Introduction
The election season is a whirlwind of political coverage. With television networks, newspapers, and digital platforms focused on candidate coverage, debates and campaign updates on a national and local scale, it’s difficult for non-political-focused stories to break through the noise. For brands seeking visibility, this period demands a strategic approach to planning and timing. Here’s how to stand out in the crowd and ensure your message gets heard.
Understanding the Election Season Landscape
Media outlets prioritize political news during election seasons, dedicating much of their airtime and space to key election developments. This is especially true during presidential elections, when news outlets focus almost exclusively on campaign updates, debates, polls, and results. This intense focus leaves limited room for non-political stories, making it difficult for other topics to get noticed. As a result, the competition for media attention becomes fiercer, and crafting exceptional media pitches becomes critical for brands looking to secure coverage. Only the most relevant, timely, and compelling pitches have a chance of breaking through the noise.
Editorial Strategy
To successfully navigate the media challenges during election season, here’s how brands can craft their pitches:
-
Ensure Relevance and Timeliness:
Pitches closely tied to current events and relevant societal concerns will capture media attention. The topic, timing, and chosen talent is crucial to gain traction amidst the election coverage.
-
Frame Stories Around Election-Related Themes:
A successful approach includes framing stories around timely election themes such as community engagement, economic impact, or public service. Highlight how these topics resonate with the public and address pressing societal issues. By focusing on what matters to your audience, you can create a compelling story that not only informs but also inspires action and connection within the community.
-
Target Lifestyle-Focused Programming:
Aim for coverage in lifestyle shows, where the focus is centered on everyday topics that resonate with a broad audience, rather than news-focused programming. These segments typically cover health, wellness, family, travel, and personal finance, providing a welcome break from the political narrative, especially during busy election cycles.
- Frame your lifestyle pitch as “news you can use” by offering practical, actionable insights that benefit the audience. For example, a segment where a doctor shares proactive tips to stay ahead of cold and flu season provides relevant advice while giving viewers a break from election coverage. By applying these strategies, brands can increase their chances of securing coverage, even during a season dominated by election news.
Media Outreach
Timing is everything when crafting your pitch during election season. It’s essential to be mindful of key election dates, such as primaries, debates, and major announcements, which dominate media coverage. Providing longer lead times to busy newsrooms and producers can work in your favor, giving them ample opportunity to consider your story.
Scheduling media opportunities, such as a broadcast media tour or satellite media tour, around these key dates helps ensure that your story doesn’t get buried in the political noise.
Incorporating local outlets into your strategy can also lead to more personalized and less competitive coverage. By localizing your content to resonate with specific audiences, you enhance the relevance of your story, making it more likely to attract attention.
Ultimately, by understanding and adapting to the unique dynamics of election season, brands can gain a competitive edge, enhancing their visibility in a media landscape dominated by politics. With a well-timed and strategically crafted approach, your story can still shine, even during the busiest news cycle of the year.
At Bridgenext, our talented team of media strategists, communication specialists, and PR experts are passionate about sharing our extensive experience in broadcast and digital communications. We’re here to provide you with actionable insights and innovative strategies tailored to the ever-evolving media landscape, helping you stay ahead of the curve. Here are some of the recent media tours we have worked on.
Contact us today to secure your spot this election season.
