Become A Sought-After Media Contributor

By Francene Marie Morris  |   Submitted On January 09, 2013

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Let's demystify how to become a sought-after media contributor. If you want to get booked and share your expertise on Radio & TV shows you have to be ready to go on-air at a moment's notice. Popular media contributors take all offers never snubbing any media outlet.Watch out for news stories on major & local TV networks that you can offer commentary on. Read articles and news stories online as well. In order to get expert status you have to put the puzzle pieces together. It helps if you're an author or work in the field you're touting to be an expert in. Possibly you're willing to share a personal story of tragedy to success. So, what can you eloquently talk about?

• Make a list of 4 topics you're willing to discuss.
• From these top 4 topics make sub-categories.
• With your chosen topic make a list of do's and don'ts or tips regarding your topic.
• Write a 500 word article about your topic. When you finish your article publish it online.
• Write 5 talking points extracted from your article that you can talk about on-air.
• The talking points will become your discussion and commentary.
• Practice your interview in a mock situation on video so you can hear and see how it will translate.
• Keep in mind that you'll literally have a few minutes to get vital points out of your mouth that make sense so practice, practice, practice!

Now that you have content for your interviews its time to create that paper-trail online of your accomplishments, remember to publish that article you wrote! Polish-off your electronic press kit (EPK) with a new BIO and plan for a professional photo shoot. Your bio should build momentum with impressive accomplishments at the top, and then wow the reader with your expert status. Mention credentials, education, experience and links of your audio and video which qualifies you as the perfect-match for the story angle you're aiming for. Once you find a national article you can offer commentary on contact the newsroom running the story and ask who and how to submit your electronic press kit (EPK). Here comes your pitch, before pegging your pitch on the phone or online via email make sure you can really offer value. The email body of your correspondence will have a link to your website, no attachments. Attachments are cumbersome and timely to download versus a link to click. When it's pitching time, your pitch should be brief and to the point, your conversation should bring value to the short conversation you'll have producers and reporters.
You'll Need A Media Database
Keep all names, phone numbers and emails in your new media database, making note of time zones and reporter names and deadlines. When leaving messages for reporters and producers please use your best phone voice and all the manners you have. Keep in mind that you need producers and reporters more than they need you.
This is the year to get out and make a mark with your expert advice. Still need help putting the puzzle pieces together? Conduct an inventory of your most significant life experiences or your most interesting jobs, or finish that book you've put to the side. There is somebody interested in what you have to say this year, just go for it.

My Media Tutor is a full-service media portal for busy people who need public speaking or media interviewing training. When you experience an overwhelming feeling and need to perform 100% My Media Tutor works with you 3 ways: we travel to you, we train via virtual classroom and coach via phone. Email us at info@mymediatutor.com or visit us online http://www.mymediatutor.com.

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