On Deadline with John Scally

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 John Scally, currently pitching tech, health and public affairs clients to top-tier business and broadcast outlets.

Q: How did you become interested in media relations?

A: When asked in second grade, what I wanted to be when I grow up, I said  “a TV news anchor.” I’ve been hooked on the news ever since.

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

A: Something must be new, that’s why it’s called “news,” content needs to excite the media target’s core audience and the item being shared (new product, service, offering, report, observation) must advance the conversation.

Q: What are your thoughts and observations on the ever-changing media landscape?

A: Pain and misery will persist in the media. Because the news publishing industry has yet to identify a profitable business model in the digital age, still baffled on how to adjust to shifting behaviors in the consumption of content and an activist mindset that injects bias into what is supposed to be objective reporting.  All this results in an industry in turmoil.

It may be time consuming, but every outlet is unique and deserves a pitch tailored to their audience and editorial interest. Reporters and producers will take notice. That’s the first step in relationship-building.Click To Tweet

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

A: My first stop for news is where all TV producers go for a quick scan of the headlines – The Drudge Report.  It’s the number one news aggregator.  After that it’s CNBC.com, followed by Huffington Post, and Bloomberg News.

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

A: Spend the time and the energy and do your research. If the pitch is the right fit for the publication, be confident it will be given a fair review. It may be time consuming, but every outlet is unique and deserves a pitch tailored to their audience and editorial interest. Reporters and producers will take notice. That’s the first step in relationship-building.

To talk with John about how he can help you approach your media strategy, contact us

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