Want to share a story with your local news? Here’s how:
Table of contents
Find the News Outlet’s Website
Most news channels and papers have websites. Look for a “Contact Us” or “News Tips” section.
Use the News Tips Email/Form
Many sites have a dedicated email or form for submitting news tips. This is often the best approach.
Be Concise and Clear
Start with a brief summary of the story. The first sentence or two should grab their attention.
Provide Key Details
Include the who, what, where, when, and why of your story. Be as specific as possible.
Consider Calling the Newsroom
Some news organizations have a phone number for news tips. For example, the Star Tribune’s number is 612-673-4414.
Check the Reporter Directory
Some news sites have a directory of reporters and their contact information. This allows you to reach out to a specific reporter.
Contacting Through Social Media
Some reporters are active on social media. This might be an option, but a direct email is usually better.
Example: WBNS in Columbus, Ohio
WBNS’s website has a clear link for news tips. Many other stations follow a similar format.
Important: Remember to be respectful and professional in your communication. Good luck!
Want to share a story with your local news? Here’s how:
Most news channels and papers have websites. Look for a “Contact Us” or “News Tips” section.
Many sites have a dedicated email or form for submitting news tips. This is often the best approach.
Start with a brief summary of the story. The first sentence or two should grab their attention.
Include the who, what, where, when, and why of your story. Be as specific as possible.
Some news organizations have a phone number for news tips. For example, the Star Tribune’s number is 612-673-4414.
Some news sites have a directory of reporters and their contact information. This allows you to reach out to a specific reporter.
Some reporters are active on social media. This might be an option, but a direct email is usually better.
WBNS’s website has a clear link for news tips. Many other stations follow a similar format.
Important: Remember to be respectful and professional in your communication. Good luck!
What to Include in Your Pitch
Once you’ve found the right contact, crafting a compelling pitch is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of essential elements:
- A strong headline: Think of it as the subject line of your email. Make it attention-grabbing and accurately reflect the story’s core. For example, instead of “Local Bake Sale,” try “Bake Sale Raises Thousands for Animal Shelter After Devastating Fire.”
- A concise summary (the “lede”): This is the first paragraph and should answer the basic questions: Who, what, where, when, why, and how. Keep it brief and engaging.
- Supporting details: Provide evidence, quotes, or background information that strengthens your story. Include links to relevant websites, documents, or social media posts.
- Visuals (if available): Photos and videos significantly increase the chances of your story being picked up. Ensure they are high-quality and relevant. Offer to provide more if needed.
- Your contact information: Make it easy for the news outlet to reach you for follow-up questions or interviews. Include your name, phone number, and email address.
- Why this story matters to the local community: Explain why the local news should cover your story. How does it impact residents, businesses, or the overall community?
Important Considerations
- Timing is everything: Consider the timeliness of your story. Is it related to a current event or upcoming holiday? Is there a news peg that makes it particularly relevant right now?
- Target the right reporter: If you know a specific reporter covers a particular beat (e.g., local government, education, business), try to contact them directly.
- Be patient: Newsrooms are busy places, and it may take time for them to respond. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately.
- Follow up (but not excessively): If you haven’t heard back after a few days, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. Avoid bombarding them with repeated messages.
- Be honest and accurate: Always provide truthful information. Misleading or inaccurate details will damage your credibility and make it less likely that your story will be covered.
- Understand that they might not cover it: News outlets have limited resources and editorial priorities. Not every story can be covered, even if it’s important.
By following these steps and crafting a compelling pitch, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your story covered by local news.
