As a PR professional, one of the most pressing challenges we face today is securing earned media for our clients in a landscape where newsrooms are shrinking. The golden age of robust editorial teams with deep rosters of beat reporters has been replaced by leaner, multi-tasking teams stretched thinner than ever.
While media relations remains a critical component of any PR strategy, the traditional approach of nurturing relationships with journalists is complicated by the fact that many of those contacts move on quickly or are juggling multiple beats with less bandwidth for pitches.
Media Relations Still Matters—But It’s More Challenging Than Ever
The foundation of PR has long been built on strong media relationships. However, with widespread newsroom layoffs and consolidations, many of the journalists we once relied on are no longer in their roles. This has made it harder to maintain continuity in relationships and has increased competition for the limited coverage opportunities that remain. Simply put, media relations is no longer just about relationships – it’s about proving value to the journalist with whom you’ve developed a relationship.
The Power of the Pitch: Why Emails Matter
With fewer journalists handling more responsibilities, the way we pitch stories has never been more important. Reporters and editors have less time to sift through emails, which means our pitches need to be concise, compelling, and – perhaps most importantly – ready to go.
The demand for ready-made, high-quality content has grown as newsrooms become more resource-constrained. This presents both an opportunity and an obstacle. On one hand, media outlets are more receptive to well-crafted press releases, expert quotes, and even fully formed articles they can run with minimal editing. On the other hand, this also means there’s a higher standard for relevance, clarity, and newsworthiness. Journalists don’t have the luxury of refining vague or weakly framed pitches, so PR professionals need to deliver strong, well-packaged stories from the start.
How to Adapt and Succeed in This New Landscape
To increase the chances of earning media coverage in this evolving environment, PR professionals should consider the following strategies:
- Do the Heavy Lifting – Journalists appreciate PR pros who make their lives easier. Provide all necessary details up front, including key quotes, data points (with sources), and high-resolution images. Anticipate what they’ll need to publish your story with minimal effort.
- Be Hyper-Relevant – Generic pitches won’t cut it. Tailor your outreach to each journalist’s beat and interests. Research their recent work and connect the dots between their coverage and your client’s story.
- Keep It Concise – Short-staffed newsrooms don’t have time for lengthy pitches. Get to the point quickly, highlighting why your story matters in just a few sentences.
- Leverage Contributed Content – Many outlets are increasingly relying on guest articles, op-eds, and bylined content. Position your clients as thought leaders by offering well-crafted pieces that align with the publication’s audience.
- Build Relationships in New Ways – With traditional media relationships shifting, it’s crucial to engage with journalists beyond email pitches. Interact with them on social media, attend industry events, and support their work to foster genuine connections.
- Include Some Budget for Pay-to-Play – In the past, we all had to pitch lifestyle shows and you basically had to beat out your colleagues and hope to get on the show calendar before time rendered your message outdated. Now many of those shows are pay-to-play and it’s easier to get on, though your pitch still needs to be on point.
The shrinking of newsrooms has undoubtedly made earned media more competitive, but it hasn’t made it impossible. By adapting to the new media landscape with thoughtful pitching, strategic content creation, and a keen understanding of what overworked journalists need, PR professionals can still secure valuable coverage for their clients. In today’s fast-paced world, the key to success is not just who you know – but how well you can deliver the right story at the right time.
