Each month we have been reaching out to journalists and media professionals to chat with them about their experiences in the industry. For this month’s ‘Questions for Journalists’ we spoke with Bob Sumner, CTV Calgary Assignment Editor.
Bob Sumner
Assignment Editor, CTV Calgary
@Newsbob
If you could only write about one thing for the rest of your career, what would it be?
If I could choose and make a dollar it would be lifestyle, not just food and drink. Motorcycle touring, backcountry adventures and luxury. Writing for news is very emotionally draining, dealing with tragedy on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to PR professionals about working with journalists?
Form a relationship if you can. I have several PR friends that I count on and they count on me in return.
What does the ideal pitch look like?
The Twitter age has made the headline and quick facts very important. If I have to turn to page two to find out what your pitch is, it may get pitched. Try and keep an eye on the news cycle and timely events. It doesn’t hurt to check with the assignment desk on resources and best times to hold an event. Make it visual and easy for us. Don’t have five speakers and wait until the end. News cameras are like gold.
Thanks, Bob!
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Header Image Credit: Niclas / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
