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 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.
Over the years and across the country, we have had journalists, presenters, producers, reporters, news directors and chiefs of staff from TV, print, online and radio attend #MeetTheMedia, from The West Australian, ABC, Are Media, Southern Cross Austereo, Nova Entertainment, Tapt Radio Network and the top news and current affairs programs across commercial TV networks 7, 9 and 10. 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 gives them the opportunity 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, attendees have had stories appear in some of the country’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 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 and networking, attendees sit down with media in small round table workshops where they meet the media and pitch their story and expertise. This is where the magic happens. Introductions and connections are made, pitches are delivered, and stories are 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 5000 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 a more valuable resource for journalists than ever before.
Limited tickets are still available for the Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide events which round out the 2026 series of #MeetTheMedia.
#MeetTheMedia Melbourne 2026 Tickets, Tuesday 27 October, 8.30am @ MicDrop South Melbourne
#MeetTheMedia Adelaide 2026 Tickets, Thursday 12 October, 8.30am @ Adelaide Oval
