How to Pitch Indian Media Like a PR Pro (And Get Featured)
With over 900 million digital media consumers in India by 2025 (according to the FICCI-EY 2024 Media & Entertainment Report), brands are competing not just for consumer attention but for editorial relevance.
But here’s the truth: most brands still rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all press releases. That no longer works.
If you want to appear in The Times of India, YourStory, NDTV, CNBC-TV18, or Forbes India, you need a strategic PR approach, journalist-first storytelling, and an earned media mindset.
Here’s how to pitch like a PR pro and actually get featured.v
Why Media Coverage in India Matters More Than Ever
A compelling media story builds 5X more trust than paid ads, as per the PRCAI 2024 State of the Industry Report. In a world of misinformation and advertising fatigue, earned media—unpaid editorial mentions—serves as social proof and credibility currency.
Strong media coverage leads to:
- Higher investor interest
- Better consumer trust
- Increased inbound traffic
- Improved SEO and search authority
- Long-term brand positioning
But cracking the code of Indian media requires local context, strategic storytelling, and precision outreach.
Understanding the 2025 Indian Media Ecosystem
India’s media landscape is multilingual, cross-platform, and more fragmented than ever. It includes:
- Legacy Print & Digital: The Economic Times, Business Standard, The Hindu Business Line, Mint
- Broadcast: CNBC-TV18, NDTV Profit, Aaj Tak, Republic TV
- New-Age Digital: YourStory, Inc42, LinkedIn Thought Leadership, Josh Talks, and YouTube-first interviews
With platforms now integrating short-form, regional, and visual-first content, the challenge isn’t access—it’s relevance.
Case Study: A Fintech Brand That Made the Headlines
A high-growth fintech startup from Mumbai had the numbers—revenue, traction, and Series A funding—but lacked media visibility. Investors weren’t aware, and customers lacked trust.
Enter Wing Communication. (Visit site)
We crafted a custom PR strategy that included:
- A trend-driven pitch connecting their work to India’s digital financial inclusion narrative
- Exclusive media angles around UPI integration and loan disbursement efficiency
- Executive profiling of the founder for fintech roundtable interviews
- Press releases backed by verifiable data
- One-on-one pitching to financial journalists at The Economic Times, Business Standard, and CNBC-TV18
Result:
- Coverage in 3 major outlets
- 60% increase in investor inquiries
- 120% rise in website traffic
Brand mentions shared widely on LinkedIn and Twitter
5 PR Best Practices to Pitch Indian Media in 2025
1. Build a Narrative, Not a Product Plug
Your product is just one part of the story. Journalists care about why now, who benefits, and what impact it has on the sector.
Tip: Tie your pitch to ongoing national conversations—AI, sustainability, women-led businesses, fintech inclusion, etc.
2. Research the Right Journalist
Don’t blast the same pitch to 100 reporters. It’s ineffective and unprofessional.
Use LinkedIn and Twitter to find journalists who cover your beat
Reference their previous articles in your email
Suggest an angle they haven’t yet explored
3. Include Exclusive Data and Visuals
Data builds authority. Visuals increase pickup.
Example: Include market stats (e.g., “Digital lending in India crossed ₹2 lakh crore in FY24 – RBI”) and proprietary insights or customer results.
Attach infographics, founder headshots, and product visuals.
4. Position Your Founder as a Thought Leader
Journalists often want expert voices, not corporate jargon.
Pitch your founder for guest columns (Forbes India, ET Prime), podcast features (Finshots, The Signal Daily), or panel discussions (LinkedIn Live, Josh Talks).
5. Follow Up—But Thoughtfully
Timing matters. If you don’t hear back in 2–3 days, follow up once—briefly. Sometimes, good stories get missed in the noise.
Your follow-up email should remind them of the value, not guilt-trip them into replying.
Top Mistakes to Avoid While Pitching
- Mass mailers or BCC-ing journalists
- Overhyping or making unverifiable claim
- Ignoring local language media in Tier 2 & 3 outrea
- Pitching outdated stories or generic product launches
- Forgetting multimedia support (images, video, data decks)
Why Wing Communication is the Right PR Partner for India
At Wing Communication, we blend journalistic insight with brand strategy to craft pitches that resonate. Our deep media relationships, real-time media monitoring tools, and narrative-first approach help clients cut through the clutter.
We specialize in:
- Targeted media outreach (500+ journalists across India)
- Founder profiling and industry panel placements
- Data-driven content and SEO-friendly releases
- Hybrid PR campaigns (digital + traditional + regional)
Whether you’re a startup raising funds or an MNC launching in India, Wing helps you speak the media’s language.
