The Female Freelancers Federation (FFF), led by Elizabeth Osayande, on May 27, organized its 3rd edition of Media Expose, titled “Gaining Global Relevance via Pitching,” in the ever-evolving world of journalism.
Although the webinar was open to all genders, it predominantly attracted female freelance journalists eager to learn about pitching from the award-winning journalist, Kofoworola Belo- Osagie.
Shortly after an applaudable citation of Belo-Osagie, she said, “We are in the best of times; a lot has changed in journalism with the advancement of technology.”
The seasoned journalist urged attendees to write stories that evoke the same emotions they experienced while covering them. Drawing from her extensive experience, she emphasized that readers cherish stories that depict human interest and evoke feelings.
She encouraged female freelancers to pay careful attention to their stories by following the editing process after writing while taking pride in their bylines.
The experienced journalist advised young journalists to pursue free courses for self-enhancement, embrace networking, enter their stories for awards, and prioritize volunteering. She explained that volunteering provides a platform to showcase their abilities and invest in themselves.
The nearly two-hour webinar concluded with the renowned journalist providing insights into story pitching and outlining a pitch format. Osagie highlighted the importance of researching the story idea before pitching it, as some stories may not be feasible in the long run. She also stressed the necessity of ensuring that the pitch is worth funding.
Budgeting, synopsis, and intended means of publication were cited as key components of a standard pitch format. In response to a participant’s question about the significance of budgeting, Belo-Osagie explained that each pitch requires expenses such as accommodation, phone calls, equipment, interpreters, logistics, and more.
