Business
How to Turn Social Media Moments Into Newsworthy Stories That Captivate Audiences

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
When my wife, Maria Baradell, posted Instagram and TikTok videos of herself kneading sourdough on an international flight, I knew it had the potential to capture attention. It was quirky, visually interesting and relatable — all the ingredients of a social media hit. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would jump from TikTok to major outlets like CNN, The Guardian and USA Today.
The results were extraordinary: According to CoverageBook, Maria’s in-flight sourdough story generated 95 pieces of media coverage, reached a combined audience of 1.26 billion people and earned 11.3 million estimated views across digital and print platforms. With an average domain authority of 70 for the publications covering it, the story didn’t just resonate online — it became a global conversation.
For journalists, Maria’s video wasn’t just a fun human-interest story — it was exactly the kind of content they love to cover. Visual? Check. Built-in quotes from TikTok comments? Check. Proven public interest via likes, shares and views? Check. No need to leave the desk or make a single phone call? Double check.
In a media ecosystem shaped by tight deadlines and shrinking newsroom resources, social media has become the primary fodder for journalists. Viral content doesn’t just suggest public interest — it proves it. For brands and PR professionals, this presents a massive opportunity to connect with audiences by crafting moments that check the right boxes.
Related: How to Create a Viral Video Smash Hit
Table of Contents
Why Maria’s video captured the world’s attention
Maria’s video resonated because it wasn’t just a quirky clip — it hit all the marks that make a story viral and newsworthy.
The act of kneading dough mid-flight was unexpected, immediately grabbing attention and sparking curiosity. It felt authentic, showcasing Maria’s passion for baking in an unscripted and relatable way. The video also evoked an emotional connection, blending admiration for her creativity with humor over the absurdity of the situation.
However, what really gave the story momentum was the controversy it stirred. While most viewers found the video amusing or inspiring, others were genuinely upset. Critics questioned the hygiene of kneading dough in such a confined public space, while some labeled it inconsiderate to fellow passengers. These strong reactions fueled heated discussions, driving engagement on social media and making the story even more appealing to journalists.
Finally, the video’s visual appeal — a baker rolling dough at 30,000 feet — made it a natural fit for headlines. It wasn’t just a story people wanted to share; it was one that outlets could easily illustrate with striking imagery.
These elements worked together to ensure the video didn’t just resonate online but transitioned seamlessly into global media coverage.
It has since led to Maria appearing on cooking segments on major-market morning TV, being interviewed on top baking podcasts and appearing on national streaming services to share tips for the perfect holiday feast.
How to create media-friendly social media content
For brands and PR professionals, Maria’s story offers a blueprint for creating social media content that bridges the gap to traditional media. To succeed, your content should combine emotional resonance, compelling visuals and broader relevance.
1. Focus on strong visuals: Great visuals don’t just perform well on social media — they’re essential for media coverage. Invest in imagery or videos that stand out and grab attention immediately.
2. Tap into emotions: Stories that make people laugh, admire or debate are far more likely to be shared — and picked up by journalists. Think about what emotional response your content will evoke.
3. Add depth and context: The most successful social media stories touch on broader cultural themes. Consider how your content can connect to trending conversations or universal experiences.
4. Engage your audience: Encourage comments, questions and debates around your content. Journalists love to pull quotes from comment sections to illustrate public reaction.
5. Be ready for the crossover: Viral moments don’t stay online. When your content gains traction, journalists may come calling. Prepare in advance with clear messaging, spokespeople and follow-up content to keep the momentum going.
Why social media is the perfect newsroom fuel
Social media stories like Maria’s work because they come with all the elements newsrooms need to turn around a quick, engaging piece.
Maria’s video was highly visual, came with ready-made quotes from TikTok’s comment section and had proven public interest through its likes, shares and views. It required no additional reporting, making it easy for journalists to cover in minutes. For outlets juggling tight deadlines and shrinking budgets, stories like this are gold.
The growing reliance on social media as a source for news presents a unique opportunity for brands. By creating content that resonates emotionally, sparks discussion and is visually striking, you can position your stories to bridge the gap between social platforms and traditional media.
The takeaway: Social media drives modern journalism
Maria’s sourdough moment wasn’t just a quirky viral video; it was a textbook example of how social media fuels modern journalism. For many outlets, stories like hers are the perfect package — visual, engaging and pre-approved by the audience.
For brands and PR professionals, the opportunity is clear. By crafting content that combines emotional resonance, visual appeal and relevance to broader conversations, you can significantly increase your chances of transitioning from social media to traditional media.
In today’s media landscape, the best stories don’t just travel — they get amplified. Sometimes, all it takes is a ball of dough, a tray table and a little creativity to spark a global conversation.
Related: How Social Media Can Help With PR

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
Business
Try This AI-Powered Stock Picker

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Even the most business-savvy self-starters can feel out of their depth in the stock market. With charts, ratios, earnings calls, and today’s insane volatility to navigate, it’s no wonder many people avoid investing altogether. However, you may be missing out on financial freedom or an early retirement if you continue to put it off.
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How it works: Invest in 3 simple steps
Sterling makes it surprisingly simple to start investing in stocks, even if this is your first time. Start by taking a 5-minute quiz to assess your risk tolerance, so the platform understands how bold or cautious you want to be. This ensures all future recommendations are tailored to your comfort level.
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Once you’re ready, the platform helps you build a diversified stock portfolio automatically. And if you have questions, like whether a certain sector is a good bet right now or if a trending stock is too risky, you can ask Finley, your built-in AI investment coach powered by ChatGPT. It’s like having a financial advisor and mentor rolled into one.
Whether you’re investing $100 or $10,000, Sterling helps you invest with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Use code SAVE20 at checkout for a limited time to get a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription for $55.19 (reg. $486).
Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription
Why this deal is worth it
In 2025, the stock market has been anything but predictable. Between tech surges, inflation swings, and ongoing global shifts, there’s been no shortage of volatility—and with that, opportunity. For self-starters who want to capitalize on market dips and sudden upswings, having an AI stock picking app to guide your decisions is more valuable than ever.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Even the most business-savvy self-starters can feel out of their depth in the stock market. With charts, ratios, earnings calls, and today’s insane volatility to navigate, it’s no wonder many people avoid investing altogether. However, you may be missing out on financial freedom or an early retirement if you continue to put it off.
Sterling Stock Picker breaks down those barriers using smart, strategic AI that personalizes your portfolio and teaches you while you invest. You’ll feel more confident before investing your first dollar and understand when it’s time to pull out. You can use code SAVE20 at checkout to get lifetime access for $55.19, regularly $486.
How it works: Invest in 3 simple steps
The rest of this article is locked.
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A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
Business
Get This $200 MacBook Air Laptop

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Lugging around your $2,000 work laptop on every flight, through every hotel, and across every unfamiliar city? Stress levels: maximum. Business travel is chaotic enough without worrying that a spilled coffee or housekeeping mishap could ruin your most expensive device.
That’s why this refurbished MacBook Air, now just $199.97 with free shipping, is catching attention as the ultimate backup laptop for entrepreneurs who work on the go (reg. $999). If it gets a scratch going through TSA, temporarily misplaced with your lost luggage, or stolen, at least it wasn’t your expensive, main laptop, right?
Here’s what this MacBook Air can handle
This MacBook Air isn’t a powerhouse, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s ideal for email, light web browsing, spreadsheets, document editing, and streaming on the go. With a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and Intel HD Graphics 6000, it handles essential tasks without lag.
The 13.3-inch display features a 1440×900 resolution, making it sharp enough for Zoom calls and Google Docs while also conserving battery life. Speaking of which: the 12-hour battery means you can work through long layovers or client meetings without hunting for a charger. And, since it weighs under three pounds, it’s a great model for travel or hybrid work.
It’s a grade “A/B” refurb, meaning it may show light scuffing or signs of wear, but that also explains the deeply discounted price. This is a backup laptop that’s designed to be used, not babied. A 90-day parts and labor warranty is also included with your purchase.
Take advantage of this refurbished MacBook Air deal, now $199.97 with free shipping while supplies last (reg. $999).
Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Lugging around your $2,000 work laptop on every flight, through every hotel, and across every unfamiliar city? Stress levels: maximum. Business travel is chaotic enough without worrying that a spilled coffee or housekeeping mishap could ruin your most expensive device.
That’s why this refurbished MacBook Air, now just $199.97 with free shipping, is catching attention as the ultimate backup laptop for entrepreneurs who work on the go (reg. $999). If it gets a scratch going through TSA, temporarily misplaced with your lost luggage, or stolen, at least it wasn’t your expensive, main laptop, right?
Here’s what this MacBook Air can handle
The rest of this article is locked.
Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
Business
Struggling to Stick to a Routine? Here’s How AI Can Help

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I’ve always believed that consistency beats intensity. At the gym, I exercise for 30 minutes daily, rather than several grueling hours once a week. Every morning, I commit to writing 400 words, which I much prefer to banging out half a book in one caffeine-fueled haze. In the early years of building my company, there were no massive funding rounds — just showing up day in, day out, solving problems and improving my product one step at a time.
That’s why this quote from Atomic Habits author James Clear has always stuck with me: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
In other words, it’s not your ambition that carries you forward — it’s your habits. And the truth is, building good habits is hard, especially when you’re running a business. You’re pulled in a hundred different directions, and it’s easy for even the most adamant resolutions to fall apart after a few days.
Even so, building routines can be tough — they require persistence, dedication and a surprising amount of mental energy just to stay on track. You have to remember your goals, fight off distractions and constantly reorient yourself when things get chaotic.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to do it all manually. Thanks to AI, it’s now possible to build systems that help you stay consistent without burning out. I’ve always been pretty adamant about my routines, but now, it’s easier than ever. Here’s how I’m approaching it.
Related: 7 Ways AI Made My Work Smarter — and Not Harder
Use AI as an accountability partner
At work, you’ve got a manager (or a board). At the gym, you may have a trainer. It’s clear that having someone to hold you accountable adds an extra layer of urgency to achieving your goals. After all, it’s harder to blow off that morning workout knowing you’re keeping someone waiting (who you’ll still have to pay if you hit snooze).
With AI, accountability doesn’t have to be external. AI agents — autonomous decision-makers that can take action on your behalf, in particular, can do more than just nudge you about your to-do list. They can check in, track progress, adapt routines and even suggest improvements. That kind of support system used to require a team. Now, it can be built into your daily workflow.
Say you struggle, for example, with carving out time to work on a new product. Tools like Motion integrate directly with your calendar to track your habits, block focus time and adjust dynamically when conflicts arise. If you want to start prioritizing an hour of deep work every day post-morning coffee, a tool like this can afford these commitments the same weight as a meeting, automatically protecting your time and reminding you when it’s time to get started.
Cut down on decision fatigue
One of the biggest reasons we abandon routines isn’t a lack of motivation — it’s decision fatigue. Considering the average person makes 35,000 decisions a day, it’s no wonder we struggle to effectively prioritize our time. When every action requires mental effort, from choosing what to work on to when to do it, we quickly burn out.
Ironically, creating structure is one of the best ways to stave off the pressure of making decisions. I often think of the advice I’ve heard from pro athletes, who afford themselves zero room for waffling or negotiating when it comes to their training schedules. It’s cold out today? Too bad. They didn’t sleep well the night before? Also, too bad. There’s no decision involved — only doing.
That level of consistency doesn’t come from motivation — it comes from removing choice from the equation. And that’s where AI can play a powerful role. By automating the when, what and even how long, AI systems help you stick to routines without needing to summon willpower every time.
And while it’s true that no tool can force you to follow through on a commitment, they can do the next best thing: Cut off your access to distractions. When I can’t trust myself not to procrastinate a task I’d rather avoid, I use a platform like Freedom, which simply blocks my ability to lose myself in online distractions. It’s simple, but incredibly effective.
Related: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Let AI Do the Heavy Business Lifting
Don’t just build routines — design systems
A lot of people confuse routines with checklists: wake up, meditate, answer emails, repeat. But the most effective routines aren’t strict — they’re adaptive. They fluctuate with your schedule, adapt to your goals and grow along with you.
That’s where AI shines — not just in tracking habits, but in helping you design systems that actually fit your life. Say your kid gets sick and needs to get picked up from school, or even go to the doctor. Life happens. But it doesn’t mean your whole day needs to fall apart completely. For this, I like Reclaim and Clockwise, which can intelligently reschedule tasks when your best-laid plans take a sudden turn. Instead of you adjusting to your routine, the system adjusts to you.
With the right systems in place, consistency stops feeling like a grind and starts feeling automatic. AI won’t do the work for you — but it can make it a lot easier to show up, day after day, and keep moving forward.
I’ve always believed that consistency beats intensity. At the gym, I exercise for 30 minutes daily, rather than several grueling hours once a week. Every morning, I commit to writing 400 words, which I much prefer to banging out half a book in one caffeine-fueled haze. In the early years of building my company, there were no massive funding rounds — just showing up day in, day out, solving problems and improving my product one step at a time.
That’s why this quote from Atomic Habits author James Clear has always stuck with me: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
In other words, it’s not your ambition that carries you forward — it’s your habits. And the truth is, building good habits is hard, especially when you’re running a business. You’re pulled in a hundred different directions, and it’s easy for even the most adamant resolutions to fall apart after a few days.
The rest of this article is locked.
Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
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