Pitch me: Beth Duckett

By on October 2nd, 2009 In Pitching

Name: Beth Duckett

Title: Northeast Valley towns and Scottsdale business reporter.

Outlet: Scottsdale Republic

Website: www.scottsdalerepublic.com

Phone: 602-444-NEWS (6397)

Email: beth.duckett@arizonarepublic.com

1. What are your primary duties and responsibilities?

I cover Town Council meetings, business issues and just about everything else in the Carefree, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills’ areas. In addition, I write about small businesses in north Scottsdale and the occasional fashion or nightlife story. In 2010, I’ll be covering the Congressional District 5 election.

2. What kinds of stories are you looking for?

I’m looking for anything related to Carefree, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills. I love business profiles, so if you have an interesting or captivating biz-related story, that’s perfect. I prefer stories that are timely and relevant to our readers, who tend to be older and educated.

3. What is the best way to approach you with a pitch?

Send me an email. Make it simple. I love it when PR professionals write me a background that is several sentences long to give me an overall view of what the story is, then attach a press release with basic info. Phone calls are OK, but I admit I’m bad about returning them when I’m swamped.

4. What other recommendations do you have for PR professionals?

Don’t overburden your clients. If they don’t call you back immediately, they’re probably out on assignment or inundated with breaking news. Luckily, this hardly ever happens (to me, at least). Also, journalists are good about seeing through the fluff. Be honest and forthright and try not to spin it too much.

5. What is the weirdest/strangest pitch you have ever received?

Oh geez. This is a hard one because I’ve had so many interesting pitches. I suppose it was the time PETA was protesting a bug eating contest in Phoenix. It was actually the people putting on the contest who called me about it, so they were obviously trying to get some PR. Most of us thought it was over-the-top.

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