Newsjacking by David Meerman Scott Summary

Newsjacking teaches how to inject your brand or ideas into breaking news stories to gain media coverage. The book emphasizes real-time execution, leveraging tools like keyword monitoring and social media to capitalize on trending topics. Scott provides case studies (e.g., Rick Perry, Paris Hilton) and actionable strategies for becoming a credible source during fast-moving news cycles.

Marketing professionals, PR teams, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to amplify brand visibility through timely media engagement. The book is ideal for readers who want to learn how to align their messaging with current events or crises to attract journalists and audiences.

Yes—it’s a concise (76-page), tactical guide packed with real-world examples and step-by-step methods. Readers gain insights into monitoring breaking news, crafting rapid responses, and avoiding common pitfalls. The emphasis on speed and preparation makes it a practical resource for modern media strategies.

1. Monitor keywords using tools like Google Alerts to track breaking news.
2. Act swiftly to contribute unique insights before the story peaks.
3. Engage journalists by providing credible, relevant angles to their coverage.

Scott stresses pre-planning angles and practicing rapid-response workflows.

• “Newsjacking is powerful, but only when executed in real time.”
• “The quick actions require prior knowledge and planned tactics.”

These lines underscore the critical role of timeliness and preparation in successful newsjacking.

The book highlights Google Alerts, blog search engines, and Twitter tracking to identify breaking stories. Scott advises refining search terms with Boolean operators and consulting professionals to optimize keyword lists for accuracy.

Some argue newsjacking risks appearing opportunistic or inauthentic if not aligned with brand values. Critics note that outdated examples (e.g., 2012 case studies) may require readers to adapt strategies to modern platforms like TikTok or AI-driven analytics.

Scott parallels newsjacking with crisis response tactics, urging brands to maintain pre-drafted messaging templates and media relationships. This enables quick pivots to address negative stories or leverage positive ones, blending proactive and reactive PR.

Case studies range from political figures (Rick Perry’s debate gaffe) to celebrities (Paris Hilton’s jail sentence). Each example dissects how timely interventions, like supplying journalists with quotes or data, generated disproportionate media attention.

Timeliness refers to acting within the first 1–4 hours of a story breaking. Scott argues this window offers the highest ROI, as journalists scramble for sources and audiences are most engaged. Delayed responses often fail to gain traction.

Yes—Scott emphasizes that newsjacking is accessible to all sizes. Small businesses can niche down (e.g., localizing national stories) or focus on hyper-specific industry trends. The key is agility and offering unique perspectives that larger brands overlook.

While The New Rules focuses on broader digital strategies, Newsjacking drills into real-time tactics. It complements his earlier work by adding urgency and specificity, making it a playbook for capitalizing on fleeting media opportunities.