The Secret to Securing Engaging TV Media Coverage (Hint: It's Not About the Pitch)
Arizona State University’s Arts, Media, and Engineering Instructor, Rachael Kaye, and her student on AZFamily
I have a secret for quickly securing upbeat and engaging TV media coverage for experts and it has nothing to do with the pitch.
It’s all about working with quick-thinking, supportive and communicative experts.
Easier said than done, right? If it's not about the pitch, how challenging can it be to secure media coverage? Trust me—there’s more to it.
Hear me out.
Making live TV look effortless is no small feat, but with the right expert and mindset, it can be simple.
Recently, I worked with Arizona State University’s Arts, Media, and Engineering Instructor, Rachael Kaye, on a live TV segment with AZFamily. The feature showcased her ‘Intro to Meteorology’ virtual reality lab, designed to provide students with a hands-on understanding of major weather events and their potential dangers. The goal? To make these complex topics accessible and engaging for students of all majors.
We knew this story had all the elements of a compelling media feature—cutting-edge technology, visuals, education, passionate spokespeople and local innovation.
Our first move was getting the story in front of meteorologist Sean McLaughlin, who could relate to extreme weather and meteorology while making the topic relatable to viewers at home. When the opportunity for TV coverage arose, we swiftly aligned our messaging, coordinated schedules, and adapted to the complexities of live television.
A key factor in our success? The expert’s comfort on camera and her ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way.
The result?
A polished, captivating TV segment that highlighted ASU’s commitment to innovation, reaching over 9,000 viewers.
It also offered potential students a glimpse into the collaborative and creative work being done in ASU’s virtual reality lab—an opportunity to engage future students in unique career paths related to weather patterns and virtual reality.
This feature puts ASU’s VR lab on the map and reflects the university’s mission to create innovative and accessible education for all.
Remember, your media relations team can secure media coverage, but turning a potential media opportunity into a successful TV segment requires preparation, flexibility, and a confident, capable spokesperson.
Want more digestible insights on media relations? Reach out—I’m here to help.
