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Connect with Local Media at “Meet the Press”

A series of quarterly “Meet the Press” events are coming to Townsville with the goal of helping to demystify the process of pitching to the media.

Facilitated by Creative Concepts PR owner and BDmag Editor, Julie Johnston, the first event will take place on Thursday, August 11 at the Mercure Townsville and will include a 40-minute panel discussion, followed by a networking opportunity to build connections with local media.

Panellists will share their insights into the media industry, which Julie hopes will help attendees avoid common mistakes when pitching and feel more comfortable approaching the media with story ideas.

“As a PR Consultant and Editor of BDmag, I frequently see businesses and not-for-profits missing valuable opportunities for media coverage because they don’t understand how to put themselves forward, and most importantly are unsure of how to identify the newsworthy angle of their story,” says Julie, who has over 20 years experience in media communications.

“Every journalist I’ve ever spoken with has said they want to receive story leads from the public, but the reality is that they are working to tight deadlines so when that pitch hits their inbox, it needs to grab their attention.

“Therefore, at our first Meet the Press event, our panellists will share insights into what a typical day looks like for them, the time and pressures they face and the type of stories they are looking for.”

When used effectively, Julie says PR can be an incredible marketing tool – both locally and globally – and is encouraging anyone who is interested in learning more about media to attend the event.

“Whether you’re a business owner, communications consultant or not-for-profit representative, the event is open to any professional who is wanting to learn more about the inner workings of the media industry and build connections,” continues Julie.

“This is a valuable professional development and networking opportunity for anyone who wants to gain insight into the media, and we’ve deliberately kept it affordable so that anyone can attend.

“We’re looking forward to seeing this first event come to life and continuing to provide the opportunity for the community to learn more about the media with these quarterly Meet the Press events.”

The first Meet the Press event is being held on Thursday, August 11 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Ticket sales close this Thursday, August 4. Click here to purchase your tickets. 

Orange, black and white Townsville Tickets logo - linked to event ticket page: https://townsvilletickets.com.au/event/meet-the-press-16206

MEET THE PANELLISTS:

Cliff Kern, popularly known as “CK” is a radio announcer who has worked in every corner of the Townsville media scene since getting his first break in 2003 as a prize patrol driver at 102.3 4TOFM.

After 15 years on Star FM, in 2021 he returned back to where it all began – 102.3, now Triple M working alongside radio icon Steve Price. There he presents a daily radio program and is also the North Queensland Social Media Manager for Triple M.

As someone who has interviewed hundreds of guests on-air throughout his career, CK is looking forward to sharing his insights into what makes for a great story and interview talent on radio.

Lily joined the ABC in 2017 and spent several years reporting from the Brisbane newsroom. She files TV, radio, and digital stories to local, state-wide, and national audiences, covering everything from court and crime to arts and human-interest stories.

As a multiplatform reporter, Lily will share her experience on what journalists look for when seeking out a newsworthy story.

Lawrence Jeffcoat has worked in the media industry for several different networks with experience spanning from the South-East corner to North Queensland. In his most recent role, Lawrence works as a Producer and Journalist in Townsville, helping to coordinate Seven’s nightly local news bulletins and filing his own stories. Prior to working in Townsville, Lawrence also worked in Central Queensland where he gained experience in rural and regional reporting.

Picture of Georgie Desailly

Georgie Desailly

Georgie is BDmag’s resident writer who is passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability and regional affairs. She spent time studying in New York City where she was trained by some of the world's leading journalists at The School of the New York Times.
Picture of Georgie Desailly

Georgie Desailly

Georgie is BDmag’s resident writer who is passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability and regional affairs. She spent time studying in New York City where she was trained by some of the world's leading journalists at The School of the New York Times.