How to report a story to the news

Reporting a story to the news can be a great way to bring attention to important issues, share your perspective, or highlight a unique event. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to report a story to the news:

Before You Start

  1. Identify the news outlet: Research local and national news outlets that cover the type of story you want to report. Look for their contact information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and online submission forms.
  2. Understand their submission guidelines: Check the news outlet's website or contact them directly to learn about their submission guidelines, including word count, format, and deadlines.
  3. Prepare your story: Gather all relevant information, including facts, quotes, and supporting documents. Organize your thoughts and write a clear, concise summary of your story.

How to Report a Story

  1. Email or online submission form: Send your story to the news outlet's email address or use their online submission form. Make sure to follow their submission guidelines and include all required information.
  2. Phone or voicemail: If you prefer to speak with a journalist or producer, call the news outlet's main phone number or leave a voicemail with your contact information and a brief summary of your story.
  3. In-person visit: If you're local, consider visiting the news outlet's office in person to pitch your story to a journalist or producer.

Tips for Reporting a Story

  1. Be concise: Keep your summary brief and to the point. Journalists are busy and may not have time to read lengthy emails or listen to long voicemails.
  2. Provide supporting evidence: Include any relevant documents, photos, or videos that support your story.
  3. Be prepared to answer questions: Journalists may contact you for additional information or to clarify points in your story. Be prepared to answer their questions and provide further details.
  4. Follow up: If you don't hear back from the news outlet, consider sending a follow-up email or making a phone call to inquire about the status of your story.

Additional Tips

  1. Research the journalist: Look up the journalist's previous work and areas of interest to ensure your story aligns with their focus.
  2. Be respectful: Treat journalists with respect and professionalism, even if you're pitching a story that may not be of interest to them.
  3. Be patient: Reporting a story to the news can take time, so be patient and don't be discouraged if your story isn't picked up immediately.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively report a story to the news and potentially bring attention to important issues or share your perspective with a wider audience.