The 24-Hour News Cycle
We’re only one month into 2020, and we’re already feeling overwhelmed by all the current events happening in the world. PR freelancers are tasked with creating content that effectively grabs an audience’s attention and positions their clients favourably. But what do you do when breaking news alerts overshadow pitches about your clients? How do you make your story stand out in a 24-hour news cycle?
Take advantage of constant and rapid changes in the news.
There’s a lot to consume and a constant need to fill the endless cycle with news stories, so as a public relations professional — you should be in the know! But, how do you stay informed and up-to-date on the news without losing your mind? Our tip: be strategic about the way you consume news.
Set aside a designated time for reading the news:
Maybe you prefer to wake up and read the news while indulging in a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, or it is your way to unwind at the end of a long day. Regardless of the timeframe, give yourself a schedule to digest the information and disconnect right after.
Turn off those pesky push notifications:
Are you continually receiving breaking news alerts from Apple News that are irrelevant to you? Turn off your push notifications and limit the amount of news you receive daily from these platforms. If you get news from social aggregators or apps like Twitter and Reddit, consider following reputable outlets, journalists, and influencers that can provide you with positive and inspiring content.
Stay mindful about the media:
Always remember that, at the end of the day, the news is a business. Media outlets thrive on playing up disasters and scandals. If you get triggered easily by the news, try to unplug. You will risk not being 100% up-to-date on current events, but sometimes finding out about things organically is good too!
The rise of the 24-hour news cycle has ushered in a new era of entertainment, amplified by social media. As public relations professionals, it’s our job to understand how to decipher the industry in order to deliver the most immediate news. It’s all about being fresh, interesting, and original!