4 Ways Pitching Will Change

The New York Times recently announced a brand-new redesign. Take a look at what they’re thinking about.

Four quick things to think about when it comes to what a new NewYorkTimes.com could mean for pitching the Old Grey Lady… and traditional media mainstays overall.

1. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Following suit of the Snow Fall success and the BostonGlobe.com redesign, the more visual the story can be, the more you’re helping a reporter. It isn’t just broadcast anymore that needs something to see to tell a story.

2. Traditional media is now multi-media. The new design is incorporating everything into the downward scroll of a story. No more pop-ups and lightboxes. Video is part of the story. If you’re not including rich media, chances are the stories you pitch won’t be as compelling.

3. Happy swiping! Tablet readers are an important audience with this redesign, which adds on something else to know about the NYT’s audience: they’re tablet readers. That means we know even more about them – when they are likely to read news (leisure time in the evening) and socioeconomic level (they’re likely to spend on a subscription for print, even if they just want it on their tablet).

4. Co-authorship. Whether it is Deadspin, Bleacher Report or even (client) Game Skinny, the ability to post alongside the biggest commenters online has affected design and business models. With commenting functions getting a promotion to a neat part of the article, it’ll be harder to make the argument that a comment may be getting lost in the shuffle. Be prepared to engage with the media anywhere the media goes!

What are your thoughts on the changing face of media? How will your pitching strategies adapt?

Dave Levy
Senior Account Manager

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