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Enhancing media relationships:
Insights from a tech journalist

Meet the Media: Seb Moss, Data Center Dynamics

Continuing our regular “Meet the Media” sessions, in which we host Q&A discussions with influential journalists to better align our PR efforts and provide clients with valuable media insights, we recently spoke with Seb Moss, Publisher and Editor of Data Center Dynamics.

Seb has been with Data Center Dynamics for the past eight years, rising from Reporter to Publisher and Editor as of June 2023. As of late, Seb and the rest of the industry have mostly focused on two issues: chips and power. Before joining DCD, Seb was a freelance journalist for four years, writing for various publications including BBC Online, AI Business, CMO.com, and more.

Our discussion not only explored current trends in the data center industry and how enterprises can be part of the conversation – which you can read more about here – but also provided key insights into how the media prefer to engage with enterprises, the most effective medium for these conversations and how PR professionals can support with developing these compelling stories.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Fresh angles are crucial

We know that fresh angles are crucial when pitching journalists, and Seb further emphasized this point during our discussion. He said that while a topic may be relevant, and covered by him before, it needs a fresh perspective to garner media interest. For instance, if announcing a new initiative, it’s more impactful to share results rather than just the news of the launch. He cited sustainability initiatives as an example: showcasing tangible results can make a significant difference. Conversely, he also noted, even emerging topics in the data center space like quantum computing and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can be challenging to cover repeatedly unless there are new, concrete developments.

2. Tours and events are still in, but make it worth it

We asked about the value of data center tours or in person sessions given Seb’s extensive industry knowledge. He noted that tours remain valuable if they offer a compelling story or hook. This insight can be applied to all industries—whether it’s highlighting the history of a building or demonstrating a major technological advancement, it’s crucial to make the experience worthwhile for journalists. This is where PR comes in. We can support with crafting a unique and compelling narrative, connected to broader trends, that is tailored to the journalist and showcases real-world impact.

3. Mutual feedback is key

Clients often seek feedback from media and agencies when a story or news announcement doesn’t gain traction. Seb pointed out that journalists also appreciate feedback. His team has previously organized feedback sessions with data center companies to understand what executives and employees are interested in. This feedback helps guide their editorial focus, ensuring content remains relevant to their audience’s needs.

At Brands2Life, our motto is “bigger stories, bigger impact”. Our conversation with Seb reaffirmed the importance of maintaining authenticity and relevance in our storytelling. We understand that we serve two key clients: the enterprise and the journalist. By fostering strong relationships with both, we position ourselves as the essential bridge connecting them.