Master Class #129: Standing Out in a Crowded Holiday News Cycle
The days right after Thanksgiving mark one of the noisiest moments in the media calendar. Black Friday, holiday shopping, travel trends, charitable giving, year-end wrap-ups—every organization is trying to make headlines at the same time.
But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can break through. Getting media attention during the holiday season isn’t about being louder; it’s about being smarter, more relevant, and perfectly timed.
How to earn media coverage during the holiday rush:
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Find the seasonal angle: Reporters are actively looking for holiday tie-ins—community impact, generosity, safety, local business stories, and human-interest angles.
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Be hyper-local: National outlets may be swamped, but local newsrooms are eager for stories about how the season affects your community.
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Move fast: Reporters have tight deadlines and reduced staffing. Be ready with quotes, visuals, and data on short notice.
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Lean into expertise: Offer timely guidance—such as safety advice, shopping insights, charitable trends, or travel tips—based on your organization’s strengths.
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Plan for the post-holiday lull: Right after the initial rush, journalists often have space to fill. Pitch thoughtful, non-seasonal stories for early December.
If you can connect your message to what people are already thinking about this time of year, you become part of the holiday conversation.
At Jaffe Communications, we help organizations navigate even the busiest news cycles with strategic, timely, and compelling storytelling. If you want to make sure your message shines through the holiday noise, we’re ready to help you do it.
THE NEW 60
A Jaffe Exclusive
by Andy Landorf & John Colquhoun
