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The Pitch Episode 8: News Peg – Why now?

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A solid news peg is important when pitching media but the same concept behind the news peg can apply to any pitch. Learn how to create urgency or relevance for a timely response.

The Pitch Episode 8:
News Peg – Why now?

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There is a term in journalism called news peg or in other words, why do we have to talk about this right now? If I don’t have a news peg when pitching, it’s less likely to be accepted by the journalist because there is no urgency or reason to cover it right now. A news peg is part of what makes a news story newsworthy. It could be that a new study has just been published, or that it’s the start of flu season or that a hurricane is about to make landfall. A solid news peg is important when pitching media but the same concept behind the news peg can apply to any pitch. Before you pitch, ask yourself what does your pitch tie into that can create urgency or relevance for a timely response? Then, tie that news peg (or reason that we must talk about this right now) to your pitch. For example, it could sound like: “December is the best time to revamp your online resume because by January recruiters are most active.” By using this news peg you are letting the person you are pitching know that by January it’s going to be too late to take action on what you are offering. “The Pitch” challenge today: news peg your pitch. Add urgency and relevance to what you are pitching by explaining why we have to talk about this right now. By pegging your pitch to real events happening in the world, you’ll rapidly increase your rate of success in closing a deal.

Apply:

When was the last time you almost gave up but then something came
through?
Did that surprise you? How did it make you feel?
What can you do to stay positive about leads so you don’t give up too
soon?

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