How to report a story to the local news

Reporting a story to the local news can be a great way to share important information with your community. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Before You Start

  1. Identify the news outlet: Find the local news outlets in your area, such as newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, or online news websites.
  2. Check their contact information: Look for contact forms, email addresses, phone numbers, or physical addresses to submit your story.
  3. Prepare your story: Gather all the relevant information, including dates, times, locations, and any supporting evidence (e.g., photos, videos, documents).

How to Report a Story

  1. Contact the news outlet: Reach out to the news outlet using the contact information you found. You can:
    • Fill out their online contact form.
    • Send an email to their news desk or specific reporter.
    • Call their newsroom or a specific reporter.
    • Visit their physical office and speak with a reporter or editor.
  2. Provide a brief summary: Give a brief summary of your story, including the main points and any key details.
  3. Be concise and clear: Keep your summary concise and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might confuse the reporter.
  4. Offer supporting evidence: Provide any supporting evidence you have, such as photos, videos, or documents, to help the reporter verify the story.
  5. Be prepared to answer questions: The reporter may have follow-up questions to clarify the details of your story. Be prepared to answer these questions and provide additional information as needed.
  6. Follow up: If you don't hear back from the reporter or news outlet, consider following up with a phone call or email to inquire about the status of your story.

Tips and Considerations

  1. Be respectful: Treat the reporter and news outlet with respect and professionalism.
  2. Be honest: Provide accurate and truthful information about your story.
  3. Be patient: Reporting a story can take time, so be patient and don't expect immediate results.
  4. Check the news outlet's guidelines: Some news outlets may have specific guidelines or procedures for submitting stories. Check their website or contact them to learn more.
  5. Consider alternative outlets: If you're having trouble getting your story reported by a traditional news outlet, consider reaching out to alternative outlets, such as online news websites, blogs, or social media influencers.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively report your story to the local news and share important information with your community.