What makes a story newsworthy, and why do some pitches get immediate attention while others are ignored? Join veteran communications professionals for a practical discussion on how to develop and pitch stories that will resonate. The session will explore what media outlets are looking for, common pitching mistakes to avoid, and how organizations can take advantage of opportunities created by the changing media landscape.

 

With video now playing a central role in communications and public relations, attendees will also learn how to think visually, craft stories for video, and create content that engages audiences across platforms. The discussion will also explore what happens after a story is accepted, including interview preparation, delivery tips, and best practices for representing your organization effectively.

 

 

Dave Busiek spent 43 years working in Iowa radio and television newsrooms as a reporter, anchor and the last 30 years as news director of KCCI-TV, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines. In that role, he planned coverage of the Iowa caucuses, the floods of 1993 during which 250,000 central Iowans lost drinking water for 12 days, and organized the first national debate between Democratic candidates for president in 2015. He served as national board chair of the Radio-Television News Directors Association. In 2014, he was Broadcasting and Cable Magazine’s News Director of the Year. He was inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2018 and is a recipient of the Iowa Broadcast News Association’s Jack Shelley award. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He retired at the end of 2018. He is a member of the Iowa Writers' Collaborative and his column on media and politics, "Dave Busiek on Media" appears on Substack.

 

 

For the past 8 years, Andy Garman has been a Senior Trainer and Communications Advisor at Wixted & Company, a strategic communications firm based in West Des Moines. Andy specializes in helping his clients craft and deliver messages that resonate with their target audiences. He has worked with Fortune 500 company executives, NCAA Division 1 coaches and athletes, and leaders in dozens of varied career fields as a presenter, coach, counsel, and speechwriter. In today’s crowded media environment, Andy uses his media expertise to help clients cut through the clutter and connect with those who matter most.

 

He joined Wixted & Company in 2018 after two decades of broadcasting, team management and social media experience. As a sportscaster at KCCI in Des Moines, KGAN/KFXA in Cedar Rapids, and KEVN in Rapid City, SD, Andy won numerous awards for broadcasting excellence. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa. 

location/PARKING:

Ample free parking is available on the north and south sides of the building.

REMINDERS:

As an AFP member, you may bring one guest annually FREE OF CHARGE to an AFP monthly education meeting. If you would like to use your free guest pass, please email Kim at admin@afpcentraliowa.org. 

MEAL OPTIONS:

We will enjoy catering from In the Bag for this month's luncheon. Please complete this google form to make your choice between: Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Vegetarian sandwich, Classic BLT Wrap, Autumn River Salad, or Fresh Strawberry Salad. Anyone who does not submit a lunch choice by 9/9/26 will receive the Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich. 

RSVP DEADLINE:

Please register and submit your lunch choice by noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. 

CFRE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:

This program is eligible for CFRE credits. To search CFRE credits for past AFP programs please visit: My Education Finder.