What's a Media Gatekeeper?
One of the key things that you need to know if you are trying to get media coverage is who are the decision-makers. Often times, the average viewer assumes it’s the person they see on television - the anchor or the reporter. Now, don’t get me wrong, those people do have input into the stories their show covers or what they report on, however, a whole group of others behind the scenes make the decisions about content, positioning, time allotment, story assignment and the focus. These people are called: gatekeepers. They are producers (segment, senior, supervising, etc.), assignment editors, news directors, line-up editors and writers. These are the people whose attention you want to get with your pitch. So, although you may send it to a reporter or anchor, typically it is run by one of these gatekeepers before it gets the go ahead. Most newsrooms have a daily pitch meeting where everyone will present story ideas, hot topics and issues that should be covered. Depending on the pitch and the news cycle, a story will get the greenlight and be assigned.
I want to pull back the curtain and educate people about how to get their stories covered, which is why I curated a Media Gatekeepers series featuring key decision-makers at Citynews, CBC and CTV’s The Social. Through an informal discussion between myself and my guests: Citynews Regional News Director Amar Sodhi, CBC Senior Producer Dayna Gourley and The Social Segment Producer Stephanie Hinds, they will talk about the good pitches, the bad pitches and the key to getting a show’s attention. They will also give tips on how to be media ready when you get that call from a producer or reporter.
This is my first paid series - $10 for each webinar and all the proceeds go to Dr. Roz’s Healing Place
This is about learning with a purpose - for the audience and to help the community. Dr. Roz’s Healing Place is a centre for women and children escaping domestic violence. Especially during COVID-19, where there has been a dramatic increase in abuse, these services need to be supported.
This series is a great opportunity to ask questions directly to the media gatekeepers, gain insight and support a good cause. Take advantage of this priceless information and use it to increase the value of your business through positive media exposure. Create Your Message, Control Your Brand.