MPR professionals need to persuade connectors to use their message. It must be positioned as newsworthy. Common themes defining newsworthiness often include the following:

• Firsts
• Trends
• Local, quirky personalities
• The underdog
• Impact on the audience
• Something of an unusual nature

Part 1: Pre-Pitch

Select a company to create story that you wish to shop to a media outlet. Use the following guidelines:

• Provide a brief overview of the company.
• Describe the media outlet being pitched. Include information on its target audience (the media outlet must be real).

Part 1 of the Individual Project should be 1 pg in length. Be sure to cite your resources.

Part 2: Writing an Effective Pitch Letter

• Write the pitch letter, which should include the following:An attention-grabbing opening
• The "hook"
• Background information supporting the pitch
• Support materials
• The action step

Part 2 of the Individual Project should be 2 1/2 pgs in length. Be sure to cite your resources.

Part 3: Follow-up and Other Considerations

• Describe your follow-up plan.
• Discuss the special considerations for pitching a blogger.

Part 3 of the Individual Project should be 1 1/2 pgs in length. Be sure to cite your resources