# Media Pitch

> Craft targeted media pitches, op-ed pitches, and PR outreach for journalists, editors, and podcast hosts. Use this skill when the user wants to pitch a story, get press coverage, write an op-ed proposal, reach out to a journalist, offer expert commentary, request a podcast booking, write a news release, offer themselves as an expert source, draft a media advisory, send an interview request, or propose a story idea. Also trigger when the user mentions media relations, earned media, press outreach, thought leadership placement, or wants to establish themselves as a go-to source for reporters.

- Skill: `emaduneme/media-pitch` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 5 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add emaduneme/media-pitch`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/emaduneme/media-pitch/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: MIT
- Author: emaduneme (https://skillmd.com/u/emaduneme)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/emaduneme/media-pitch

---


# Media Pitch & PR Outreach

## Overview

This skill produces concise, compelling media pitches that respect journalists' time and clearly communicate newsworthiness. It handles the full spectrum from research press pitches to op-ed proposals to podcast booking requests.

## When This Skill Triggers

- User says "I want to pitch this to a reporter" or "help me get media coverage"
- User asks to write an op-ed pitch, guest column proposal, or expert source pitch
- User wants to reach out to a journalist, editor, or podcast host
- User mentions media outreach, press coverage, or earned media strategy
- User has research findings and wants to translate them for public audiences

## Pitch Types

### 1. News Story Pitch
Proposing a story idea to a reporter or editor based on research, data, or a timely angle.

### 2. Expert Source Pitch
Offering yourself or someone else as an expert source for stories a journalist is already covering.

### 3. Op-Ed / Guest Column Pitch
Proposing a bylined opinion piece to an editor.

### 4. Podcast / Interview Pitch
Requesting a booking as a guest on a podcast, webinar, or broadcast segment.

### 5. Event / Announcement Pitch
Pitching coverage of a specific event, launch, or milestone.

## The Anatomy of a Good Pitch

### Subject Line
The subject line determines whether the email gets opened. Rules:
- Under 8 words
- Includes the news hook or "so what"
- No clickbait, no ALL CAPS, no exclamation marks
- Reads like a headline the journalist might actually write

**Good**: "New study: Solutions journalism boosts civic action by 40%"
**Bad**: "EXCITING Research Findings You Need to See!!!"
**Bad**: "Inquiry Regarding Potential Media Coverage Opportunity"

### Pitch Structure (150-250 words total)

```
[Subject line]

Hi [First name],

[Hook: 1-2 sentences. Why should they care RIGHT NOW?
Tie to a current news cycle, trend, or audience pain point.
Do not start with "I am writing to..." or "My name is..."]

[The substance: 2-3 sentences. What's the story?
Include the most compelling data point, finding, or angle.
Be specific: numbers, names, stakes.]

[Your credibility: 1-2 sentences. Why are you the right source?
Mention relevant credentials, publications, or experience.
Keep it brief; don't attach a full CV.]

[The ask: 1 sentence. What do you want?
"Would you be interested in covering this?"
"I'd be happy to provide an interview or additional data."
"I've attached a draft op-ed for your consideration."]

[Sign-off]
[Name, Title, Affiliation]
[Phone number for quick follow-up]
```

## Pitch Writing Rules

1. **Lead with the story, not yourself.** Journalists care about the story first, the source second.
2. **Answer "why now?"** Every pitch needs a timing hook. What makes this relevant today?
3. **One pitch, one idea.** Don't bundle multiple story angles into one email.
4. **Respect their beat.** Only pitch journalists who cover your topic. Reference their recent work if possible.
5. **Keep it scannable.** Short paragraphs, no attachments unless requested, no PDFs.
6. **Include a phone number.** Journalists on deadline need to reach you fast.
7. **No jargon.** Translate academic or technical language into plain English.
8. **No follow-up before 5 business days.** One polite follow-up is acceptable. Two is the max.

## Newsworthiness Assessment

Before pitching, evaluate whether the story has legs:

| Factor | Strong | Weak |
|--------|--------|------|
| Timeliness | Connects to active news cycle | No timing hook |
| Impact | Affects many people or a specific community deeply | Abstract or theoretical |
| Novelty | First of its kind, surprising finding, counterintuitive | Incremental or expected |
| Conflict/tension | Challenges conventional wisdom, reveals a problem | Confirms what's already known |
| Proximity | Relevant to the outlet's audience/geography | No local or audience connection |
| Human element | Real people affected, compelling narratives | Data-only, no human angle |

A strong pitch hits at least 3 of these factors.

## Pitch Variations by Type

### Research-to-Media Translation

Academic findings need significant translation for media pitches:
- Replace methodology details with findings and implications
- Lead with the "so what" not the "what we did"
- Translate statistical significance into plain-language impact
- Identify the human angle: who does this affect and how?

**Academic**: "A moderated mediation analysis revealed that solutions-oriented framing, mediated through positive affect (b = .12, 95% CI [.04, .21]), significantly predicted pro-environmental behavioral intentions."

**Pitch-ready**: "People who read solutions-focused environmental news were 40% more likely to take action on climate issues, compared to those who read problem-only coverage. The key? The stories made them feel hopeful, not just informed."

### Op-Ed Pitch

Op-ed pitches need:
- A clear thesis stated in one sentence
- Why you're the right person to write this (credentials + lived experience)
- A proposed word count (typically 700-900 words)
- Whether you've attached a draft or are proposing the idea first
- Exclusivity: note if you're pitching exclusively to this outlet

### Podcast Booking Pitch

Podcast pitches need:
- Reference a specific episode you've listened to (proves you know the show)
- 2-3 specific talking points, not vague expertise claims
- What makes you a good conversationalist (not just knowledgeable)
- Links to previous media appearances or talks (if available)

## Follow-Up Protocol

- Wait 5-7 business days before following up
- Follow-up should be 2-3 sentences max
- Add a new angle or timely hook if possible
- If no response after second follow-up, move on
- Never guilt-trip or express frustration about non-response

## Before You Begin

Ask these questions before drafting any pitch. Do not begin drafting until you have answers to questions 1, 2, and 3.

1. **The finding**: What's the story or finding you want to pitch? Include the specific effect size or data point, not just the general direction.
2. **The target**: Who is the target outlet or journalist? If unsure, ask what beat or publication type they have in mind and suggest appropriate contacts.
3. **The timing hook**: Why would this matter to readers right now? What's in the news cycle this connects to?
4. **Prior contact**: Have you had any prior contact with this journalist? (Shapes personalization)
5. **Exclusivity**: Is this an exclusive pitch, or are you sending to multiple outlets simultaneously?

## Output Checklist

Before presenting any pitch, verify:

1. **Pitch body is under 200 words** — count if unsure. Subject line is separate.
2. **News hook is in the first two sentences** — not a setup sentence. The finding or "so what" must appear immediately.
3. **Outlet or beat named explicitly in the pitch** — not left as a bracket placeholder.
4. **Single clear call to action** — one ask only. No "or alternatively..."
5. **No em dashes anywhere** — subject line, body, or sign-off. Replace with commas, semicolons, or rewritten sentences.

## Hard Rules

- **Never misrepresent research findings** to make them sound more dramatic
- **Never pitch a journalist on a beat they don't cover**
- **Never send mass-blast pitches.** Every pitch should be personalized.
- **Always include a phone number.** This is non-negotiable for media outreach.
- **Never attach large files** without being asked. Link to resources instead.

## Reference Files

- `references/pitch-examples.md` - Annotated examples of successful pitches
- `references/op-ed-structure.md` - Op-ed structure and outlet-specific guidelines
- `references/media-list-template.md` - Template for building targeted media lists
- `assets/follow-up-templates.md` - Follow-up email templates

## Test Cases

1. **Research pitch**: Pitch a finding about solutions journalism effects to a media reporter at Nieman Lab
2. **Op-ed pitch**: Propose a guest column about AI in journalism education to a trade publication
3. **Expert source pitch**: Offer commentary on environmental journalism trends to a reporter covering media
4. **Podcast pitch**: Request a booking on a journalism or media studies podcast