Meet the Technology Media

Gain firsthand insights from technology media on the challenges they face, what they seek in pitches, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices to enhance your tech story's visibility.


Getting your story noticed by tech media professionals requires more than just sending out a standard press release. Understanding the unique challenges that technology reporters face can significantly enhance your ability to craft pitches that stand out. By gaining valuable insights into what these reporters specifically look for, you can tailor your approach to meet their needs and increase the chances of your stories being featured.

Learn from Technology Reporters

Hearing directly from technology reporters offers firsthand knowledge about the common pitfalls that can cause pitches to be overlooked. Reporters often receive an overwhelming number of pitches daily, many of which miss the mark due to lack of relevance or poor presentation. By understanding these pitfalls, you can avoid making the same mistakes and implement best practices that increase the likelihood of your stories getting noticed.

Key Elements of a Compelling Pitch

Creating a pitch that is both compelling and relevant for tech media involves several critical components:

1. Clarity and Relevance

Ensure your pitch is clear, concise, and directly related to the reporter's area of coverage. Technology reporters specialize in specific beats, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or consumer electronics. Tailoring your pitch to align with their interests demonstrates that you have done your homework and respect their time.

2. Timing and Presentation

Be mindful of when you send your pitch. Consider the reporter's deadlines, industry events, and product launch cycles. Present your information in a professional and organized manner, making it easy for reporters to grasp the key points quickly.

3. Include Multimedia Assets and Essential Details 

Enhancing your pitch with high-quality multimedia assets like images, videos, or infographics can make it more engaging. Providing essential company details and context helps reporters understand the significance of your story without needing to conduct additional research.

4. Highlighting Intersections in Your Story

Demonstrate the broader impact of your story by connecting it to current trends or societal issues. Showing how your news fits into the bigger picture makes it more compelling to both reporters and their audiences.

Building Strong Relationships with Journalists

Establishing and nurturing relationships with journalists can greatly increase the chances of your pitches being noticed and prioritized. Engage with them beyond just sending pitches—interact on social media, comment on their articles, and offer yourself as a resource for future stories. Building trust and rapport makes it more likely that they will pay attention to your communications.

Understanding the Journalist's Specific Beat

A crucial aspect of successful pitching is understanding a journalist's specific beat and ensuring your pitch is relevant to their coverage. Research the reporter's past articles, follow their social media activity, and familiarize yourself with the topics they are passionate about. This knowledge allows you to tailor your pitch to fit their interests, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Refining Your PR Strategies

By applying these insights, you can refine your PR strategies to make your news stand out in a crowded market. Focusing on clarity, relevance, timing, and presentation ensures that your stories capture the attention of the right journalists and effectively reach your target audience. Building stronger relationships with tech reporters not only increases the chances of coverage but also enhances your reputation within the industry.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

  • How to Build Relationships with Journalists: Discover strategies for connecting with reporters on a personal level, fostering relationships that make them more receptive to your pitches.
  • The Importance of Understanding a Journalist's Specific Beat: Learn techniques for researching and aligning with a journalist's area of focus, ensuring your pitch is relevant to their coverage.
  • Why Multimedia Assets and Essential Company Details Are Important: Understand how including multimedia elements and crucial information can enhance the appeal of your news releases.
  • Ways to Highlight Intersections in Your Story: Explore methods to showcase the broader impact of your story by connecting it to larger trends and issues within the technology sector.

By incorporating these actionable tips, you can craft compelling pitches that catch the eye of tech media professionals. This knowledge empowers you to improve your communications, build stronger relationships with reporters, and ultimately achieve greater success in getting your technology stories noticed. 

Meet the Panelists

Headshot for Sarah de Crescenzo at Xconomy
Sarah de Crescenzo
Editor, Xconomy

Sarah de Crescenzo is an accomplished journalist with extensive experience covering technology, startups, and venture capital. She has contributed to prominent publications such as Xconomy and The San Diego Business Journal, showcasing her expertise in reporting on innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Sarah holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from San Diego State University. 

Headshot for Iyaz Akhtar at CNET
Iyaz Akhtar
Senior Editor, CNET

Iyaz Akhtar has over 15 years of professional experience covering technology. He has contributed to prominent tech outlets including CNET, The Apple Blog, and This Week in Tech, specializing in smartphones, tablets, smart home devices, and emerging technologies. Iyaz excels in translating complex tech advancements into accessible insights, offering contextual understanding of their significance.

Headshot for Todd Bishop at GeekWire
Todd Bishop
Co-Founder and Editor, GeekWire

Todd Bishop has over 30 years of experience in journalism across diverse media, focusing primarily on business and technology reporting. Known for his adeptness in uncovering trends and stories through meticulous analysis of data and public records, Todd co-founded GeekWire, emphasizing journalism's pivotal role in nurturing community and fostering understanding. Successfully transitioning from print to digital media, he excels as a podcast host, editor, and live events moderator, engaging global leaders in business, technology, and entertainment.

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