Media Relations Aug07

Turn it on

How to flip the switch in your favour with these TV news anchors and editors.

Primetime Morning

Suzanne Jung

Presenter / Producer

Channel NewsAsia

1. Target audience?
PMEBs or regional viewers who need quick updates in the morning.

2. Main focus?
News - we give you the latest in world news, sports and business news.

3. USP?
We keep viewers on top of the news and issues.

4. Preferred PR approach?
Email with a good summary of what is being pitched and why.

5. Worst time?
Before noon.

6. Preferred day in attending events?
Weekday afternoons.

7. Deadlines and material?
As soon as the story is confirmed. We can do with two working days before, otherwise it's a mad rush.

8. Dos and don'ts when approaching you?
Interviewees must be ready in the studio early in the morning.  

9. Best PR approach so far?
We don't need gimmicks. Understand what we are about.

10. Your attitude towards a free lunch?
What's discussed over lunch can be done over the phone I'm sure.

Asia Business Report

Matthew Heavens

Editor

BBC World

1. Target audience?
Everyone's affected by the business world and we try to reflect that in our coverage.

2. Main focus?
Trends shaping the business world, rather than focusing on breaking news and market numbers like the financial channels.

3. USP?
We broadcast locally but call on the BBC's global reach, specialist knowledge and unique values.

4. Preferred PR approach?
Concise emails.

5. Worst time?
Mornings.

6. Preferred day in attending events?
I am only available evenings.

7. Deadlines and material?
We plan the following week on Thursdays and Fridays.

8. Dos and don'ts when approaching you?
Watch the programme and ask yourself whether what you are offering is relevant.

9. Best PR approach so far?
An interesting story rather than a topic.

10. Your attitude towards a free lunch?
We have strict rules on accepting hospitality and lunchtime's a busy time.

Cash Flow

Amanda Drury

Anchor

CNBC Asia

1. Target audience?
C-suites, financial professionals and high net worth individuals.

2. Main focus?
News and information that they can act on.

3. USP?

We have access to business and financial leaders, including CEOs and top investment managers.

4. Preferred PR approach?
Email followed by a phone call.

5. Worst time?
When the show is on.

6. Preferred day in attending events?
The end of the week.

7. Deadlines and material?
A week in advance.

8. Dos and don'ts when approaching you?
The don'ts are PR pitches that are too feature-ish or light and fluffy.

9. Best PR approach so far?
Great PR approaches have answered the "W" questions in advance - Who is the guest? What do they have to offer? Why should we listen to them? And when are they available?

10. Your attitude towards a free lunch?
Not allowed to accept free lunches.

World News Asia

Andrew Stevens

Anchor/correspondent

CNN International

1. Target audience?
Well-travelled, educated and influential and have a keen interest in world affairs.

2. Main focus?
International news and intelligent analysis.

3. USP?
Fast, accurate and impartial coverage.

4. Preferred PR approach?
Email.

5. Worst time?
After 4pm.

6. Preferred day in attending events?
No.
7. Deadlines and material?
Daily as the news programs are produced Monday to Friday.

8. Dos and don'ts when approaching you?
Don't make interviews conditional, and don't ask for questions in advance.

9. Best PR approach so far?
Usually the low-key approach. Anything with superlatives makes us suspicious.

10. Your attitude towards a free lunch?
Relationships are useful for both parties. There's always a place for a lunch, no matter who pays, but if you are taking a client you have to ask yourself, is CNN really going to be interested in their story?