Joe Vazquez Shares What Reporters Actually Want

Everyone wants media coverage. But most people pitch reporters the wrong way. On a recent episode of The Financial Sandbox, veteran Bay Area reporter Joe Vasquez shared what he learned after 35 years in television news. His biggest advice? Stop pitching what you want to say and start thinking about what makes a real story. According to Joe, reporters are not looking for a commercial. They are looking for: A real problem A surprising angle A human story Something people care about right now As Joe explained, "Everybody has a story. Sometimes it just takes someone skilled to find the best way to tell it." That means if you want media coverage, do not lead with: "We are excited to announce…" Instead, lead with: Why this matters now Who is affected What is surprising or unusual What problem you solve The person behind the story Joe said the best stories often come from small business owners because they are close to what people are actually experiencing. If you are a business owner, financial advisor, real estate professional, or entrepreneur, ask yourself: What would make someone stop scrolling? Maybe it is the client who almost made a costly mistake. Maybe it is the trend nobody is talking about. Maybe it is the one thing you are seeing every day that everyone else is missing. That is the story. And remember: reporters are busy. They are on deadlines. They do not want a page of buzzwords and company jargon. They want: One strong headline A few sentences that explain why it matters A real person they can interview Facts, not hype The easier you make it for a reporter to see the story, the better chance you have of getting coverage. Because great media coverage is not about getting attention. It is about giving people a reason to care. About Joe Vazquez Former Emmy Award-winning reporter, storyteller coach, and communications professional, Joe Vasquez has spent his career helping people find—and tell—the stories that matter most. After more than three decades in television news, Joe is now known for helping business leaders, organizations, and entrepreneurs communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact. A dad, mentor, and leader, Joe is especially passionate about storytelling through video and about building bridges between the news media and the public relations world. He has a gift for helping people uncover the human side of their message and turning complex ideas into stories people care about. Today, Joe works with clients to sharpen their communication, strengthen their presence on camera, and connect more effectively with their audiences. Above all, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of storytellers.   ## The information herein has been prepared for educational purposes only. Securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance offered through Concorde Insurance Agency Inc. (CIA). Thornwood Financial is independent of CIS and CIA. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thornwood Financial, Concorde Investment Services or any other affiliated entity.