Making the Headlines: How to Catch the Media’s Attention

What to Expect

Ever wondered what makes a journalist stop scrolling? Or what turns your story from “maybe later” into “let’s run it”?

Join us for a morning of media insight and practical tips with guest speaker and Jennymount Business Park tenant Kim Kelly, news reader at U105, experienced broadcast commentator, and editor of Local Women Magazine.

Kim will share what it takes to get featured – from press releases that stand out, to real-life stories that resonate with editors and listeners alike.

She’ll reveal how journalists spot a great story, what gets binned instantly, and what you can do to make sure your message cuts through the noise.

You’ll also hear from event host Tina Calder, journalist and comms strategist and founder of Excalibur Press, who will walk you through the fundamentals of DIY PR – including how to write your first press release, pitch your business to the media, and build lasting relationships with journalists.

In This Session You’ll learn:

• What journalists and editors actually look for in a story
• The most common mistakes businesses make when reaching out to the media
• How to craft a press pitch that grabs attention
• How to build media relationships that last
• The secret to turning everyday business activity into media gold

Plus:

Everyone will get a chance to introduce themselves, share what they do, and – if they wish – in a supportive and relaxed setting. No pressure, no jargon, and no judgement.

Whether you’re just starting out with PR or want to get better at being seen and heard, this event will give you the tools and confidence to tell your story with impact.

Meet Your Speakers

Kim Kelly - Local Women Magazine

Kim Kelly is the editor of Northern Ireland’s only women’s magazine - Local Women Magazine. She is a news reader on U105 radio and an award-winning feature writer.

Kim is a regular contributor to local and national radio and television and she is host of the Keeping An Eye On It podcast.

Kim previously worked as a showbiz journalist in London and has interviewed celebrities across the globe from Bill Clinton to Beyoncé

Tina Calder

Tina Calder is a journalist-turned-strategist with almost 30 years of experience in media, PR, marketing, and content creation. As founder and Chief Vision Officer of Excalibur Press, she now helps businesses craft compelling messages, boost their visibility, and drive growth.

From reporting for titles like the Daily Mirror and Belfast Telegraph to broadcasting on BBC, U105, and Belfast 247, Tina has built a career around powerful storytelling. Today, she specialises in sales copywriting, brand strategy, and AI-led marketing – delivering training, mentoring, and speaking sessions across Northern Ireland.

Tina is also the founder of Entrepreneurs Unleashed, a business events and support company, and an experienced mentor for programmes including Go Succeed and ASK.

A passionate advocate for creative thinking and straight-talking strategy, Tina brings a no-nonsense, practical approach to helping entrepreneurs communicate with confidence.

Meet Your Sponsors

Jennymount Business Park

Jennymount Business Park is a modern, accessible commercial hub located in North Belfast.Home to a diverse range of businesses, the park offers flexible office, studio, and industrial units with secure, affordable facilities.It provides a supportive environment for start-ups, SMEs, and growing enterprises seeking a well-connected base.

https://jennymount.co.uk/

Local Women Magaine

Local Women magazine is Northern Ireland's leading glossy publication for the female market. Set up 14 years ago to give women a voice, the magazine - which has five localised editions - has gone from strength to strength, covering everything from real life features to fashion to food and everything in between. The editions take in every corner of Northern Ireland - Belfast and the Greater Belfast area, Co Down and parts of Armagh, Mid Ulster, the North Coast and Derry and its surrounding areas. Local Women is put together by a dedicated team of talented creatives who work across photography, editorial, design, advertising, website, marketing and accounts. Each edition is jam-packed with vibrant features on inspirational and interesting women, photo-shoots, colourful advertorials, reviews, weddings and social pages. Local Women provides a platform for women from all walks of life to share their stories with our readers, both in print and online.

https://localwomenmagazine.com/

Excalibur Press

Excalibur Press is a Belfast-based media and marketing agency specialising in helping entrepreneurs and organisations tell their story, build visibility, and drive results.

From AI-powered marketing to thought leadership, training, and copywriting, Excalibur Press delivers no-nonsense, strategic support.

https://excaliburpress.co.uk/