Posted on: February 21, 2023
Show Notes
Air Date: 2/21/2023
How can you get your pitch noticed? In this episode, Rob Caldwell describes what he looks for in a pitch. If you tell a story in your pitch and make sure it is targeted to the media outlet, your pitch will be more likely to get noticed. Sending a handwritten note can also break through the clutter and help you stand out. Also, someone with a lot of personality will increase the chances of your story being covered or being featured in a cooking segment. Listen to the episode to find out more tips and learn about Rob’s career.
3:05 – Rob shares how he had no plans to get into broadcasting, but quickly realized he didn’t want to be a cab driver after graduating from college.
14:11 – Rob gives his advice on how to become better at interviewing, starting with having a genuine interest, curiosity and being prepared.
18:16 – Rob explains that he is always looking for a good story and broad appeal in a pitch, specifically stories about people with lots of personality.
25:28 – Rob talks about handwritten notes and how they can help you break through the clutter.
28:32 – Rob recalls how TV, media and news have changed since he started his broadcasting career.
30:42 – Rob explains how NEWS CENTER Maine uses social media to promote its programming.
35:29 – When it comes to the NEWS CENTER Kitchen, Rob shares that they are looking for people with personality in addition to having talent in the kitchen.
40:48 – Rob shares a resource that helped him figure out a career path he did not want to take.
Quote
“Tell me a story. That’s what I want to hear in a pitch, or from anyone, whether it’s a pitch from a PR professional or from the person I meet on the street. What’s the story here? Why is this a story that people will want to hear? ” – Rob Caldwell, anchor and reporter for NEWS CENTER Maine
Links:
Listen to Bill Green’s episode of The PR Maven® Podcast.
Listen to other episodes about handwritten notes:
About the guest:
Rob Caldwell is an anchor and reporter for the NBC television stations in Maine, WCSH in Portland and WLBZ in Bangor. He has done thousands of interviews and stories in his 41-year career and his stories have received honors that include regional Emmys and a national Edward R. Murrow award.
Since 2003, he has been the co-anchor of “207,” a news magazine that airs weeknights at 7 p.m. In 2015, he was inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Looking to connect:
Email: rob.caldwell@newscentermaine.com
Website: www.newscentermaine.com
