The Struggle to Gain Media Attention If You’re Unknown — and How to Get Recognized

Gini Graham Scott
3 min readJan 22, 2024
A Publicist Talks to a Journalist about a Client’s Story

In an age where the media is saturated with celebrity news and viral content, unknown individuals and their publicists often find themselves fighting an uphill battle to capture the attention of the press. Recent trends and examples highlight the struggle of those without fame or established reputations in getting their stories heard, sometimes even facing outright rejection or insult for their attempts.

The Challenge of Being Heard: Real Examples of Struggles and Dismissal

Recent incidents have brought to light the challenges faced by lesser-known individuals and their publicists in the media landscape.

In one notable instance, a publicist representing a local community activist promoting a neighborhood initiative was met with condescending remarks from a major news outlet, undermining the importance of grassroots stories.

In another case, a freelance writer with a compelling personal story faced repeated rejections from editors stating they only prioritize ‘recognizable names’ or ‘viral-worthy content.’

And one publicist experienced a journalist raging at her when she called to follow-up about a release she had recently sent about an author with a memoir about her struggles to become successful after a…

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Gini Graham Scott

GINI GRAHAM SCOTT, Ph.D., J.D., is a nationally known writer, consultant, speaker, and seminar leader, who has published over 200 books.