Your weekly insider brief on media credentials, newsroom moves, and open pitch windows — curated for journalists, publicists, and founders who need to be in the room. New opportunities are added throughout the week.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS + INDUSTRY EVENTS

Press and creator accreditation windows for the events shaping culture this fall. Apply early — access is limited.

NYC Wine & Food Festival

October 15-18 | New York City

About:
Food Network's flagship culinary event bringing together chefs, restaurants, culinary talent, and food media.

Media inquiries: Press & Creator Registration will open on Monday, July 27

AFI Fest

October 21-25 | Los Angeles

About:

The American Film Institute's flagship film festival returns for its 40th edition in the heart of Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatres. AFI FEST showcases a curated selection of red carpet premieres, world cinema, documentaries, short films, filmmaker conversations, and industry programming.

Media accreditation:For general AFI press inquiries 323.856.7600 information@AFI.com

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)

October 1–11, 2026 | Vancouver

About:
The 45th edition of the Vancouver International Film Festival returns with more than 150 feature films and 90 short films, showcasing international cinema, documentaries, emerging filmmakers, and industry conversations. VIFF is one of North America's leading film festivals and offers valuable access for entertainment journalists, critics, photographers, and culture writers covering independent film, global storytelling, and emerging talent. Media accreditation for VIFF 2026 is currently open, with applications closing August 24, 2026.

Media Accreditation:Found here; Applications open now:

EDITORIAL MOVES

Newsroom hires, promotions, and industry transitions across digital and legacy media. Updated as moves are confirmed.

Amber Raiken Named Associate Editor, Verywell Health at PEOPLE

Amber announced on LinkedIn:

"I'm thrilled to share that I'm starting a new position at People Inc. as an Associate Editor for Verywell Health. In this role, I will be covering emerging conversations online about popular wellness trends and the latest health news."

About Amber:

Before joining PEOPLE Inc., Amber Raiken spent four years at The Independent covering lifestyle and pop culture, where she reported on trends, entertainment, and cultural conversations shaping audiences today. Her previous work focused on the intersection of culture, identity, and consumer interests, building the editorial foundation she now brings to health and wellness coverage. After four years at The Independent covering lifestyle and pop culture, Amber is expanding her reporting into health and wellness coverage.

Contact:
amber.raiken@verywell.com

Natalie Michie Joins W Magazine as News Writer

Natalie announced on LinkedIn:

"I'm thrilled to share that this week, I started as the News Writer at W Magazine."

About Natalie:

Before joining W Magazine, Natalie Michie built her career covering the intersection of fashion and pop culture. She previously served as Fashion & Features Editor at FASHION Magazine, where she shaped coverage across print and digital, assigning stories and reporting on fashion trends. Her bylines also include ELLE Canada, CBC, Chatelaine, and Toronto Life. She joins W Magazine after building experience covering fashion and culture.
Natalie's Contact Information:

LinkedIn: Natalie Michie

Website: nataliemichie.com

Noor Lobad Named Beauty Editor, News, Features & Social at WWD

Noor announced on LinkedIn:

"Thrilled to share I'm entering a new chapter at WWD as Beauty Editor, News, Features and Social. Cheers to an incredible four years at WWD and Beauty Inc — and to everything that comes next."

About Noor Lobad:
Before becoming Beauty Editor, News, Features & Social at WWD, Noor Lobad built her career covering the business and culture of beauty. She joined WWD as a Junior Beauty Reporter and later became Beauty Reporter before advancing into beauty news coverage. Her reporting explores emerging beauty trends, product launches, fragrance, hair care, consumer behavior, and the evolving relationship between beauty, culture, and commerce. She is also known for examining how social media and changing consumer habits are reshaping the beauty industry.

Noor's Contact Information:
LinkedIn: Noor Lobad
Email: nlobad@wwd.com

EDITORS ON THE HUNT

Opportunities for freelancers, contributors, publicists, and journalists seeking active entry points into editorial pipelines.

Architectural Digest Opens the Conversation on Editorial Submissions

Architectural Digest recently hosted an AD PRO LIVE conversation, "How to Pitch: What AD Editors Want You to Know," giving designers, publicists, photographers, and creative professionals insight into what the publication looks for when reviewing residential projects, digital home tours, and product submissions. The panel featured Alison Levasseur, Global Interiors & Garden Director; Bebe Howorth, Senior Design Editor, Digital; and Madeline O'Malley, Market Director, with AD PRO Senior Editor Mel Studach moderating the conversation.

Watch the conversation:
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/ad-pro-live-how-to-pitch-what-ad-editors-want-you-to-know

Vulture Updates Its Pitching Guide

Vulture has updated its pitching guide for freelance contributors covering television, film, comedy, streaming, podcasts, and pop culture. The guide outlines the publication's preferred story formats, what editors are looking for, what types of pitches to avoid, and where to direct submissions by coverage area. Writers are encouraged to bring original angles, strong reporting ideas, and a clear understanding of Vulture's editorial voice.

Pitching Guide:
https://www.vulture.com/article/how-to-pitch-vulture.html

Eater Seeks Food + Culture Reporting

Eater continues to accept reported stories exploring the intersection of food, culture, restaurants, travel, and community.

Editors are especially interested in stories that move beyond traditional restaurant coverage and explore the cultural impact of food.

Pitch contacts:
editor@eater.com
travel@eater.com

Victoria's Secret Seeks Content Creators

Michael Gratteri, Co-Founder & Chief Brands Officer at Creator24, announced a public creator opportunity on LinkedIn.

Casting Call: Victoria's Secret Creator Campaign

Victoria's Secret is seeking creators in:

• Fashion

• Beauty

• Lifestyle

• Wellness

• Confidence and self-care

Requirements:

• Must be 18+

• Must have a public Instagram or TikTok account

• Minimum 2,000+ followers

Selected creators receive:

• Product gifting

• Paid collaborations (campaign dependent)

• Exclusive launches and seasonal activations

• Potential long-term creator opportunities

About Creator24:

Creator24 is a creator marketing platform that connects brands with digital creators for campaigns, product launches, and brand collaborations. The platform focuses on helping companies identify and activate creators across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and culture categories while giving creators access to partnership opportunities with leading brands.

Contact:
LinkedIn: Michael Gratteri, Chief Brand Officer at Creator24