Job Opening: PR Intern

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District Media Group (DMG) seeks: an articulate, creative, personable, media-savvy, news junkie for the position of intern for Spring 2021.

A successful intern is able to: work independently, manage time wisely, and communicate effectively with the DMG team. 

A successful intern is able and will be expected to:

  • Monitor the news
  • Draft press statements
  • Assist with pitch writing
  • Pull TV and radio clips and create highlight reels
  • Generate media reports
  • Strategize for brand development on DMG’s social media platforms
  • Build DMG’s following on all social media platforms
  • Draft posts and create graphics for social media

Qualities (preferred, not required):

  • Knowledge of broadcast media
  • Understands news of day and political trends
  • Basic knowledge of social media platforms

The DMG team has over a decade of experience training lawmakers, policy analysts, scholars, authors, reporters, entrepreneurs, and organization leaders to interview on some of the most complex and pressing issues facing our nation and the world. We excel at breaking down complicated and divisive topics to ensure clients receive expert assistance to craft messages that persuade rather than polarize.

Our clients have appeared on national and international broadcast networks including CNBC, Fox News, CNN, BBC News, and NBC to weigh in on timely questions and hot-button topics at critical moments in time.

*This internship opportunity is unpaid and requires the ability to work remotely. 

To apply: send a resume, writing samples and cover letter to info@districtmediagroup.com.

The one gift everyone should have on their list

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Speaking well in public is a gift, and one that you should consider giving this holiday season.

We’ve all been tasked to do it – a presentation at work, speaker introduction at an event, announcements in church, etc. And if you haven’t found yourself behind a mic and in front of a crowd, chances are you will soon.

Yet, it’s true that the average person fears public speaking more than spiders, shark bites, and even death. Just ask Jerry Seinfeld…

This doesn’t have to be true of you or your loved ones, so let us help!

With our combined decades of experience, we’ve helped policy analysts, elected officials, CEO’s, and those brand new to the task polish their public speaking skills so they are confident behind the mic.

Give the gift of communicating well by purchasing a one-on-one public speaking training. (Or forward this email to someone in charge of shopping for you this holiday season!)

Our public speaking training is catered to your level of experience and desire for improvement. From critiquing clips to on-the-spot training and feedback, our team will work to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as strategies to further polish your public speaking style.

Meet DMG’s New DMG

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Every team needs a tough guy, and DMG now has its bully.

Please welcome Dray Mond Green (“Dray”) who is joining the team as Brand Ambassador.

Dray is from rural Virginia, but has set his sights on the big city. As Washington’s latest watchdog, Dray is ready to join in the fight against poor communication.

He’ll contribute to the weekly B² (block and bridge) via a spin-off titled “Bark and Bridge,” as well as sniff out filler words, distracting body language, and bad-for-TV clothes.

Show Dray some love by liking him on Facebook and following on Twitter and Instagram.

Dray can also tag along to media trainings for no extra charge, just smiles.

But don’t let the cuteness fool you, this bulldog is all business when it comes to unleashing your best self. Watch out, DC.

B²: Planned Parenthood

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“Crush” is on repeat in the news cycle. This descriptive word alone is damning – but combined with the cavalier tone used to explain Planned Parenthood’s abortion practices? Well…that has placed pro-abortion advocates on the defensive.

On Sunday, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards appeared on This Week with George Stephanopoulos to justify their practices. She deflected questions and instead focused on claims that the videos were “heavily edited” and even said the filmmaker is “part of the most militant wing of the anti-abortion movement that has been behind the bombing of clinics, the murder of doctors in their homes, and in their churches.”

This type of diversion is common when someone is caught red handed. And it can easily trip you up by causing you to focus on how the videos originated instead of their content, which is the sticking point for most Americans – pro-life and pro-abortion alike.

So, how do you champion a winning narrative?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards has repeatedly said the videos are “heavily edited,” so is this just another rightwing attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade?”

B²: “Though hard to watch, anyone who has seen the footage knows it speaks for itself. And most Americans, whether pro-life or pro-abortion, agree that <insert talking point>.”

Whether you focus on the ethical issues surrounding the selling of fetal tissue or the use of tax dollars to support it, stick to the content of the video. Getting into a debate about the legality of the videos (unless you are an attorney) or the likelihood of the right wing conspiracy’s involvement will get you nowhere…fast.

There is common ground – most Americans are deeply disturbed by what is taking place at Planned Parenthood – so lead with it.  If you do, you’ll find yourself a winning narrative.

Vocals Matter: Howard Dean vs. Edward Snowden

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In 2004, Howard Dean effectively ended his campaign for the democratic nomination when he gave the infamous “I have a scream” speech.

His campaign wasn’t over because of his platform.  He didn’t use words he shouldn’t have.  His campaign was over because of the way he used his voice.  That scream, which was replayed over and over, made him sound crazy.  Essentially, Howard Dean didn’t seem presidential.

Now, to Edward Snowden.  Whether a traitor or a hero, one thing is true – he was in control of his first U.S. TV interview.

He didn’t rush his words.  He didn’t raise his voice.  He calmly but strongly defended his actions.  His vocal delivery alone made him sound sane instead of crazy.

How you use your voice matters.

  • If you sound angry (and it isn’t for a good reason), people won’t like you.
  • If you sound defensive, people won’t trust you.
  • If you speak too quickly, people will think you’re nervous (and possibly have something to hide).

How you say something is just as important as what you say.  Don’t make the same mistake as Howard Dean.