Building Rapport with Journalists: Insights from the The John Hopkins Urban Health Institutes Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program Panel Discussion
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In an enlightening and informative panel discussion held at the prestigious John Hopkins Urban Health Institute, as part of the Bunting Leadership Neighborhood Program, the audience was treated to a wealth of knowledge and experience on the theme, “Building Rapport with Journalists and Media Outlets.” This engaging discussion, moderated by Kadmiel van der Puije, Founder of Dervan Solutions and CEO of The Voice of Africa, featured four distinguished panelists who are prominent figures in the world of media and journalism.
The esteemed panelists included Chardelle Moore, former TV presenter at Fox 45 and CEO of Motivational Moore; Cheyanne M. Daniels, a reporter for The Hill; Alexandra Tolbert, a regular contributor to Fox5 DC and other media outlets; and Tiffany “Lady T” Watson, Co-host of BMore Lifestyle and Content Manager at FOX45. Their combined expertise brought a wealth of insight and advice to the eager audience.
Chardelle Moore, in her characteristic motivational style, began the discussion by reflecting on the evolution of the media landscape and what it takes to build rapport with journalists in this rapidly changing environment. She stressed the pivotal role of media relationships in her career and shared specific examples where these connections opened doors to opportunities. Ms. Moore also emphasized the importance of community leaders crafting compelling messages that resonate with the media.
Cheyanne M. Daniels, from The Hill, shed light on what qualities she appreciates when community leaders approach her with a story. Ms. Daniels pointed out the significance of attention to detail, especially when sending pitches and spelling journalists’ names correctly. She also warned against common mistakes that community leaders should avoid when interacting with the media.
Alexandra Tolbert, a familiar face on Fox5 DC, talked about how consistency has been the key to her success. She emphasized that community leaders need to make an effort to initiate contact with journalists in the fast-paced news environment and tailor their approach to different media outlets. Ms. Tolbert also highlighted the role of storytelling in the success of a story, urging community leaders to craft compelling narratives for the media.
Tiffany “Lady T” Watson, Co-host of BMore Lifestyle and Content Manager at FOX45, added her perspective to the discussion. She spoke about the evolving media landscape and the crucial factors for maintaining strong rapport with journalists in this changing environment. Lady T’s advice to those reaching out to her was to keep pitches concise and straight to the point. In a world of overflowing inboxes, brevity is key.
The panelists not only shared their knowledge but also made genuine connections with the fellows present at the event. They offered their assistance to help some of them get media coverage on their platforms, further illustrating their commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
In conclusion, the panel discussion was a resounding success, offering invaluable insights into the world of media and journalism. Chardelle Moore, Cheyanne M. Daniels, Alexandra Tolbert, and Tiffany “Lady T” Watson, with their diverse backgrounds and expertise, provided the audience with a wealth of practical advice and inspiration. It was a remarkable session that undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all attendees, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to build meaningful relationships with the media.
