PR is a tricky business where one comment can make you the hero or the goat depending on how it’s said, phrased, or heard. What does it take to connect with reporters in this 24/7 multi-media world you ask? We asked too! Join us as we interview Eric Savitz, tech editor for Barron’s. We learn all about his career in journalism, his favorite tech events to attend, and his go-to TV shows for 2020. Here are the biggest takeaways from our conversation. If you like what you’re reading, be sure to listen to the whole episode, linked at the bottom of this page.
I was hooked by the first byline…
Eric’s fascination with journalism began at school, writing for his college newspaper in the early 1980’s. His first story was about a $500,000 renovation project on the university’s student center that ran on the front page. He’s been hooked ever since. Eric’s favorite part about journalism is how it gives license to talk to new people, learn new things and ask good questions. After college, he moved to New York to pursue business reporting, which led to his first stint at Barron’s.
There’s a sense of drama…
After six years in corporate communications, Eric returned to Barron’s as an associate editor where he covers tech, investing and the Valley. We were curious to know what it is about journalism that keeps him coming back. Eric explains that while journalism can be a tough industry to work in, there is something exciting about covering an industry that has an amazing number of brilliant minds working on innovative projects. He compared it to covering sports, noting that “like sports, there’s this sense of drama with winners and losers, come back stories and dynasties. The stakes are higher, too, because it often involves hundreds of thousands of jobs, and in many cases, products or services that touch the lives of millions of people. It’s so central to the world that we live in.”
The inside scoop…
When it comes to pitching Eric, keep in mind that he writes about public markets, which means it’s hard for him to cover startups and new product launches. To pitch more effectively, explain how your story has bigger implications for larger players in the market, and explain why his readership (the majority are investors) should care. In addition, Eric looks for novelty when interviewing new companies. He wants to know what makes your company different from your competitors.
Finally, time is precious for reporters. Eric mentioned he’s much more inclined to meet someone for coffee to discuss something of value than to read a 500 word-long pitch. Save time for everyone by getting to know journalists as individuals outside of the office. If you do, they won’t have to spend their time vetting you as a legitimate resource and instead they can focus on writing that fabulous story you’ve just pitched.
Hear more... If you've enjoyed these takeaways be sure to listen to our full interview, linked below. Also, be sure to list to, rate and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play or Soundcloud.