Fundamentals of Media Relations

Fundamentals of Media Relations

Learn how to build positive relationships with journalists.

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About this course

In about two hours, at your own pace, get training to help you:

  • Receive more responses from journalists
  • Secure more media placements
  • Skill up for the future
  • Earn resume-worthy credentials

Learn from real-world, successful pitches:

  • Quick, bite-sized lessons that aren't boring (we promise!)
  • Real examples that have landed top media and insights from journalists
  • Step-by-step approaches you can implement immediately
  • Taught by legendary PR coach Michael Smart

Upon completing all course lessons and module quizzes, as well as passing the final exam, you will earn an industry-recognized certificate! 

Curriculum2 hours

  • Module #1: Introduction
  • Watch this first (2:06)
  • How to take this course and receive your certification
  • Module #2: Understanding today's journalists
  • What matters to journalists and why (3:18)
  • What it feels like to be a journalist (3:37)
  • How journalists differ from PR people (3:27)
  • Biggest disconnect between journalists and PR pros (3:30)
  • How to make it to the “PR Promised Land” (3:30)
  • Module #2 Quiz
  • Module #3: Identifying the Right Journalists & Bloggers
  • Touring the Museum of Misguided Media Lists (5:04)
  • 80/20 Your media lists (3:20)
  • Who are your top 20 percent? (3:31)
  • How to build your list (5:40)
  • Avoid this targeting error (2:24)
  • Module #3 Quiz
  • Module #4: How to Establish Relationships with Journalists & Bloggers
  • Be real (3:46)
  • A simple way to stand out (3:38)
  • Engage with journalists about their work (4:23)
  • Engage beyond a compliment (3:31)
  • Frequency & timing of engaging journalists (0:54)
  • How to use Muck Rack to set this up (2:40)
  • Module #4 Quiz
  • Module #5: Pitch personalization & subject lines
  • The anatomy of a perfect pitch (1:22)
  • Why personalization is so important (2:54)
  • How NOT to personalize pitches (3:39)
  • How to think about the target journalist (3:29)
  • How to begin your pitch (2:51)
  • How to write an effective subject line (4:23)
  • How to use Muck Rack to personalize (1:56)
  • Module #5 Quiz
  • Module #6: Framing your news
  • Fix this misunderstanding about PR's role (2:42)
  • Fundamentals of newsworthiness - Part 1 (3:32)
  • Fundamentals of newsworthiness - Part 2 (4:02)
  • Timeliness boost — holidays (the right way) (3:04)
  • Recipe for a trend story (3:10)
  • Think teasers (2:23)
  • Product pitch vs. company pitch (2:54)
  • Module #6 Quiz
  • Module #7: Email Pitch Essentials
  • Your real value as a pitching pro (2:03)
  • Optimal pitch length (2:16)
  • How to keep your emails brief (3:05)
  • You might be annoying and not know it (2:32)
  • DIFT: Do It For Them (3:37)
  • Style and voice (3:19)
  • When to pitch (1:50)
  • Module #7 Quiz
  • Module #8: The why and how of pitching follow-up
  • Conquer your fear of following up (2:41)
  • Why you should follow up (1:31)
  • When and how soon? (2:03)
  • What not to do (2:49)
  • Handle with care -- more sophisticated follow-up (1:12)
  • Module #8 Quiz
  • Module #9: Exam
  • Instructions for the exam
  • Exam

About this course

In about two hours, at your own pace, get training to help you:

  • Receive more responses from journalists
  • Secure more media placements
  • Skill up for the future
  • Earn resume-worthy credentials

Learn from real-world, successful pitches:

  • Quick, bite-sized lessons that aren't boring (we promise!)
  • Real examples that have landed top media and insights from journalists
  • Step-by-step approaches you can implement immediately
  • Taught by legendary PR coach Michael Smart

Upon completing all course lessons and module quizzes, as well as passing the final exam, you will earn an industry-recognized certificate! 

Curriculum2 hours

  • Module #1: Introduction
  • Watch this first (2:06)
  • How to take this course and receive your certification
  • Module #2: Understanding today's journalists
  • What matters to journalists and why (3:18)
  • What it feels like to be a journalist (3:37)
  • How journalists differ from PR people (3:27)
  • Biggest disconnect between journalists and PR pros (3:30)
  • How to make it to the “PR Promised Land” (3:30)
  • Module #2 Quiz
  • Module #3: Identifying the Right Journalists & Bloggers
  • Touring the Museum of Misguided Media Lists (5:04)
  • 80/20 Your media lists (3:20)
  • Who are your top 20 percent? (3:31)
  • How to build your list (5:40)
  • Avoid this targeting error (2:24)
  • Module #3 Quiz
  • Module #4: How to Establish Relationships with Journalists & Bloggers
  • Be real (3:46)
  • A simple way to stand out (3:38)
  • Engage with journalists about their work (4:23)
  • Engage beyond a compliment (3:31)
  • Frequency & timing of engaging journalists (0:54)
  • How to use Muck Rack to set this up (2:40)
  • Module #4 Quiz
  • Module #5: Pitch personalization & subject lines
  • The anatomy of a perfect pitch (1:22)
  • Why personalization is so important (2:54)
  • How NOT to personalize pitches (3:39)
  • How to think about the target journalist (3:29)
  • How to begin your pitch (2:51)
  • How to write an effective subject line (4:23)
  • How to use Muck Rack to personalize (1:56)
  • Module #5 Quiz
  • Module #6: Framing your news
  • Fix this misunderstanding about PR's role (2:42)
  • Fundamentals of newsworthiness - Part 1 (3:32)
  • Fundamentals of newsworthiness - Part 2 (4:02)
  • Timeliness boost — holidays (the right way) (3:04)
  • Recipe for a trend story (3:10)
  • Think teasers (2:23)
  • Product pitch vs. company pitch (2:54)
  • Module #6 Quiz
  • Module #7: Email Pitch Essentials
  • Your real value as a pitching pro (2:03)
  • Optimal pitch length (2:16)
  • How to keep your emails brief (3:05)
  • You might be annoying and not know it (2:32)
  • DIFT: Do It For Them (3:37)
  • Style and voice (3:19)
  • When to pitch (1:50)
  • Module #7 Quiz
  • Module #8: The why and how of pitching follow-up
  • Conquer your fear of following up (2:41)
  • Why you should follow up (1:31)
  • When and how soon? (2:03)
  • What not to do (2:49)
  • Handle with care -- more sophisticated follow-up (1:12)
  • Module #8 Quiz
  • Module #9: Exam
  • Instructions for the exam
  • Exam