In this episode, Kasey Klee, Marjorie Comer, and Bob Wiltfong join On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices. Guest: Our episode includes Axia’s news team: Kasey Klee, Account Executive; Marjorie Comer, News Media Consultant; Bob Wiltfong, Public Relations Account Director; and Jason Mudd, CEO. Together they discuss the five best practices that come with media relations: preparing, relationship building, messaging, pitching, and following up. Five things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to plan and prepare for pitching stories  How to build meaningful relationships with reporters What you’re messaging should look like How to go about pitching stories Why you should follow up  Quotables “The goal for any public relations person is the media list, the contact list and the relationships that we build with the media.” - @Bob“You're always looking to localize a national story and PR people do that with news jockey. What we're trying to do is tie in a newsworthy item involving our clients to a national story. So it's kind of the same idea.” - @Bob“All news is local. And so if you can find a local angle to a national story, then that's very beneficial.” - @Jason“Relationship building is probably one of my favorite things that I get to do as a PR professional.” - @Marjorie“Building a relationship with a reporter doesn't have to be scary. It doesn't have to be this taboo thing. We're all people and we all want to build a connection with someone else.” - @Marjorie “The relationship between a PR person and a journalist could be such a dynamic duo if it's done correctly.” - @Kasey“It's not just who we know, but it's really who knows us.” - @Jason“Every pitch is a little bit of an experiment.” - @Jason“Smaller wins will lead to bigger things.” - @Jason  If you enjoyed this episode, would you please share it with others and leave us a review? About the Axia Team Jason is the founder of Axia, serving as a trusted adviser to renowned brands like American Airlines, Hilton, and Verizon. He resides in Amelia Island, Florida.Bob, a PR strategist, and former award-winning news anchor, brings his expertise to clients like Boeing and Sony. He calls Jacksonville, Florida home and joined Axia in February 2023.Marjorie, an award-winning PR professional, has been with Axia since October 2011, skillfully implementing PR plans and handling reactive needs from her base in Joplin, Missouri.Kasey, known for her enthusiasm and attention to detail, coordinates client programs and has been a trusted adviser since August 2021. She resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Guest’s Contact Info and Resources: Top PR pros share their tips for earning media coverageTop 5 media relations practices to attract more coverage Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.