INDUSTRY PROFILES

Caitlin Cherry - Media

Caitlin Cherry - Media
Q. Give us a snapshot of your career to date and an overview of your current role?
I’ve done a bit of everything; some TV, general radio reporting, producing for Morning Report, Chief Reporting, then 9 years as a Senior Producer on Nine to Noon, before moving into the role of Executive Producer of Afternoons and The Panel on RNZ. The Director of Content role is a new one here at RNZ and involves leading the RNZ National live listening team, managing the talk format and day-parts content, including multimedia. This includes RNZ’s weekday shows running between 9am and 5pm, as well as evening and weekend programmes.
Q. What are you looking for from PRs – and what kind of pitch would get an immediate response?
Best they pitch to each show directly – with targeting content suiting that show’s format and style.
Q. Do you prefer email or phone pitches, and what is the best time of day/day of the week to catch you?
Email!
Q. During your career, what has your experience been like working with PRs?
There are some very good and highly experienced PR’s with whom I have a great relationship – they pitch great stories and know which shows suit different interviews. They are efficient, organised and know what is required.
I find it frustrating when a newer PR person clearly knows nothing about the show they are pitching to. Always good to do your research first!
Q. Do you attend many media events and if so, what kind?
I occasionally attend such events, depending on my availability.
Q. If you weren't doing what you do now… what would you be doing?
If I could do it all again I would love to be an ornithologist! I love birds! I recommend David Attenborough’s piece on the Bower bird and its mating dance, which you can find on you tube. It’s quite glorious!
Q. Your Socials: (Twitter)