For public relations interns and professionals, media lists are an essential tool for making and maintaining relationships with the media. Before you can pitch to a potential client or media outlet for coverage, you must first compile a list. Using an Excel spreadsheet is the best way to keep your list organized.

Public relations professionals can afford to purchase a list from various sites, such as easymedialists.com. But, for interns and those who are PR newbies may find themselves researching the information first and then putting the list together.

Putting a list together is not as easy as it may seem. The first column should include the name, followed by the URL, contact name, email, Twitter handle and telephone number. Once you have named each column, you can begin your research.

There are free sites that give information regarding newspapers, radio and television outlets. One is called usnpl.com, it is a great site to look up top newspapers, news stations, radio, etc. From there, you can access the site and find what you need.

Once you complete your list, you can now use it to pitch to potential clients and/or media outlets on behalf of your clients. It is also best to include a column with the dates you have pitched.

Lastly, some PR people are hesitant to SHARE their lists. In this business it is all about networking and a part of that means helping people when they come to you. It’s just a list, perhaps they are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to compile a list in an hour, or may be they are just starting out and need an example. Either way, sharing is caring!

PR Love Always,

Lynn