In September, I attended Travel & Words, a conference that connects travel journalists with destinations throughout the Northwest region. I was there representing Bainbridge Island, with 12 minutes to meet each journalist and explore possible stories.
We talked about everything from pickleball and unusual landmarks to Japanese American history, local farms and the sounds of traditional mochi pounding.
One writer was interested in how a grocery store could help tell the story of Bainbridge’s Japanese American community. Another wanted to meet local growers and small business owners. Others were interested in unusual discoveries, including Frog Rock.
It got me thinking about how many interesting stories we have throughout Kitsap that haven’t been told.
So what gets a journalist’s attention?
Sometimes it’s something unusual, even a little weird. Other times it’s a local connection to something happening nationally or globally, a public figure with ties to the community, or a timely event or anniversary.
Take pickleball. The sport was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965 and is now played around the world. That’s a local story with international appeal, especially when you connect it to the people and places behind its history.
I’d encourage businesses to start noticing the small things. What do customers find fascinating that you’ve stopped noticing? Does your business have an unusual history, tradition or employee with an interesting background?
Start a running list of story ideas. Include dates, possible interview contacts and supporting details. Set up free Google Alerts for your industry and related topics. Pay attention to emerging trends and consider whether your business has something relevant to contribute.
It’s also helpful to understand what different media need.
Television needs visuals and action. Radio and podcasts need interesting voices and sounds. At Travel & Words, we discussed how the rhythm of rice pounding at Mochi Tsuki could bring an audio story to life. Print and digital journalists need compelling details, reliable sources and good photographs.
Before pitching, research what the journalist actually covers. A writer interested in cycling will have different needs than someone covering food or cultural history. Keep your email brief, explain why the story is relevant now and make it easy to arrange interviews or obtain photographs.
And share your ideas with your local tourism organization. We regularly work with journalists looking for interesting stories and can help connect businesses with media opportunities.
Here’s a small challenge: Think of one thing about your business that visitors find surprising. Write it down, along with who could help tell that story. A great story can sit unnoticed for years, but an anniversary, an emerging trend or something happening in the news can suddenly make it relevant.
You might have the beginning of your next media pitch.
