Pitching a story to a TV journalist is different than pitching to print or online publications.
TV is a very visual medium, which means your story must have strong and engaging images in order for it to be picked up by a TV journalist.
Here are some tips to help you pitch a story idea to a TV journalist.
Make it newsworthy
If you’re aiming at news programs obviously a strong news angle will be required. Even if you’re pitching to a morning show or current affair program you will have the best success if you link your pitch to something topical. If the producers can relate your idea to a current story in the media it gives them more incentive to run with the idea.
Have a clear angle
There is no time for beating around the bush. A producer will usually just skim the first few sentences of the hundreds of emails they receive daily so you want your pitch to stand out. Don’t wait until the third paragraph to get to the point.
You need great images
Regardless of if it’s the evening news, a morning show or a current affairs program, if you want your story to get on TV you need to put some thought into the visuals. There is no point offering a media release on your great new product or survey results if there are no images to go with them.
Make it easy for the producer to say yes by suggesting a few different visuals they could use in relation to the story you’re pitching. This creates less work for them and more chance of success for you!
Provide a spokesperson that they can interview
Real people add real interest. Rather than offering dry information or statistics, try to provide interesting case studies with people who are happy to be interviewed and suggest some related visuals to go with these interviews. Provide the producer with a rundown on the interviewee’s background and involvement, the juicier the better.
Don’t be too promotional
TV producers will start running if you’re pushing a product, an event or a business without a good hook. Your business should take a back seat to the actual story and keep in mind that any mention of your company is valuable but it is the story that will get you TV coverage. A good tip is to clearly state why the story you are offering is topical but different to others that have been run recently.
If you’re pitching to a story-telling show like Today Tonight or A Current Affair, try offering them a clear beginning, middle and end to your story as their audience appreciates a contained and interesting package.
When pitching a story idea to a TV journalist, only send your pitch to the TV programs that your target audience watches. You will have a better chance of getting your story published if the story is relevant to the TV program’s viewers.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
