Synapse turns 2 next month, so we’re saying thank you by celebrating all the PRs who post pitches in our marketplace all October long!
To kick us off we have our First Pitch Club. If you’ve never posted before, now’s the time. Post your first pitch this October to earn a spot in the Club (and yes, there are gifts).
Already a pro? Don’t worry, there are new weekly prizes and a brand-new Agency Leaderboard to climb.
Right, welcome back to The Loop – your weekly scroll of live journo requests, sharp PR tips, and media news worth your time…
🔥 MUST READ
…advice we’ve spotted from the experts
“It’s not always just about having an exciting idea, but understanding if it’s the right client, the right timing and the right media landscape to launch it into.”
Freelance PR consultant Shakira Sacks shares her instinctive “gut check” for campaign ideas: tie into the cultural conversation, resonate with your audience, have longevity, connect to wider truths or trends, and make sense for the brand. Tick all five, and you’ve got more than coverage!
🗞️ PR-Y STUFF
Here’s what we think you should see this week:
- Mirror set to cut general news reporters – Reach is proposing to cut the number of general news reporters working on the Daily and Sunday Mirror by five, with those remaining spread across new shift patterns. read more
- Podcast: How news influencers shape public opinion? – This Provoke Media episode explores the growing role of news influencers, what makes them credible, and how their impact compares with traditional journalism, an insight PR pros can’t afford to ignore. listen to the episode
- Adapting PR for the substack era – With more journalists building independent newsletters, PR needs to rethink outreach as personalised pitches and long-term relationships are becoming more valuable than mass distribution. read more
- When bad PR meets bad AI – From fake case studies to dodgy automation, poor habits in PR and misuse of AI risk poisoning relationships with journalists and damaging trust in the media. read more
- Survey exposes workplace bullying in the creative industries – A new study has found widespread bullying and harassment, with women in creative sectors reporting the highest levels. read more
- Ex-Observer team launches The Nerve – An all-women team of five ex-Guardian and Observer journalists is launching the Nerve, an ‘insurgent’ new UK publication with a promise to bring ‘cultural courage’ to the UK media scene. read more
🔎 JOURNO REQUESTS
Here’s what journalists are currently looking for on Synapse:
Reach plc:
- Looking for a listicle from a health expert on top 5 sex positions for over 60s
- Looking for the prettiest Christmas Markets to visit in the UK
- Looking for the ten best Christmas markets to explore in Europe
- Looking for expert comments on the best way to cook a boiled egg to achieve the perfect yolk
- Looking to do a feature on the top 5 cruises launching over the next 12 months
Express:
- Looking for experts to comment on the rise of state pension in 2026
- Seeking an expert to share advice for an article on ‘8 ways to lower your blood pressure in a month’
The Sun:
Triangle News:
Daily Express/Daily Mirror:
- Looking to speak to at least four doctors about Donald Trump’s health and concerns related to it for the future
- Looking for quotes ASAP following Russia’s aerial incursion into Poland
- I want crime or true crime stories preferably with an edge
Newsquest:
- Looking for expert opinion on why baking soda can be beneficial to plants in your garden
- Seeking expert advice on why it’s advisable to always travel with two forms of photo ID when heading abroad, following advice from the government
- Looking for expert comment on the dangers of ficus trees to homes and property
- Looking for expert comments to answer: at what age should I stop giving allowance to my children?
Real Homes/Future:
Freelance:
Or head to the marketplace now to look our requests yourself.
📆 NEXT MONTH’S HOOKS
…because we don’t want you missing out on stuff.
💡 1st: New energy price cap comes into force
🚛 1st: PMI Manufacturing data released
🎬 3rd: ‘The Smashing Machine’ UK release date – the latest A24 film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt
✨ 3rd: Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift’s new album, scheduled for release
🎤 4th: Katy Perrry kicks off the UK leg of her Lifetimes Tour
🪐 4th: Start of World Space Week
💼 5th: Deadline to register for self-assessment
🏘️ 6th: World Habitat Day – Last year, UK-focused articles by charities like Amnesty International UK and BRITA UK discussed its implications for housing and urban development within the country
🏠 7th: Halifax House Price Index
📺 8th: The Traitors UK is back with their new celebrity version on BBC One and iPlayer
🎃 14th: Searches for ‘Pumpkin Patches’ typically peak – According to Google Trends, last year the peak was 13–19th of October
🧥 15th: Searches for ‘Winter Fashion’ peak – For five years in a row, this has been a trending topic on Google, according to reports, with the peak occurring between 15-24 October. Content covers winter wardrobes, knitwear, and layering
🎄16th: 3 in 10 Brits start Christmas shopping – According to MailMetro stats, the end of October has officially marked the start of decoration shopping.
💸 16th: Latest UK GDP figures released
👻 17th: ‘Black Phone 2’ horror UK release date – starring Ethan Hawke.
🏎️ 17th: Formula 1 USA Austin Grand Prix kicks off
🍿 17th: ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ UK release date – featuring Jack Nicholson
🧙♀️ 22nd: Searches for ‘Halloween Costume’ peak – According to Google Trends, most people in the UK watched ‘YouTube’ videos for costume inspiration, followed by ‘Image Search’
💸 22nd: UK inflation data released
🦸 24th: MCM Comic Con London starts – The biggest Pop Culture celebration in the UK will take place at ExCel, London.
⏳ 26th: End of British Summer Time
🍂 27th: Autumn Half Term begins
🟢 29th: Deadline for the Government’s new Carbon Budget Delivery Plan
📝 31st: Paper Self-Assessment Deadline (HMRC) – Last day to file a paper return. If missed, switch to online to avoid penalties.
Have a story that’s ready to go?
Head to the marketplace now or simply send it to pitches@synapse.media (or add us to your media list) and we’ll make sure it reaches the right journalists.
Questions about Slack Notifications?
Send us a message at support@synapse.media. We are always happy to help!
