Show Notes
Guest: Ashleigh Gleeson, National Health Editor, News Corp Australia
Host: Liz Nable
Ashleigh Gleeson oversees health content across the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, and Adelaide Advertiser. With 14+ years in journalism spanning federal politics, courts, crime, and education (plus stints as chief of staff at the Herald Sun and deputy chief of staff at the Daily Telegraph), she now leads a digitally focused health section launched 14 months ago that prioritises relatable, audience-led storytelling over traditional clinical reporting.
This episode is a masterclass in what one of Australia's most influential health editors actually wants in her inbox. Ashleigh breaks down the topics driving massive reader engagement, the pitching mistakes that get you ignored, and why playing the long game with journalists pays off more than 100 generic emails ever will.
Key Topics:
Health Reporting Evolution: Shift from clinical, formulaic coverage to personal, relatable, audience-led storytelling. News Corp's health section is test-and-learn, guided by analytics and digital engagement data.
What's Clicking Right Now: Perimenopause/menopause (can't-get-enough territory), weight loss and weight loss drugs, fertility/IVF, dementia prevention, mental health/happiness, and everyday health issues like cholesterol and heart health.
New Story Formats: Diary-style pieces (quitting social media for two weeks), Breaking Bad series (quitting alcohol, caffeine, energy drinks), first-person experiences that readers can see themselves in.
Pitching That Works: Lead with the hook/headline in the first two lines. Include strong case studies with photos and video availability. Show you've read the masthead and tailored the pitch. One targeted pitch beats 100 generic emails.
Pitching Mistakes to Avoid: Burying the hook under too much backstory. Sending generic mass pitches (journalists can always tell). Not being available or responsive when a journalist says yes. Pitching case studies who aren't actually available for interview.
The Case Study Goldmine: Finding case studies is one of the hardest, most time-intensive parts of journalism. If you can be a reliable source who responds fast and delivers people willing to share their story (with photos, on deadline), journalists will never forget you.
Playing the Long Game: First pitch might not land, but building rapport is the win. Polite persistence works. Once a journalist knows your name and trusts you, your emails get opened every time.
Exclusivity Matters: News Corp wants to be first. They position as a premium product, so exclusive stories and angles are far more appealing than something pitched to 50 outlets. Opportunities for Business Owners:
Health & Wellness Niches: If you work in perimenopause, gut health, fertility, mental health, longevity, or dementia-related fields, News Corp's health section is actively looking for stories and case studies.
Be the Go-To Source: Position yourself as someone who can supply case studies fast, respond to tight deadlines, and make a journalist's job easier. That reputation compounds.
Speed Wins: When a journalist reaches out (even at 7pm for a next-day turnaround), say yes. That one moment of reliability can build a relationship that lasts years.
Personalise Everything: Reference a recent piece the journalist wrote. Show you understand their masthead. It takes five extra minutes and puts you ahead of 95% of pitches. Timestamps (Approximate):
Timestamps:
00:00 Hook: What Australia's top health editor is actually looking for in her inbox.
03:00 Intro: Liz's journo-to-coach story.
05:00 Ashleigh's Role: National health editor across News Corp's state mastheads; digitally focused health section launched 14 months ago.
07:00 Evolution of Health Reporting: From clinical to relatable; audience-led, analytics-driven content.
10:00 Hot Topics: Perimenopause, weight loss drugs, fertility, dementia, mental health, happiness.
12:00 New Formats: Dia
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