Contact Local News: Get Your Story Heard!

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

So, you've got a story you think the local news should cover? Awesome! Getting your story out there can feel like a big deal, but don't worry, I'm here to walk you through it. Let's break down how to contact local news outlets and increase your chances of getting their attention. It’s all about knowing who to reach out to, making your pitch compelling, and following up effectively. Ready to become a local news pro? Let's dive in!

Finding the Right News Outlets

Okay, first things first: you need to figure out which news outlets are the best fit for your story. Not all news is created equal, and different outlets cover different beats and have different audiences. Think about what your story is about and who would be most interested in hearing it.

Identify Local Media

Start by identifying all the local media outlets in your area. This includes:

  • Newspapers: Both daily and weekly papers.
  • TV Stations: Local network affiliates (like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) and independent stations.
  • Radio Stations: News radio, public radio, and community radio.
  • Online News Sites: Local news blogs, community websites, and hyperlocal news platforms.

Make a list – seriously, write it down or use a spreadsheet. This will be your contact list, and you'll be adding to it as you go.

Research Specific Journalists

Once you have your list of outlets, dig a little deeper. Most news organizations have websites where you can find staff directories or mastheads. Look for journalists who cover topics related to your story. For example, if your story is about a local business opening, look for the business reporter. If it’s about a community event, find the community news reporter. This targeted approach is way more effective than just sending a generic email to info@newsoutlet.com.

Use Social Media

Social media is your friend here. Many journalists are active on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow them, see what they're interested in, and get a sense of their reporting style. This can give you valuable insights into whether they’d be a good fit for your story. Plus, you might even find their direct email address or another way to contact them in their profile!

Crafting Your Pitch

Alright, you've got your list of contacts. Now comes the crucial part: crafting your pitch. This is your chance to grab a journalist’s attention and convince them that your story is worth covering. Remember, journalists are busy people, so you need to make your pitch clear, concise, and compelling.

Keep it Short and Sweet

No one wants to read a novel in an email. Keep your pitch brief – aim for around 200-300 words max. Get straight to the point and highlight the most important aspects of your story.

Highlight the Key Elements

  • What: What is the story about?
  • Who: Who are the key people involved?
  • When: When did it happen, or when will it happen?
  • Where: Where did it take place?
  • Why: Why is this story important or relevant to the local community?
  • How: How did it happen, or how does it affect people?

Answer these questions in your pitch to give the journalist a clear understanding of your story.

Make it Newsworthy

Why should people care about your story? What makes it newsworthy? Think about the impact it has on the community, whether it's timely, if it's unusual or unique, or if it involves a prominent person. Make sure to emphasize these aspects in your pitch.

Include a Hook

A hook is a compelling angle or detail that grabs the reader's attention right away. Start with your hook to make your pitch stand out. For example, instead of saying, "Our local school is holding a fundraiser," try something like, "Local students are building a tiny house to raise money for homeless families."

Provide Supporting Materials

If you have photos, videos, or other supporting materials, include them in your pitch or offer to provide them. Visuals can make your story more appealing and increase the chances of it getting covered. Just make sure the files aren't too large to send via email.

Proofread Everything

This should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and damage your credibility. Before you send your pitch, proofread it carefully or ask someone else to review it.

Contacting the News Outlet

Okay, you've crafted your pitch. Now it's time to actually contact the news outlet. How do you do it? What's the best approach?

Email is Your Best Bet

In most cases, email is the preferred method for contacting journalists. It allows them to review your pitch at their convenience and respond when they have time.

Find the Right Email Address

Use the research you did earlier to find the direct email address of the journalist who covers your topic. If you can't find a direct email, try using a generic email address like news@newsoutlet.com or tips@newsoutlet.com.

Write a Compelling Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing a journalist will see, so make it count. Keep it short, attention-grabbing, and relevant to your story. For example:

  • "Local Students Build Tiny House for Homeless Families"
  • "New Business Opens in Downtown, Creates 20 Jobs"
  • "Community Garden Fights Food Insecurity"

Be Professional and Polite

When you write your email, be professional and polite. Address the journalist by name, thank them for their time, and be respectful of their busy schedule. Avoid being pushy or demanding.

Send at the Right Time

Timing can be important. Avoid sending your pitch on weekends or late at night. The best time to send an email is usually during business hours, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Consider sending it on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as these are typically less busy days for journalists.

Following Up

You've sent your pitch. Now what? Don't just sit back and wait for a response. Following up can increase your chances of getting your story covered.

Wait a Few Days

Give the journalist a few days to review your pitch before following up. Don't bombard them with emails. A good rule of thumb is to wait about 3-5 business days.

Send a Polite Follow-Up Email

When you follow up, send a brief, polite email. Remind the journalist of your original pitch and ask if they have had a chance to review it. Offer to provide any additional information they may need.

Be Persistent, But Not Annoying

It's okay to follow up more than once, but don't be annoying. If you don't hear back after a couple of follow-up emails, it's probably time to move on. Remember, journalists are busy, and they may not be able to respond to every pitch they receive.

Consider Calling (Sparingly)

In some cases, it may be appropriate to call the journalist. However, use this approach sparingly, as it can be disruptive. If you do call, be prepared to pitch your story over the phone and be respectful of the journalist's time.

Building Relationships

Getting your story covered is great, but building relationships with journalists can be even more valuable in the long run. Here’s how to do it.

Be a Reliable Source

If a journalist covers your story, be responsive and helpful. Provide accurate information, meet deadlines, and be available for follow-up questions. Being a reliable source can make a journalist more likely to work with you again in the future.

Offer Exclusive Information

If you have a really juicy story, consider offering it to one news outlet exclusively. This can make your story more appealing and increase the chances of it getting covered. Just be sure to honor your agreement and not offer the same story to other outlets.

Attend Local Events

Attend local events and network with journalists. This can be a great way to build relationships and learn more about what they're looking for in a story. Plus, you might even meet a journalist who's interested in covering your story.

Provide Valuable Information

Share valuable information or insights with journalists, even if it's not directly related to your story. This can help you establish yourself as a trusted source and build a rapport with them. You can send them interesting articles, research reports, or industry news that might be relevant to their beat.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, that’s the lowdown on how to contact local news with a story. Remember, it’s all about doing your research, crafting a compelling pitch, and building relationships. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep building those connections. With a little bit of effort, you can get your story out there and make a difference in your community. Good luck, and happy pitching!