Nothing makes an impact like meedia coverage.

Learn how to get your share.

Nothing delivers more bang for buck, credibility or influence than media coverage. It’s time to become your own publicist.

How else can you reach 80,000 people (or maybe 800,000) at no cost while enjoying the kudos that media coverage brings?

After creating 1000+ media hits for clients Brett de Hoedt of Hootville Communications knows that media coverage is not for other people, businesses or issues. It’s for you.

He’s a former journalist, producer and publicist who still racks up coverage for clients on complex and niche issues weekly.

You don’t have to be a celebrity or controversy-seeker to secure print, radio and television coverage that will dramatically build your profile, influence and sales.

Media Savvy, the course for publicists, PR and media relations professionals gives you the skills you need.

The Media Savvy workshop agenda

  • Why bother?

    The unbeatable ROI of gaining media coverage

    Media coverage vs other communications options

    Why everybody is worthy of media coverage - including you.

    Embracing your inner media tart.

  • What media wants from you

    What it takes to get a “yes” from your story idea.

    Creating a media savvy culture within your organisation.

  • Finding your stories

    You are sitting on untapped media potential so we’ll ‘audit’ you for story ideas: milestones, anniversaries, awareness weeks, annual events, report releases, political developments, conferences, awards, surveys and many more.

  • Deciding your issues & expertise

    What will you talk about?

    What will you say about these issues?

    Plan your spokespeople, case studies, data and key messages.

  • Story packaging

    Media wants more than an idea - they want a package that includes expertise, data, case studies, visuals, clever timing and more.

    Packaging can be the difference between a yes and a no.

  • Media releases

    Media releases still play a part in your media relations.

    We’ll show you exactly how to write an effective media release in the least amount of time .

    Lots of real world examples good and bad.

  • The pitch

    Picking up the phone to a journalist is the moment of truth.

    Practice pitching your story idea to a busy, harried journalist.

    Avoid being the sort of publicist that makes journalists roll their eyes.

  • Building media relationships

    You don’t need to wine and dine the media.

    We’ll look at how to identify and connect to the right journalists. We’ll also explore how the media eco-system works.

  • Specific media options for you

    Throughout the workshop we’ll be coming up with specific angles, media targets and story inspiration.

    You might even get to pitch your story mid-workshop.

  • Media friendly events

    Don’t let your next conference, exhibition or open day pass without using it to gain media coverage.

  • Media friendly websites

    Journalists will quickly assess you via your website and social media.

    How can you signal that you are ready to talk?

  • Crisis media

    A well executed crisis media plan will dampen or even extinguish the fire.

    Be ready for the media when the proverbial hits the fan.

  • Pre-interview preparation

    Briefing your journalist to influence the interview.

    The questions to ask beforehand.

    Preparing your spokesperson.

  • Planning your next 12 months

    Map out the media coverage you want to get and start planning how to get it.

  • Whatever you need

    Brett is very flexible in what he delivers so there’s always room for your issues and plentiful Q&A.

Group in meeting room await digital communications training.

Who is this for?

Independent professionals, SMEs, campaigners, educational institutions, nonprofits and community groups of all sizes. If you want to influence decisionmakers call us today.

Media Savvy is especially suited to people who have no or limited exposure to the media. If engaging an external publicist is a luxury you can’t afford, this is for you.

Brett is often engaged by peak bodies and networks to deliver training to a batch of their members. (This is a great way to deliver value to your members.)

Why Brett de Hoedt?

Brett de Hoedt of Hootville Commuications has helped over 1000 clients - typically organisations with tight budgets and limited exposure to the world of media.

Many of his clients want to influence debate and set an agenda.

His energetic and practical training style gains rave reviews.

Get to know him via his YouTube, TikTok and Instagram channels. He’s rather active on LinkedIn.

Follow-up coaching

The workshop is just the beginning. Brett follows up his Media Savvy training with 12 months of unlimited coaching. It’s all part of the deal.

Nobody else offers this.

Coaching means that you have advice, review, second opinions, referrals on tap all year long.

Just pick up the phone and pick Brett’s brain.

Suddenly this workshop ROI is unbeatable.