So, you discover from your research that the reporter you’re pitching to—or their news outlet—has recently done a story similar to the one you’re pitching.
Don’t let that stop you! With a few prepped responses you can still turn things around. The key is to acknowledge their previous work, and then immediately pivot to what makes your story fresh.
Here are some go-to responses to keep in your back pocket when you find yourself in this situation:
Suggest a different angle. “Yes, you’ve already covered the proposed power plant, but what hasn’t been covered is the potential environmental impact on the community.”
Present the solution, not the problem. “Your story was about broken and out-of-service EV charging stations. Our company specializes in EV charging station maintenance, and we feel it’s a story your readers would like to hear.”
Highlight a new development. “I saw your story about toxic algae in Lake Wobegon. We have developed a eco-friendly agent for killing it.”
Offer a look into the future. “You covered the rise in demand for vibranium over the past few years. Our research shows that by 2035, there is expected to be a worldwide vibranium shortage.”
By having responses ready, you can confidently address a reporter’s objection and quickly pivot to what makes your story truly stand out.
Good luck!
Whether you’re launching a clean energy project, preparing for a press conference, or simply need sharper messaging that gets noticed, let’s connect and talk about how I can help!