What to do When Your Media Contact Changes Jobs

Published on August 24, 2007

It's bound to happen. After cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship with a journalist, you receive a mass email with the news that the person is leaving the company. What should you do? In a recent post at the Bad Pitch Blog, Kevin Dugan offers his advice:

Get the scoop. Find out why the journalist is vacating her post. Was it for a promotion, to take another job, to freelance or to pursue other opportunities? (The last is almost always a euphemism meaning the person was fired.) The reason will influence how you follow up.

Take action. If possible, ask for a letter of introduction to the new person. This may bolster your credibility with the incoming reporter.

Follow. If the journalist's new job covers the same beat, you should be able to continue the relationship. If not, this might signal an end to your use as a source. In this case, offer contact information for a trusted colleague who can be of assistance on the new beat. You lose nothing in the transaction and get credit for the favor.

Start over. Even with a smooth hand-off, you're beginning a fresh relationship with the new journalist. There are no guarantees. Get acquainted with his previous work, and learn what interests him.

→ end article preview
Read the Full Article

Membership is required to access this how-to marketing article ... don't worry though, it's FREE!

WANT TO READ MORE?
SIGN UP TODAY ... IT'S FREE!

Your email :

We will never sell or rent your email address to anyone. We value your privacy. (We hate spam as much as you do.) See our privacy policy.

Sign in with your existing account. Simply click your preferred account below!

Connect with MarketingProfs on Facebook

NOTE: MarketingProfs does not allow its content to be lifted wholesale and republished elsewhere without a licensing agreement. For more information on copyright and licensing, see here.