I get the question from local small business owners, creators, and artists all the time. How do I get featured on a news segment? The answer always is, while it is ultimately up to the station to decide if they will bring you on, they won’t know about your idea if you don’t pitch it. Pitching yourself to a news station for a featured segment can be a great way to gain exposure and share your story or expertise with a wider audience. But then the second question comes, how do I do that? In this post I am sharing tips on how to pitch a segment idea to your local news station.
Step-by-Step Guide to Effectively Pitch Yourself to Local News
Research the News Station
Start by researching the news station you want to pitch to. Understand their audience demographics, the types of stories they cover, and their programming format. This will help you tailor your pitch to align with their interests and needs.
Identify the Right Contact
Find the appropriate contact person at the news station to whom you can pitch your segment idea. This could be a producer, assignment editor, or specific reporter who covers topics related to your expertise or story.
Craft an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
When sending your pitch via email, make sure your subject line is attention-grabbing and concise. It should clearly convey the value proposition of your segment idea and pique the recipient’s interest.
Write a Compelling Pitch Email
Your email pitch should be brief, yet informative. Start with a brief introduction of yourself and your credentials, then clearly outline your segment idea. Highlight why your story or expertise would be relevant and engaging for their audience. Include any relevant statistics, anecdotes, or unique angles that make your pitch stand out.
Provide Visuals or Additional Resources
If you have any visual materials such as photos, videos, or graphics that support your pitch, include them as attachments or provide links for easy access. Visuals can help convey your message more effectively and make your pitch more compelling.
Highlight Your Availability and Flexibility
Let the news station know about your availability for interviews or filming. Be flexible and accommodating to their scheduling needs, as this increases the likelihood of your pitch being accepted.
Follow Up Appropriately
If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, consider following up with a polite email or phone call to inquire about the status of your pitch. Be persistent but respectful, understanding that newsrooms can be busy and may not always respond immediately.
Be Prepared for Interviews
If your pitch is accepted, be prepared for interviews or filming. Practice your talking points and anticipate potential questions. Dress appropriately and be ready to showcase your expertise or story in a confident and engaging manner.
Promote the Segment
Once the segment airs, make sure to promote it on your social media channels and website to maximize its reach. Tag the news station and relevant reporters to thank them for the opportunity and further amplify the coverage.
Maintain Relationships
Building relationships with reporters and producers can lead to future opportunities for media coverage. Stay in touch with the contacts you’ve made and continue to provide them with interesting story ideas or expert commentary.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully pitching yourself to a local news station and securing a feature segment that showcases your story or expertise to a broader audience. Good luck!
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