The Inner Circle Round Up: Media News You Can Use February 2021
While February may be the shortest month of the year, there was no shortage of announcements regarding new media opportunities. This month, we’ve learned of new podcasts (as we seemingly do every month), and some familiar faces/voices are launching some new projects. Are there any new outlets you’ve seen that you’re particularly excited about? Make sure to let us know over at @ScottCircle!
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An Update on All Things COVID-19 Vaccine
The one thing that’s dominated the headlines this past year has of course been the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly every news outlet and format has dedicated serious coverage to the latest updates, but now there’s a podcast dedicated to the vaccine, aptly named Track the Vax, a weekly effort produced by MedPage Today and Everyday Health. According to the description, the show will “take a science-driven look at what’s going on behind the scene… (and) bring you interviews and conversations with all the key players - from leading researchers to pharmaceutical companies to distributors, and even those in line to get the shot.”
The Inner Circle Take: With audiences constantly refreshing their homepages, checking national and local news, and even social media, everyone is on the edge of their seat trying to keep up to date with everything going on with the vaccine every single day. Many media outlets have established “go-to” resources who are their reliable resources on everything Covid, so it may have difficult to get a new expert featured, but if you have a client who can provide some useful insight on the conversation around the latest vaccine developments, this may be a great opportunity to get a new voice out there.
POLITICO Adds Another Newsletter
POLITICO has been a reliable resource for all those looking to find out what’s going on inside the beltway, and over the past few years, they’ve been expanding their newsletters to hone in on some more specific issues. The latest addition to the roster is The Recast, “a twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are at the DNA of American politics and policy.”
The Inner Circle Take: There are so many issues that fall at this intersection of race and politics. The storylines are seemingly endless, whether you’re working on economic justice issues, the climate crisis, or even healthcare policy, there is a unique angle to how these issues are also racial justice issues that can be addressed through more equitable policy changes. The newsletter authors mention being open to story ideas, questions, and even individuals to profile, so keep this new media opportunity on your radar!
Michelle Expands Her Media Empire
A familiar face returns to the Round Up! Just a few months ago, we wrote about former first lady MIchelle Obama’s latest podcast venture with Spotify and now she’s venturing into the streaming world with a new Netflix show. According to Netflix, the new children’s program entitled Waffles + Mochi will feature two puppets alongside Mrs. Obama and special guests “blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities.”
The Inner Circle Take: The show is a collaboration with Partnership for a Healthier America and aligns with Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign which aims “to counter the increase in childhood obesity and promote better snacking.” Similarly to her podcast, it may be near impossible to get your expert featured on this show unless you have access to the Obama Inner Circle, but if you work on related children’s health issues, there may always be an opportunity to leverage some of the lessons and takeaways from this sure to be hit show.
And a Project from the Other Obama
Michelle isn’t the only one with the Spotify deal. Former President Barack Obama is also getting in on the podcast game, and he’s bringing in the big boss to co-host, rock legend Bruce Springsteen. In the Spotify original program Renegades: Born in the USA, the two co-hosts will engage in “a series of conversations… about their lives, music and enduring love of America - despite all its challenges.”
The Inner Circle Take: Again, don’t expect to try and break through to the Obama Inner Circle as this show doesn’t feature anyone besides Barack and Bruce, but know that their conversations have potential to make headlines. Pay attention to the themes they cover, and maybe there’s an opportunity for you to expand with your own storylines or insights and get in on the conversation through other platforms.