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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 Brian Ellis, currently leading Padilla’s Crisis and Media Relations teams.
Q: How did you become interested in media relations?
A: It’s the journalist in me – just can’t escape it.
Q: What are the top three things you need in a successful pitch?
A: For a successful pitch, you need:
- A good story with a timely news hook
- Strong visuals
- A client that can deliver mediagenic quotes
Q: What is a placement that makes you proud, and what did it take to get that story?
A: The first-ever live drug demonstration on the Today Show for a Parkinson’s drug called Apokyn. The pitch included a two minute video that showed the drug in action and a plan for how to make it work on live television.
Q: Who is your favorite media personality and why?
A: Charles Kuralt – he’s long gone but the way he told his stories still lives with me today.
Q: What is your advice for a communication professional experiencing anxiety about pitching media?
Pitching the media is like playing the lottery, the odds are against you, but if you win, there is no better feeling than seeing your work in print, online or on TV. If you can master this skill, your career is set. Anyone that can sell an idea to someone who doesn’t really want it can write their own ticket.
To talk with Brian about how to work effectively with media to tell your story, contact us.
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