Episode #42: Pitch a Local News Segment with Ken Molestina
“You have to be in touch with the inner workings of a newsroom […] And once you know what we’re looking for, you won’t waste time on just anything — you’ll know how to direct that pitch and have it a little more focused.”
-Ken Molestina, on pitching a news station
In this episode, we speak with seasoned TV reporter, Ken Molestina, who has reported from news stations all across the country. We focus on his real estate segment, but quickly dive deeper beyond the basic tips and get a good look at the current state of the local newsroom, despite the ever-evolving media landscape he’s actively navigating. You’ll also catch a glimpse of what a real working relationship looks like between Ken and Jackie, including some real segments where Jackie had to be particularly scrappy in order to land those placements.
In this episode you’ll learn…
What a franchise piece is (& why publicists should care)
What short-staffed newsrooms and fast deadlines mean for publicists (same-day interviews are here to stay)
How to be a scrappy publicist (& never lose an opportunity again)
Our guest is:
Ken Molestina is an Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter for CBS 11 News in Dallas Fort Worth. Prior to joining CBS 11, Ken reported for WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. and KVIA-TV in El Paso. Born in New York and raised in Miami, he graduated from the University of Florida and began his career at WFOR-TV in Miami.
Stories we talked about:
Next Year Might Be The Time For North Texas Buyers To Finally Strike On Landing A Home
Not As Many ‘Fixer Uppers’ Available In DFW Area These Days (features Jackie!)
Not All North Texans Can Count On Solar To Increase Home’s Value, New Study Finds (features Jackie!)
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Show Notes:
:00 — Jackie introduces our guest.
1:06 — Jackie asks Ken to describe the segment we’ll discuss in the episode.
3:36 — Britt asks Ken when the real estate segment began.
6:01 — Ken and Jackie discuss the start of their working relationship.
7:34 — Jackie asks Ken to define “franchise piece” in broadcasting.
10:52 — Britt asks Ken if “franchise” is interchangeable with “beat.”
12:50 — Britt asks Ken if there is a projected end date for the real estate segment.
16:58 — Jackie asks Ken what assets a PR should include when pitching him.
26:30 — Jackie asks if the general newsroom email is worth contacting.
30:32 — Britt asks about Jackie’s experience on Ken’s segment as a spokesperson.
35:46 — Shoutouts! Ken gives a shout out to Amy Wilczynski, PR for RE/MAX, and Jeff Crilley, who publishes the PR resource, The Rundown.
37:37 — Ken shares some final thoughts and tips for PRs.
Connect with Ken Molestina
Connect with Jackie & Britt
