New tool to help journalists and benefit PRs

A free online tool is launching on 21 May to help journalists source relevant content for the stories they’re working on, by reaching a network of PR professionals who are in the best position to help.

Whether they need people to interview, or facts and stats on a specific topic, Media Alerts will help journalists reach the people with the right contacts and information. Based on the American Help A Reporter Out concept, Media Alerts lets journalists receive the best selection of content in a short space of time.

How it works – leveraging networks
Journalists submit their specific requests online, which are then sent to the subscribers, who are mostly PR professionals. These are the people who have direct access to the CEOs, MDs, entrepreneurs, celebrities and other networks that reporters need to tap into.

Through Media Alerts, the PR practitioners have access to highly valuable publicity opportunities they may never have known about. Plus, by helping journalists find the information they need, they are also building stronger media relationships.

Relevant content only
The PR subscribers have been given one rule though - to only ever send content that is directly relevant to the journalist’s request. Any abuse of this rule will see them being removed from the service.

The first Media Alerts will be sent on 21 May. In the meantime, journalists can submit requests here and PR practitioners can subscribe here. It’s an added-value Encyclomedia service, so there’s no charge for either side.

For more information, please contact Tarryn Barry on +27 (0)21 552 8096 or have a look at http://www.mediaalerts.co.za/.