Learn how using newsroom tactics for great storytelling can enhance branded content. Former TV journalist, Mikaela Hunt, shares her top tips.
Mikaela Hunt is an award-winning journalist that spent nearly 17 years in TV news and traveling around the country, working in every seat from producer to anchor. She’s interviewed everyone from President Obama to Jane Pauley and Mario Lopez. Most recently she co-anchored a morning newscast on the NBC affiliate here in Columbus, but this summer she embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur when she started a website that focuses on business, buzz worthy topics, and building a better life: www.mikaelahunt.com. Mikaela is also working as a brand journalist, helping companies tell their stories through videos that explore their innovations, their unique cultures, and philanthropic efforts. Mikaela is a mom of two boys who loves to support reading initiatives. You’ll find her online a lot during the day, a Social Media Butterfly in Central Ohio.
Think Like A Journalist Quote
Broadcast TV is like the landline of 20 years ago. –Reed Hastings, Co-Founder & CEO, Netflix
Success Quote
It’s all about finding your Authentic Story. “Be yourself.” –Oscar Wilde
Career Highlight
I started this business from nothing in mid-July after interviewing countless people in my community about what companies were missing. I found out video storytelling makes companies a bit nervous because of cost and the measure of return on investment. As of this month, I have 6 clients between video, voiceover, and social media management. I am working on my first video series with one of them. My goal was to get in front of one person every day in that first month and absorb as much information from them as I could. I spoke with everyone from online startup companies to production companies and a major U.S. financial institution and everything in between. Ask the people in your life to help you– connect through your knowledge of community and be present to things you may not notice. Look for stories right in front of you that need to be told.
When It Didn’t Work!
There are job proposals I’ve outlined and priced that I didn’t get, but I remind myself that it’s difficult to understand the pace the business world moves in compared to the news industry when it comes to video and social media strategy. I continued to believe that my passion for people, writing, and video would come through and bring me the right clients. I spend half an hour of quiet time every morning centering myself on that thought and preparing for the day ahead.
Using Newsroom Tactics For Great Storytelling
- Have meetings with your staff to brainstorm for stories.
- Keep it short and simple.
- Focus on a unique story.
- Keep your content light, lively, and engaging.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Have a social media manager to help discover stories and actively listen online.
Multimedia Resource
I really need my Joby. It also connects to my camera that I use for my website for quick sponsored content stories/video shoots.
Podcast
Chalene Johnson–Build Your Tribe Podcast
Mentioned In This Episode
Contact
Mikaela Hunt LinkedIn Profile
Thanks For Listening
I know that you have many choices when it comes to listening to podcasts. So, I want to say THANK YOU for choosing The Brand Journalism Advantage.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.
Also, I would love a review…it just takes a minute to share your opinion and rating for the The Brand Journalism Advantage podcast on iTunes. Your review means a lot to me and helps others find my show. The reviews also help with ranking of this show and they reviews are always read by me.
Please remember to subscribe to The Brand Journalism Advantage on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live!
