Published February 9, 2024

As public relations professionals, our ability to build media relationships is crucial in shaping the narrative around our clients. This is especially true as tech continues to disrupt industries, leaving people to catch up.

The marketing and advertising industry has been one of the most impacted. First, it was broadcast ads, print, and sponsorship; then display. Since then we’ve moved on to programmatic, YouTube, social media, streaming, audio, media and agency consolidation, and more.

Does it also feel to you like every week brings a new tiny revolution?

What hasn’t changed is that there are top advertising and marketing reporters at the forefront of industry insights. And understanding their preferences and POVs is key to securing coverage.

Let’s explore some of these reporters.

5 Advertising and Marketing Reporters to Know

Kimeko McCoy

Kimeko is a Senior Marketing Reporter at Digiday who covers media buying, ad spending, and marketing strategy. Kimeko recently became the new co-host of the Digiday Podcast alongside media editor Kayleigh Barber. She is a pleasure to collaborate with – whether she’s currently working on something related to my pitch or not, I can always count on Kimeko to provide feedback on my pitches, keep my client in her back pocket, or simply touch base! Make sure to keep up with her hilarious tweets on X.

Take a look at Kimeko’s coverage of our client First Tube Media and their take on experiential marketing here.

Peter Adams

Peter is the Senior Reporter of Marketing Dive, whom I worked with during my first year at Carve and got to meet in person at Advertising Week New York! Peter writes about the latest news and industry trends in marketing and advertising, highlighting top experts in areas like streaming, food, and beverage. When not writing about the latest PR stints from household brands like Target and Pop-Tart, Peter is making efforts to catch up on TV shows and movies he hasn't watched yet (aren’t we all?)

PRO TIP: Face-to-face time with reporters develops stronger connections!! If you live near a reporter, try to get on their calendar for coffee or lunch!

Take a look at Peter’s most recent stories here.

Garett Sloane

Garett is a seasoned ad and marketing reporter and is currently the Chief Technology Reporter at Ad Age. Before joining Ad Age, Garett worked at influential advertising industry publications including Digiday and Adweek – and even the New York Post as a Technology Business Reporter. You can find him covering digital trends for brands to watch in AI, marketing activations brands need to know right now, and even a closer look at Super Bowl advertising.

Take a look at Garett’s coverage of our client Triller and their rise amongst the competition here.

Allison Schiff

Allison is the Managing Editor at AdExchanger where she covers the latest trends surrounding what’s driving digital advertising today and beyond. Her favorite type of story is one that lets her get into the weeds and learn something new. She also hosts AdExchanger Talks podcast, where she interviews individuals who are transforming digital advertising and media.

PRO TIP: Journalists are vocal about how, when, where, and what they’re pitched. Keep an eye on their social platforms to catch their personalized tips. For example, Allison shared to make sure to NOT start your pitch referencing a story she wrote 3 years ago. Instead, take the time to look at her most recent work and make sure that she’s a fit for your story or the angle you’re pitching – build that connection!

Take a look at Allison’s most recent stories here.

Jack O’Brien

Jack is the Digital Editor at MM+M where he curates features focused on healthcare marketing. He also helps produce the MM+M Agency 100 Report. Whenever I reach out to share news with Jack, I can always count on him to respond and let me know if he’s working on anything related for his new column, The Third M. Make sure to follow along on his podcast and “Five Things for Pharma Marketers to Know” weekly roundups.

Take a look at Jack’s coverage of our client Health Monitor Network’s new team addition here.

PRO TIP: Nowadays, many reporters are creating their own newsletters, podcasts, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for them and subscribe. Not only will this keep you in the loop on what they’re covering, but also give you a taste of how they want to be pitched, what they’re looking for, and what will get you sent to the “blocked” list.

Remember, the collaboration between PR pros and reporters (beyond just advertising and marketing reporters) is not just about crafting a compelling story—it's about fostering a relationship, understanding their beat, and offering valuable insights that go “above and beyond.” Happy pitching!

Advertising and Marketing Reporters to Know