News is a huge business; a 24/7 beast that constantly needs fed. Competition for news is fierce and relentless.
To be a winner in the news game, you need to know how to effectively get your message across. Interview and presentation skills are essential to your company, organization and yourself.
News operations are running 24/7 and that means reporters are looking for stories. You know the drill; your officer, firefighter or paramedic is involved in a major incident (or a minor one that can turn major when the media shows up). Now what? Most departments have a PIO, but rarely are they trained by working media.
Research proves that almost everyone is interested in health/medical news. Viewers and readers are drawn to stories about liposuction, drug therapy, new diets/exercise or the latest in cancer treatment. Every television newscast, publication and talk show has regular medical and lifestyle reports. Business networks heavily target health care and pharmaceutical companies for news.
Publicity can make or break a new TV series, movie, recording artist or celebrity. Networks and movie studios use massive marketing and PR teams to try and make a new show or release successful. You've seen it yourself; celebrity X or director Y appears on all the morning shows, talk shows, local stations or late night TV trying to promote the next big thing. But we've also seen some not so good interviews done by very talented actors.
Shaking hands and kissing babies no longer wins elections. Your performance on television is the difference between moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or managing that big box store. The most recent election is example enough.
Fox Business News, CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN. If you run a business one of these networks is probably on your TV right now. You already know that in the blink of an eye (or a leaked internal email) - with one single question, a company can either become a household name or head into the toilet. No matter what business you're in Corporate Media Training should be an integral part of your Public Relations department.
Reality television has taken over broadcast and cable networks. Regular people are now becoming household names. Just ask Miley Cyrus, Dr. Phil, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Ray or Joe the Plumber.
It's no longer enough to have great stats, athletes have to perform for the media. Players and coaches who are personable, articulate and confident can become more popular than the W/L column may suggest. In fact, we can think of a few star athletes who are more media stars than they are on the field. Those media skills can help boost ratings, secure lucrative product endorsements and even offer a high profile life once your playing days are over.
In the beginning, talk shows were for celebrities and politicians. Then it was a way to hear about all those failed relationships, who is sleeping with who, or how they survived the big one. Times have changed. Today's talk shows are about personalities and connection with the viewer.
