The Inner Circle Round Up: Media News You Can Use July 2020
As we come to the end of July, we’re now deep into summer. While many “traditional” media outlets continue to be economically impacted as a result of Covid, we’re seeing more and more “nontraditional” opportunities. We’ve found everything from some high-profile personalities launching new initiatives (maybe it has something to do with all of the free time they suddenly have on their hands) to former journalists banding together to create something new!
Check out these “new to us” resources, and let us know if there’s any media opportunities you’re excited about -- let us know over on Twitter at @ScottCircle!
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New Media Opportunities
Oprah: The Queen of Media Reinvents Herself Again
There are few influencers out there who have had as much influence on the culture than Oprah Winfrey (from a feud with the entire beef industry to launching the biggest best-selling authors). While recently announcing that her monthly O Magazine is pivoting to a digital only format, she also announced a new show The Oprah Conversation that will launch on Apple TV+ in which she will “lead timely and intimate discussions with today’s foremost newsmakers, thought leaders, and masters of their craft.” First up: Ibram X. Kendi, bestselling author of How to Be Anti-Racist.
The Inner Circle Take: I cannot count the number of times over the course of my career a client has asked me how they can get featured by Oprah, and you can be sure many of your clients will be adding this new outlet to their wishlist. No one does Oprah like Oprah, and everyone in PR knows that a mention or feature from her is like the holy grail of publicity. If you’re working with a high-profile thought leader who can contribute to a meaningful dialogue about current events, reach out to her producers and cross your fingers!
More Obama: Michelle Joins Spotify
Speaking of heavy hitters, Michelle Obama announced the launch of a new project with Spotify, the aptly named Michelle Obama Podcast. According to the first lady herself, in the first season, she’ll be speaking to those closest to her, exploring “the relationships that make us who we are. the challenges and joys of being a challenge of being a spouse, the friendships that help us through the toughest times” and much more. She hopes to cover issues that “we’re all dealing with no matter what’s going on.” Her first guest? Some guy named Barack (think his team had to pitch him?).
The Inner Circle Take: Unless you’re working with someone who is a part of Michelle Obama’s inner circle, it may be difficult to land a guest spot (but we’ll keep our ears open for updates). We do know that her words can have incredible impact (and often go viral), so pay attention to the themes and conversations that take place -- it may be something you can leverage when crafting your next pitch.
Deadspin Alumni: Staff Rebellion Leads to New Site
One of the biggest media stories of 2019 was the mass exodus of the Deadspin staff, who all resigned in protest after disputes with their bosses. Now, according to the New York Times “18 of the roughly 20 who quit last year - have reunited to start a digital media company, Defector Media, that they will own and operate themselves.” The initiative includes The Distraction, a new indie sports podcast and a soon to be launched subscription-based sports blog website.
The Inner Circle Take: If media organizations are not going to adapt, journalists are going to take things into their own hands. This is a good reminder to always maintain relationships with friendly journos with whom you’ve established a relationship, as you never know where they’ll end up. In this case if you work on sports-related issues, then you might have an early in to this newest outlet.
Alert D.C. Locals: New Digital Mag Highlights Creatives
We always want to show some love to our local media outlets here in the District. Digital magazine Summerhouse has recently launched. While the city might be best known for politics, this outlet will “celebrate D.C.’s distinctive DIY culture through independent, magazine-style journalism.”
The Inner Circle Take: What a great way for the local community to uplift its neighbors! If you know a creative who works in art, music, fashion, comedy or even runs a small independent business, consider reaching out to this outlet with some visual highlights of what makes them so unique.