
    • Where is this being used?

    This is just a blueprint and in no way the only approach to your story messaging. At the very least, if you ask these questions before your interview, it will keep you focused on the story versus the sale.

    Related: 5 Media Strategies Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

    PR won’t save your business

    I get worried when I hear potential clients tell me they are hoping PR can save their business. It’s even more distressing when you hear fear in their tone.

    PR is not going to save your business. If your business is hemorrhaging money before you hire a PR agency, it’s likely a larger issue than publicity alone. Any publicist who says PR can save your business is probably engaging in the same entrepreneurial approach rooted in our blood.

    So what value does PR bring if it can’t save your business?

    PR will bring your product or service more exposure. If news outlets are talking about your storyline, it will always be more credible than any advertisement. And unlike ad campaigns where the promotion ends when the budget ends, media stories continue to reach eyeballs long after the PR campaign is over. In many ways, the cost decreases over time.

    Google doesn’t reveal much about its search algorithm, but they do publicly admit to putting a priority on quality content and news exposure. If Entrepreneur or the New York Times is writing about your business, search algorithms will rightly prioritize your business with search. It gives your brand the added exposure needed for the search lift.

    Just remember, the effects of PR don’t always happen overnight. A targeted media campaign will drive traffic to your website or store, but your end product still needs to be interesting. And that’s probably the most important point to remember: Brag about what is interesting, not what you’re selling.

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    Mark Macias

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  • 3 Steps to Get Your Brand Featured in Any Publication | Entrepreneur

    3 Steps to Get Your Brand Featured in Any Publication | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    For any entrepreneur, establishing a strong presence in the media is crucial for brand growth and success. Getting featured in prominent publications helps create buzz around your brand and can significantly boost your company’s visibility, credibility and customer base. However, securing media coverage is not an overnight process; it requires a well-planned, long-term strategy focused on building meaningful relationships with writers and editors. I’ve followed this process while building my DTC cat brand tuft + paw, and it’s paid serious dividends.

    Related: 5 Ways to Get Media Coverage for Your Brand

    The importance of PR for brand growth

    Public relations plays a pivotal role in shaping your brand’s image and expanding its reach. A well-crafted media presence can elevate your business above competitors, attracting new customers and potential investors. It is essential to view PR as an ongoing investment in your company’s future rather than a one-time promotional tactic.

    Building long-term relationships with writers and editors

    Rather than adopting a hit-and-run approach to media coverage, focus on building lasting relationships with journalists, bloggers and editors. Once you have a good rapport going, engage with them on social media, share their articles, and provide valuable feedback. Show genuine interest in their work, and avoid bombarding them with self-promotional messages. Remember, successful PR is symbiotic — it’s about collaboration, not just seeking one-sided benefits.

    Step 1: Create a master contact sheet

    Organize your media contacts by creating a master sheet that includes information such as names, emails, publication affiliations and notes on previous interactions. Keep track of who you’ve already contacted, and identify the high-priority contacts. This will help you stay organized and maintain a personalized approach when reaching out to writers and editors.

    Step 2: Monitor competitor coverage

    Stay informed about your competitors’ media coverage using tools like Ahrefs. Set up alerts to be notified whenever a competitor receives a link from a notable website. This provides valuable intel on which publications and writers are willing to create content about your industry/niche and gives you a starting point for your PR outreach. Over time, you’ll also develop a sense for your competitor’s PR strategies, which is valuable in its own right.

    Related: 5 Ways to Build and Maintain Valuable Relationships With Journalists

    Step 3: Reach out to authors and editors directly

    When a publication features your competitors, seize the opportunity to reach out to the authors or editors directly. Use tools like Rocket Reach to find their contact information through LinkedIn. Here’s where the actual relationship building starts. Craft a concise and genuine email introducing yourself, your business and your desire for coverage. Offer free products with no strings attached to pique their interest and encourage engagement.

    Remember, writers and editors are inundated with free products, and their job is to determine which ones are worth their time. If you have a good product that stands out from the competition, they will be inclined to review it or include it in their content.

    Step 4: Keep your email short and meaningful

    When contacting writers and editors, keep your email short and to the point. Avoid lengthy pitches, and focus on building a connection instead. A simple and genuine message can go a long way in forging a lasting relationship. Here’s an example:

    Hi X, I’m Jackson. I run a DTC cat brand and I’m looking for coverage from good writers/editors. Can I send you a free product no strings?

    In two sentences, I’m letting them know who I am, the purpose of this email and what I can offer them. Instead of spending time on compliments, I simply ask for coverage from “good writers/editors,” which expresses my admiration for their work.

    The “no strings attached” inclusion is a crucial aspect of this strategy. Don’t go in expecting something right away. As a stranger, it’s best to do them a favor first, let the product do the talking and see where it leads.

    Related: How to Build Strong Relationships With the Media (and Why It’s Vital to Your Success)

    The goal: Building lasting relationships

    Understand that immediate media coverage might not be achieved through initial outreach. The primary goal is to build rapport and trust with writers and editors. If your product resonates with them, they might cover your brand in the future or even recommend you to their colleagues. Focus on creating a lasting bond, as this can lead to more significant opportunities down the road.

    Securing media coverage for your brand is a powerful way to elevate its reputation and attract new customers. However, successful long-term PR is not about seeking quick coverage but rather building strong, lasting relationships with writers and editors. By following the steps laid out here and employing a well-planned approach, creating a master contact sheet, monitoring competitor coverage and crafting meaningful outreach emails, you can increase your chances of getting featured in any publication.

    Plugging away at this manual PR work over months and years will create a snowball effect that can lead to even greater rewards. Remember, genuine connections and mutual benefits form the foundation of fruitful PR endeavors that pay off in the long run.

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    Jackson Cunningham

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  • 5 Ways to Build and Maintain Valuable Relationships With Journalists | Entrepreneur

    5 Ways to Build and Maintain Valuable Relationships With Journalists | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In today’s era of ever-evolving digital media, building relationships with journalists remains more important than ever.

    Journalists are constantly inundated with pitches, press releases and requests for coverage, making it difficult for any one message to stand out. But with a strong relationship in place, your message is more likely to be heard and given the attention it deserves.

    The truth is, journalists are trendsetters — the driving force behind many of the trends and patterns we witness on social media and in daily life. They are the gatekeepers to what’s in, what’s on its way out, and what new material will be featured in their publications and online platforms. Establishing genuine relationships with them is crucial to your success in media.

    As with any successful relationship, building one with a journalist requires open communication, trust and sincerity. But most importantly, it requires work and care. Building relationships with journalists can help establish your brand as a thought leader in your field.

    By providing journalists with valuable insights and commentary, you can position yourself as an expert in your industry. Doing so will lead to more media coverage, speaking engagements and other opportunities to help you grow your brand and establish yourself as a leader.

    Related: Avoid These 10 Things That Annoy Journalists

    1. Do your research

    Before reaching out to a journalist, it’s important to do your research in order to understand what types of stories they cover, their targeted audience and the type of information they prefer — be it informative, entertaining or otherwise. By tailoring your message to the journalist’s interests and needs, you’re more likely to catch their attention and get a response.

    To build a relationship with a journalist, consider what you might need in order to gain a connection. In other words, identify their interests and understand why these interests are important to them by reading their previous work. Pay attention to the patterns in the types of stories they cover, the angles they take and the sources they quote. You can also follow the journalist on their social media profiles, such as Twitter and Instagram, to get a sense of their personality and interests.

    2. Personalize your pitch

    Once you’ve done your research on a journalist you want to build a relationship with, it then comes time to craft your pitch. Generic, one-size-fits-all pitches are unlikely to get their attention. Instead, take the time to personalize your pitch to the journalist’s interests and needs.

    Begin by addressing the journalist by name and referencing a recent article they’ve written to show that you’ve done your research and are familiar with their work. Next, explain why your story is relevant to their current beat as well as their audience, using specific examples and data or other evidence to support your claims.

    Finally, offer yourself as a source for the story. Provide a brief bio and explain why you’re uniquely qualified to speak on the topic.

    Related: 5 Things You Should Never Say to a Journalist

    3. Be responsive

    Journalists often have tight deadlines and will likely need a quick response from you in order to get your story published. Once you’ve sent your pitch, your communication isn’t over — you need to be available if the journalist has to ask any follow-up questions or verify any information you provide them.

    If the journalist chooses not to cover your story for any reason, being responsive will stand out to them. This is equally important in building a lasting relationship with them. Journalists are more likely to remember sources who are easy to work with and provide helpful information, even if they don’t end up using it in their stories.

    4. Follow up, but don’t be pushy

    A few days after originally sending your pitch, follow up with the journalist by sending a polite email to check on the status of your pitch. Do not be pushy by messaging them every day, or even every two or three days. If you still don’t hear back from the journalist after your second or third follow-up email, it’s time to consider cutting the cord on that relationship.

    When following up with journalists, make sure not to come off as aggressive and clarify that you are simply following up as a friendly reminder. Reference your previous email and ask if they have had a chance to review your pitch. If they’re still interested, they’ll likely respond with a quick update on where things stand. If they’re not interested, it’s best to move on and focus on building relationships with other journalists.

    Related: 5 Ways to Make Journalists Actually Want to Publish Your Brand’s Stories

    5. Offer value beyond your own interests

    As with any healthy relationship, those you foster with journalists are not merely about what value they can give you — it’s also about what value you can give them.

    For example, if you’re a leader in the field of marketing, you can provide insight into emerging marketing trends and provide a quote for the journalist to use in another story. If you have a client that is an established lawyer, you could provide the journalist with a reliable source of legal advice for another story.

    Building relationships with journalists is a crucial component of any successful media strategy in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. It takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By establishing yourself as a trusted source and thought leader in your field, you can increase your visibility, build your brand and stay ahead of the competition.

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    Scott Bartnick

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  • 5 Questions to Ask a PR Professional Before Hiring Them | Entrepreneur

    5 Questions to Ask a PR Professional Before Hiring Them | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    One of the most popular questions from a company hiring a PR agency is what journalist contacts they have and how deep their relationships are.

    While it’s understandable to think this is important, it’s not the right question to ask a PR person. Regardless of who they know, they’ll only get responses if they bring their contacts a pitch that captures their interest.

    This means it’s far more essential to find someone who can help you proactively source and react to newsworthy topics, generate fresh ideas to position you as a thought leader and assist you with creating angles and high-quality pieces that outlets will be eager to publish.

    So, instead of asking who they know, focus on what they know, and ask them these five questions. Each answer will show you what results you can expect and if a particular PR professional is a good fit for your needs.

    Related: How You Can Help Your Public Relations Provider Help You

    1. What angle can you suggest for my story?

    News agency, Reuters, notes that relevance is the number-one driver of a great story, so another way to put this question would be, “Why should people care about what I’m saying?”

    Your piece should be interesting to readers (including the editor or journalist you’re pitching to!) and have a unique perspective that makes it stand out from the crowd. The right PR agency should be able to suggest at least broad ideas about your business that can be later tailored to specific publications and will resonate with their readership.

    2. What is the headline going to be?

    The headline either grasps attention or loses a reader. Research shows that 80% of people will read a headline, but only about 20% read further than that. There is fierce competition for readers’ attention, so putting extra attention on the headline can be the difference between your content getting viral traction or only a few clicks.

    When deciding whether or not to work with a PR agency, ask them what your story’s headline is going to be, and they should be able to produce a few options in a way that grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading. This will also give you a good idea of what the focus of the story will be and whether it aligns with your business objectives.

    Even though it’s almost never useful to spend a long time coming up with a headline (editors usually want to make their own), it’s a great exercise to filter for the best PR pros who understand both business and journalism.

    3. What’s the news peg we’re going to hang our story on?

    The idea of a “news peg” means finding a relevant current event to tie your story to. It’s similar to the angle, but it’s more like what your angle is going to hook around. For instance, a greentech company could tie a thought leadership piece to an upcoming climate change summit or the ongoing European energy crisis. A cybersecurity company can tie a new product launch to a recent public data breach or call for government regulations on a trendy technology.

    Finding the right “peg” for your story helps to make it timely and relatable. People read the news to have something to talk about with others, so pegging your story to an event is the ideal way to get it shared, read and talked about. Many large publications won’t even consider a story without a news peg. Be sure to check if your PR agency is immersed in the relevant news and can offer a way to logically insert you into the agenda.

    Related: Why You Need A PR Agency and How to Choose One Wisely

    4. Which publications are we going to target?

    When working with a PR agency, you want to make sure they have experience pitching to the publications that are relevant to your business.

    It’s worth mentioning that the agency might not rattle off a list of tier-1 publications, and that’s not always a bad thing. It’s normal to think that you should always aim for the biggest outlets, but that’s not necessarily true. Instead of listening for “big names only,” ask them why they chose each outlet, which media formats they plan to focus on and who the readers are.

    Sometimes, opting for more niche publications can enhance your reach and give you more leverage, boosting your ability to get your story in front of the right people. This is why asking these questions instead can help you gain insight into whether or not they understand your business objectives and how to appeal to your target audience.

    5. Who are we going to target, and what format will we use?

    As a writer whose work has appeared in outlets like Forbes, Fast Company and other large publications, I receive pitches every day. I’ve only written for those magazines as a freelance contributor, but people would suggest opinion pieces to me all the time as if I were an editor who had the power to approve or deny publications for the site.

    These pitches show me how little media training PR people have because they don’t know the difference between a staff editor, a commissioning editor and a freelance contributor, and the formats they can offer to them. I’ve even seen these types of emails from people who are working with large consulting agencies. People without any background in journalism rarely understand how newsrooms work, and it leads to major blunders like this, which may get them blocked in journalists’ mailboxes.

    The piece of advice here is to always pick the right editor or reporter to target with your pitch. If it is a news piece, you don’t send it to a commissioning editor, and if it is an opinion piece, any reporter would not be a good fit. Study the formats that the people in the newsrooms work with, and try to offer the most relevant piece so that it has the most chances of getting picked and published in the magazine.

    Related: The 5 Answers You Need Before Hiring a PR Agency

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    Anastasia Chernikova

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  • Why Local Media is the Secret to Getting Free PR | Entrepreneur

    Why Local Media is the Secret to Getting Free PR | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Living in Las Vegas means I live and work where there are over 24,000 events, conventions and trade shows (bringing in 6.5 million attendees) annually. Having worked with many companies who attend, display or speak at these events, there’s one thing I always recommend that has helped them generate earned media while on site. It’s not pitching all of the attending media because they’re being pitched by everyone else attending.

    The most important thing your company can do is reach out to local media in the city you’re attending. The “trick” is to localize the story for the community that 1) also resonates with conference attendees and 2) it offers your brand credibility opportunities outside of the event.

    Related: 8 Ways to Improve Your Online Presence in 2023

    Why is “going local” such a strong strategy during an industry-specific event?

    • “Local” for your industry event typically means a large audience. The most popular cities that host the most events each year include Orlando, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and more. These are large markets. In addition to the “local” attention, these markets may have national distribution and social sharing of the content may reach a national audience. This means more than just the people who live in the local market will see your news.
    • Strategic timing generates leads. Aligning a local media moment during an event means you have some cool content to share in the event’s social timeline and may generate new leads for your business. For example, if you’re a software company, you could do an in-studio local TV news segment that includes an exclusive or local-relevant live demo of your product. This gives you a chance to show off your product to a new audience and insert the segment into the event hashtag conversation. The credibility and quality of the segment can be used for real-time and long-term lead generation.
    • Build credibility. If your company doesn’t have regular or ongoing media, this is a great third-party credibility builder that can be used long-term. It may support a future paid ad campaign or be a source of celebration with key stakeholders. When your company is featured in the media, it signals to potential customers or conference participants that you may be more credible than competitors. It may be seen as a “stamp of approval” — the determining factor for a potential customer. Getting event-specific positive media coverage is a great way to celebrate with key stakeholders and build excitement around your brand.
    • The “buzz” word. Local media look for stories that will generate buzz, which may be a win/win for your brand and the outlet if you have something interesting or newsworthy. It all comes down to localization. It may be something as simple as having a notable expert on-site, or it can be more in-depth, like showing how your company or product could have a major impact on the community. For example, during the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), I do a consumer tech segment highlighting my personal favorite finds from the show. These are typically things that showcase the “latest and greatest” and may also be things that the Las Vegas community may benefit from knowing.
    • It. Saves. Money. Cha-ching. Landing an earned local media placement means you can save money on advertising during the conference. Advertising can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to reach a large audience and earned media is “free,” minus the budget to work with a public relations professional to help craft, pitch and place the opportunity. Bonus? Earned media is often more valuable than paid advertising because it comes from a trusted source and is seen as more credible by consumers.
    • Brand awareness. Awareness implies the extent to which a brand is recognized by potential customers and the extent to which it is associated with a particular set of attributes. This is essential to helping your businesses attract new customers, increase sales and build loyalty. If you want to stand out in a crowded conversation during a large conference and 1) aren’t getting interest from prominent media outlets in attendance, or 2) don’t see an opportunity for on-site event coverage, local media is your best bet.

    Now that you understand why it is important, it is important to work with a local public relations agency to make it happen.

    Related: Why Maintaining a Strong Media Presence is Key to Succeeding in an Economic Downturn

    Work with a local market public relations agency

    It is important to reach out at least 30 to 60 days before your event. You’ll need time to vet and verify the agency, negotiate contract terms and allow them time to package and pitch your stories strategically. Working with a local partner means they already have local media connections, understand the community and increase the chances of your media placement. This team will also help you maximize the earned placement during and after the event to ensure you get as much value as possible. One highly credible local media placement may outshine any trade-specific coverage on-site or maybe the essential “partner” press needed to achieve your event media goals.

    How to find the right local agency?

    • Do your research. Utilize personal connections, Linkedin and general searches to identify agencies. You can also look at previous event press releases to see if other companies or competitors worked with a local agency. It’s essential to do your research and find one that is a good fit for your business.
    • Meet with the agency. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, meet with the agency to discuss your needs and goals. This will help you to determine if they are the right fit for your business.
    • Develop your “go local” strategy. Once you’ve decided to work with an agency, be sure to get everything in writing, including the scope of work, the fees, and the deliverables.
    • Understand expectations. Be sure to communicate your expectations to the agency from the start. Even if securing a single local media placement is the goal, you may want them to manage the entire event-specific public relations, develop an earned, owned and paid media strategy to leverage secure placements and build additional trade media relationships on your behalf.

    Related: 3 Proven Ways Entrepreneurs Can Get Media Exposure

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    Sarah Evans

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  • Elizabeth Holmes Isn’t Fooling Anyone

    Elizabeth Holmes Isn’t Fooling Anyone

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    Elizabeth Holmes isn’t fooling anyone. Well, almost anyone.

    The convicted fraudster and founder of the defunct medical start-up Theranos, is waiting to begin an 11-year sentence in federal prison. She received this punishment for misleading investors about her lab-in-a-box technology, which she claimed could run hundreds of tests on a few drops of blood. In reality, when Theranos’s Edison device wasn’t exploding, it was delivering unreliable results to frightened patients. Holmes’s fall from grace—she was once the youngest self-made woman billionaire—has been described over and over again. But there’s still a little more blood left in this stone.

    On Sunday, The New York Times ran a profile of Holmes—which included the first interview she’s given since 2016. The author, Amy Chozick, suggests that she was charmed by Holmes, the devoted family woman. Chozick writes that Holmes is “gentle and charismatic,” and “didn’t seem like a hero or a villain. She seemed, like most people, somewhere in between.” This flattering or at least ambivalent tone was not well received. The Axios editor Sam Baker picked the article apart on Twitter. The emergency-medicine physician Jeremy Faust called it “credulous drivel.” Journalists and doctors alike argued that the Times had erred by helping Holmes rehabilitate her image.

    When mistakes happen in the health-care system, doctors try to trace their origin to broken processes. Errors are addressed at the system—not individual—level: If a patient receives an incorrect dose of a medicine, for instance, the blame doesn’t necessarily fall on the nurse who administered it or the physician who prescribed it. The entire drug-delivery process, from pharmacy to bedside, is carefully inspected for unsafe practices. The media—and their content-delivery process—have been going through a similar postmortem over the Theranos debacle. Before John Carreyrou broke the bad news about the company at The Wall Street Journal, reporters were happy to write flattering profiles of Holmes with only the most rudimentary caveats. Even the Journal praised her before it damned her. But the Times’ latest visit to Holmesville suggests that this unsafe practice is still in place.

    Read: Theranos and COVID-19 testing are mirror-image cautionary tales

    As a pathologist—a doctor who specializes in laboratory testing—I’ve been following the Theranos story since the beginning. Holmes’s rise and fall is the most glamorous scandal to hit my field in some time: Most are more body-parts-in-the-back-of-a-pickup than celebrity-stuffed financial crimes. Just last week, I was giving a grand-rounds talk about Theranos. Loopholes in laboratory regulation and widespread ignorance of how blood testing works had caused medical professionals and the public to fall for diagnostic scams, I told the academics in attendance. Toward the end of the lecture, I posed a question: Have the media learned their lesson after enabling Holmes’s charade?

    Much has changed about science reporting in the years since Holmes’s disgrace. I’ve watched the media’s discussion of novel health technologies grow more nuanced and leery. Major news outlets now go out of their way to emphasize the precariousness of early study findings. I’ve been getting more calls from journalists who seek a skeptical perspective on some new lab test or scientific finding. But there are cracks in the media’s armor. The weakest component is the headline: You can still declare all manner of decisive breakthroughs, as long as you append “scientists find” to the title. Another persistent problem is that medical controversies are reported out study by study. Back-and-forth articles about contested areas offer ready-made drama but little clarity. (Masks help prevent COVID; wait, they don’t work at all; never mind, now they do again.) When doctors evaluate the latest research, we recognize that some methods are more reliable than others. Wisdom comes from learning which results to ignore, and scientific consensus changes slowly.

    But journalists’ most stubborn instinct—the one they share with Holmes—is to lean into a good story. It’s the human side of science that attracts readers. Every technical advance must be contextualized with a tale of suffering or triumph. Holmes knew this as well as anyone. She hardly dwelled on how her devices worked—she couldn’t, because they didn’t. Instead, she repeatedly told the world about her fear of needles and of losing loved ones to diseases that might have been caught earlier by a convenient blood test. Of course reporters were taken in. The next entrepreneur to come along and tell a tale like that may also get a sympathetic hearing in the press.

    Holmes understood that almost everyone—journalists, investors, patients, doctors—can be swayed by a pat narrative. She’s still trying to get ahead by telling stories. In offering herself up to the Times as a reformed idealist and a wonderful mother, Holmes adds to a story that was started by her partner, Billy Evans. As part of Holmes’s sentencing proceedings last fall, Evans wrote a multipage letter to the judge pleading for mercy, which was accompanied by numerous photos of Holmes posing with animals and children. “She is gullible, overly trusting, and simply naive,” Evans wrote about one of the great corporate hucksters of our era.

    Journalists are still telling stories about her too, for better or for worse. Holmes is not naive, nor are most readers of The New York Times. While last weekend’s “a hero or a villain” coverage may be said to have betrayed the patients who were harmed by her inaccurate blood tests, and the memory of a Theranos employee who died by suicide, it is also just another entry in the expanded universe of Holmes-themed entertainment. There are books and podcasts and feature-length documentaries. A TV miniseries about Holmes has a score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. (“Addictively engrossing!” “Consistently entertaining!”) Surely some of those who now bemoan the Times’ friendly treatment have consumed this material for less-than-academic reasons.

    The prosaic details of a convicted cheat’s domestic life aren’t really news, but they are interesting—because the character of Elizabeth Holmes is interesting. So, too, are her continued efforts to spin a narrative of who she is. But with such well-trodden ground, the irony is built right in. You know that Holmes is a scammer. I know it. On some level, The New York Times seems to know it too; the article runs through her crimes and even quotes a friend of Holmes’s who says she isn’t to be trusted. This isn’t character rehabilitation; it’s content. We’re all waiting to see what Liz gets up to next. Have the media learned their lesson? The real test will arrive when the next scientific scammer comes along, and the one after that—when their narrative is still intact, and their fraud hasn’t yet been revealed. At that point, the system for preventing errors will have to do its work.

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    Benjamin Mazer

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