Michael Wilson

"Be patient"

Michael Kavanagh is the Assistant News Editor on the UK companies' desk of the Financial Times. The desk is responsible for commissioning and editing a wide range of news and analysis covering the UK corporate sector including mergers and acquisitions, results, restructurings and the impact of regulation on UK business. Michael has previously worked on FT.com's news desk, overseeing a wide range of international, national and business news published online. Before the FT, Michael worked on staff and freelanced for a wide range of UK business titles.

Michael Kavanagh's Key Points

Michael explained that he never checks the fax or post when sourcing stories, however he does actively view newswires and websites. Receiving hundreds of e-mails a day, Michael outlined the following key issues:

DO DON'T
Mention that pictures are available, wait for journalist to solicit the sending of these. Target the wrong people
Use English, even if your client doesn't want to Don't send attachment heavy e-mails.
Say what the company does. Use too much jargon.