An exclusive report is a piece of news that’s being shared with a specific journalist or media outlet before it’s widely distributed. This gives the reporter first dibs on the story and, in turn, can create a heightened sense of urgency for other outlets to cover the story quickly.
Choosing the right time to pitch an exclusive can be tricky. If it’s too early, no one will care – and the opportunity may never present itself again. It’s also important to ensure that the news is truly exclusive, as journalists are unlikely to give exclusivity to a story that’s already being widely distributed elsewhere.
Kirk notes that “when it comes to exclusivity, journalists and editors are looking for unique information they cannot get anywhere else.” He suggests including high-resolution images and project descriptions in the initial pitch to streamline the reporting process. This will help build trust and ensure that the final piece is accurate.
If the news is a major event that will reshape your company’s future, it could be worth considering an exclusive report. This is a great way to get more attention from your target audience and potential customers.
When choosing the reporter or publication, consider their reach and credibility in the industry. Also, make sure that they align with your client’s core messaging and overall goals. Finally, remember to only offer an exclusive to one reporter at a time. Pitching several different journalists to see who can break the story first is a fast way to burn bridges and make a reporter very angry.
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