Guest Columns

From time to time, Risdall McKinney Public Relations look forward to posting guest columns. Look here for insights from the PR industry, business community, media, and other leaders. If you would like to submit a column for consideration, please contact Rose McKinney at rmpr@risdall.com

No, it’s not brain surgery, but please use your brain when it comes to media relations pitching and planning
by David Gee
Editor, MinnesotaBusiness Magazine

“Yes, it takes some careful planning and effort, but this is not brain surgery and most of it will seem like common sense.” Oh really? Please go on. “Be sure to familiarize yourself with the media outlet you will be sending information to and look at their editorial calendars, their style of writing or reporting, the types of stories that get the most prominent space or time” and so on.

In my relatively new position as editor of MinnesotaBusiness Magazine I have now made the rounds at most of the bigger public relations agencies in the metro (including Risdall McKinney) to talk about how to shape pitches and prepare clients for coverage in our magazine. During that process I have found myself on the proverbial soapbox several times stating…questioning…even pleading perhaps…isn’t that Media Relations 101?! (Read more)