About a year ago I read a feature story in the Wall Street Journal. It was about a new trend -- baby showers that were being thrown for grandmothers.

The article was terrific -- newsy, entertaining and informative. It was subsequently featured as a reprint in my local newspaper, and I'm sure in many other newspapers.

I remember thinking (of course, being in the publicity business, this is the kind of stuff I think about) that this was a prime example of the quality of stories in the Wall Street Journal, and a major reason for the popularity of this newspaper.

As a long-time reader of the Wall Street Journal (I was required to subscribe to it in college as a Finance Major), I am very familiar with the publication. And it allows me to pitch stories better, because I know the types of stories that are covered.

When clients tell me they want to be on Oprah, I ask them, "Have you watched Oprah lately?" Nine out of 10 say no.

My point is this: If you really want to have a great chance at getting coverage in a specific media outlet, you should be really familiar with that outlet. As the reader, or listener, or viewer, you are in a unique position to understand what you like and don't like. And the media people will respect the fact that you are pitching them a story that their audience will be interested in.