Over a decade ago, I got to talking to a good friend, a Today Show producer, about a growing disconnect between brands, experts and mainstream media’s key decision makers.
At the time, newsrooms were shedding staff and those left working in media were expected to create more content, quicker, with far fewer resources. As a result, they didn’t have time for a quick coffee, drink or lunch with a contact, source or PR person.
To address the disconnect, Media Stable created a media introduction event called #MeetTheMedia, and launched it in Perth 11 years ago.
The aim was to bring the media and those who wanted to engage with them together in one room for a high-impact half-day event. It was an opportunity to meet face to face, gain a better understanding of how media works, and to provide a staging ground where stories could be pitched, and connections made.
Since then, #MeetTheMedia has become a national event and will this year be held in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide with attendees from all sectors and backgrounds.
From local government and not-for-profits, to multinationals, law firms, mining and resources, healthcare and financial services. They’re white-collar and blue-collar, founders, authors and authorities in their chosen fields. Our attendees walk away better informed, armed with insights into how media operates, and understanding how to successfully get a story over the line. And they’ve made face-to-face human connections with the decision makers of the key media in their market.
We have decision-makers from all facets of mainstream media attend #MeetTheMedia,
Over the years and across the country, we have had journalists, presenters, producers and news directors from TV, print, online and radio attend #MeetTheMedia, from The West Australian, ABC, Are Media, Southern Cross Austereo, Nova Entertainment, 9 Radio Network and the top news and current affairs programs across commercial TV networks 7, 9 and 10.
They are producers, presenters, editors, reporters and chiefs of staff. For them, the event is a rich vein of stories, new expert talent, case studies and fresh connections.
It gets them out from behind their desks, and it’s also a time for them to mix and network with media colleagues. The overwhelming feedback from journalists who attend is how much value they also receive from this event in the form of exclusive stories, industry connections and expert talent contacts.
Over the years, some attendees have had stories appear in some of WA’s most read, watched and listened to media as a direct result of pitching their story at #MeetTheMedia.
Attendees hear candid Q and A panel discussions about what happens behind the scenes in Perth newsrooms, what pressures media are under, and how modern Australian media operates in the era where it’s increasingly disrupted by AI and global media giants.
After a morning tea break and networking, attendees sit down with media in small round table workshops where they meet the media and pitch their story or expertise. This is where the magic happens, as introductions and connections are made, pitches are delivered, and stories presented. It’s this symbiotic process that makes #MeetTheMedia a truly unique event.
Now in its 11th year, #MeetTheMedia is more essential than it’s ever been. Since we started this event, newsrooms have shrunk even further – some estimates say 5,000 jobs have left the media industry in the last decade. Social media has upended the way we access our news. And the proliferation of the terms ‘fake news, misinformation and disinformation’ have made credible news from trustworthy sources an ever more valuable resource for journalists.
So, come and #MeetTheMedia. Business News will feature on the panel at the Perth event this year and is offering discounted tickets to #MeetTheMedia Perth for the first 40 people. Click on the Eventbrite link and use code BUSINESS for $100 off the event on August 18 at AIM WA.
#MeetTheMedia Perth 2026 Tickets, Tuesday, Aug 18 from 8:30 am to 1 pm | Eventbrite
