Know What Your Reporter Wants

Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jim Ritter recently discussed what he wants from PR people with Joe King in a PR Newswire article. Even if you're not a full-time PR person, it's worth remembering Ritter's tips. You've probably heard them before, but another reminder never hurts.

Ritter's key points:

• Know what beat(s) your reporter covers.
• Know how the reporter prefers to receive information.
• When e-mailing reporters, use a short and sweet subject line.
• Never, ever e-mail an unsolicited attachment. (This rule isn't just for reporters, think twice before e-mailing a big attachment to anyone. And remember that files size is relative to the speed of the recipient's Internet access).
• As Joan Stewart suggests, find out the best time to call each reporter and the worst time.
• If you put your news releases on the Web, make sure contact information is accurate and easy to find.
  

[Thanks to Joan Stewart's "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" free ezine for the link. Subscribe at www.PublicityHound.com]