TSP: Christa Ritchie, Features Writer, The Courier-Journal

By Jason Falls

Few journalists field as many public relations pitches in a week as feature writers at daily newspapers. Few receive as creative or unique pitches as feature writers specializing on the entertainment and event beat.

This edition of The Straight Pitch turns to Christa Ritchie, features writer and one of the entertainment faces of The Courier-Journal, the largest daily paper in Kentucky. Ritchie has done everything from compiling the weekend events calendar to hosting a 60-second webcast preview weekend events on the paper’s website.

The Courier-Journal, a Gannett property since 1987, covers the Louisville and Southern Indiana market and can be found online at www.courier-journal.com. The paper traces its history back to 1867.

THE STRAIGHT PITCH

Name:
Christa Ritchie

Position & Organization:
Features writer, The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Ky.

Organizational Background/Audience Profile:
As the largest daily newspaper in Kentucky (weekday circulation: 214K; Sunday, 255K), our target audience is the general public in Louisville and Southern Indiana and throughout the state of Kentucky.

Briefly describe your role:
I write general assignment features stories on a variety of topics, including playing a large role in our paper’s Kentucky Derby coverage. Until recently, I was the go-to person for weekend events writing a column and stories about weekend happenings in Louisville for the Friday Weekend Extra section. I also hosted a video on the CJ’s website called Weekend in 60 Seconds touting the weekend’s must-do events. I have an exciting new Features assignment coming up in September that I will keep you posted about.

Tell us a little about your background:
I am a Louisville native and graduate of Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism. My first year out of college I was a reporter for the Kentucky Standard newspaper in Bardstown, Ky. I have been a writer at the CJ since 1998.

How do you prefer to be approached with story ideas?
Phone and/or e-mail pitches are the most effective. Since we come up with the majority of our own story ideas, I am always open to pitches. Sending an e-mail and then following up by phone (or vice versa) is a great method.

What key ingredients make a pitch appealing to you?
Pitches that stand out are those that have a catchy or unusual twist. Pitches with an interesting, local angle are also given top priority.

What methods of pitching or contents within a pitch turn you off to the idea?
In Features, pitches that don’t have some sort of local tie usually aren’t given much consideration. Local relevance to a story is a must.

Which are more helpful in your decision-making, press releases or fact sheets?
Press releases are fine, but those that contain inaccurate information or are too wordy aren’t effective, especially if you have to dig to the bottom to find the relevant information.

Do you prefer broad story ideas or pitches intended for specific segments, features or placement?
Both are fine. However, I do like specific pitches. I’m always looking for that special angle to a story and specific pitches can help with that.

What else can PR professionals do to help you do your job?
Just make sure information on press releases is accurate and easy to find quickly.
PR people who are fast to respond to phone/e-mail requests and those that can help you quickly get in touch with sources are essential to a writer on a deadline.

Technorati Tags: Christa Ritchie, Courier Journal, features, print journalists, entertainment, entertainment reporter, reporter, journalist, story ideas, story pitches, public relations, media relations

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The Straight Pitch is a feature surveying media members at various levels of responsibility and influence and asking the general question, “How do you like to be pitched?” To recommend a media member, email us at jason@straightpitch.com. If you are a media member and would like to participate, please visit our media survey online by clicking here.

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