On Deadline with Jack Satzinger

Padilla’s Media Relations Consultants represent a group of agency professionals who are delivering top media relations strategies and placements for our clients. This team invests time and expertise to build strong news media relationships and craft engaging stories that build audience awareness and trust.

The Buzz Bin’s “On Deadline” series introduces you to members of this team with a short Q&A. Meet Jack Satzinger, he works with health care providers, in pharma, community health, and medical devices.

Q: What are the top three things you need in a successful pitch? 

A: Here are my top three tips for a successful pitch:

  1. An eye-catching headline: Some journalists receive dozens of pitches per day on top of their other emails. An interesting headline is essential to grab someone’s attention and get them to read your pitch.
  2. A timely hook: Why is your story relevant now?
  3. Short and sweet: It feels like our attention spans get shorter and shorter every year. You don’t have to put absolutely every detail about the potential story in a pitch. Sometimes, a few sentences are sufficient and give the journalist an overview of the story in seconds.
    It can be frustrating to send out pitch emails or leave voicemails and never hear back from reporters, but it happens to the best of us. Instead of getting discouraged, brainstorm ways to improve your pitch and widen your target list.Click To Tweet

Q: What’s your go-to outlet for news and why?

I enjoy reading The New York Times because its reporting is second-to-none and the publication covers a wide variety of topics.  I also read the Star Tribune every day for local news, STAT for its health coverage, and The Ringer for sports/pop culture.

Q: Who is your favorite media personality and why?

I love following The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson on Twitter, because his articles are very thorough and touch a number of industries I’m interested in. His podcast, Crazy Genius, is a fascinating listen about how technology will shape the future.

Q: What are three things on your work bucket list?

A: Currently on my work bucket list is to:

  1. Master how to conduct media training, because properly prepping a spokesperson for an interview is just as important as landing one in the first place.
  2. Write a book!
  3. Work on an international campaign because it would be a new challenge and I love to travel and learn about new places.

Q: What is your advice for a communication professional experiencing anxiety about pitching media?

A: Relax and don’t take anything personally. It can be frustrating to send out pitch emails or leave voicemails and never hear back from reporters, but it happens to the best of us. Instead of getting discouraged, brainstorm ways to improve your pitch and widen your target list. If that doesn’t work, try spreading your message through other tactics like paid and owned media.

To talk with Jack about how he can help you craft your health or pharma story, contact us

For more insights on communication and brand strategy, industry trends and more, subscribe today to the Weekly Buzz here.

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