#journchat recap with featured guest New York Times’ Jen Preston

In November 2009, we’ll celebrate our one-year anniversary of #journchat. I can hardly believe it. This past year we’ve had featured guests Steve Brusk, CNN national assignment editor, Richard Laermer, Bad Pitch Blog, Adam Ostrow, editor of Mashable and tonight Jen Preston, social media editor at the New York Times. Thanks to all for joining in this community and IMPROVING the dialogue about the PR, blogging and journalism industries.

A complete recap of tonight’s chat can be found here.

Q1 @NYT_jenpreston Per @CMM_PR In pitching story ideas to mainstream media like NYT, what are best practices PR pros should use?

Jen Preston: Best practices? Get to know the beat reporter. Bring value. Build relationships. Sending releases? Little value.

Follow up to Q1: What are the most common errors people make when pitching/interacting with journalists?

Jen Preston: Common pr errors? Sending unsolicited releases. Unfamiliar w/reporter’s work or publication.

Follow up to Q1: What is the value (if any) in sending News Releases to Mainstream Media?

Jen Preston: Honestly? minimum value

Q2 @NYT_jenpreston: How does the role of social media editor fit with the overall structure of the NYT?

Jen Preston: It’s a new role. Primarily, work w/ fellow journos to expand use of social media. Innovate. Experiment.

Q3 @NYT_jenpreston: What are your thoughts on the press accuracy results? http://people-press.org/report/543/

Jen Preston: Building trust w/readers is vital. Accuracy needs to be top priority for MSM and bloggers.

Q4 @NYT_jenpreston PER @johnathonm What strategy does old media have in place to deal with new media?

Jen Preston: For years, our strategy has been to deliver our quality content on whatever platform our readers enjoy. You want it delivered to yr door? We do it. Fabulous interactive website? We got it. Podcasts? Sure. Via Fax or Email? Got it. We have more than 2 million Twitter subscribers. Question is $$$.

Q5 @NYT_jenpreston What makes a good story (i.e. gives it legs) after the PR stunt is said and done? Can it get addt’l coverage?

Jen Preston: Hmm. what makes a good story after a pr stunt? That assumes stunt was a story? Sorry, I don’t add value here

Q6 PER @tmonhollon How are ethics affected in the newsroom w/ evolution of legacy media, esp. RE: funding, adv & coverage?

Jen Preston: Ethics. Accuracy. Trust. That’s our brand. Our Journalism Ethics Policy is the bible. http://bit.ly/eEcd6

Q7 @NYT_jenpreston PER @ValerieInRke How much does journalist/reporter “observation” play in a news article vs. facts & quotes?

Jen Preston: Despite earnest and sincere efforts to be objective, everyone brings their own experience to the table. How does that affect coverage? In my view, mostly in stories reporters choose to cover.

Q8 @NYT_jenpreston PER @tmonhollon What’s the best way to build a relationship with a NYT reporter? What works?

Jen Preston: Same as Q1.Bring value. READ reporter’s work. Pitch idea (not release) via email. Include links/background. Advice from RT @etanowitz: Q8 (Orlando Sentinel),…read up on the reporter..connect on SM sites, don’t be too pushy at 1st.

Q9 @NYT_jenpreston PER @jasontspencer You mentioned innovating and experimenting. What kind of resistance have you faced?

Jen Preston: Honestly, have encountered ZERO resistance. The troops are leading the way. @brianstelter, @palafo, @jennydeluxe, @stephcliff, @mickimaynard, @timobrien, @jenny8lee, @tomjolly…While we have more journos deeply engaged on SM, it is tough to balance multiple demands and deadlines.

Q10 @NYT_jenpreston PER @LizDueweke What is ur advice for those looking 4 jobs in journalism/social media? How can u show ur qualified?

Jen Preston: Advice on jobs in new media/journalism? Learn to tell a story in print, audio, video. Key? Be a storyteller.

Q11 @NYT_jenpreston PER @MikeLizun How did you start in social media/journ and have past experiences prepared for new role?

Jen Preston: Started as reporter in Philly. Reporting is best job. Most helpful experience for social media role? Most helpful experience? Worked as circulation marketing manager, where focus was serving the reader.

Submitted a question that wasn’t asked? Send it to @PRsarahevans next week when we resume without a featured guest.