How do you sell news to tv stations?

Question

I have a news story that I am trying to sell to a tv news channel. Any suggestions or any one with any experience at this?

Answer 1

you call them during buisiness hours, say you have a good story, tell the story.

Answer 2

I'm not sure what your story is, but most tv stations dont pay for news.  They just report it.  They may pay for news tips but these are usually events that are very time sensitive.  

If you want to submit an idea for a story there are several ways to do it but some are better than others.

TV stations get bombarded with ideas all day long and have people to come up with ideas too.  To get them to use one it has to really stand out.  If you are pitching a story there are generally 4 ways.  Spending a little time to write a  news release will go a long way to separate you from others trying to pitch stories.  Writing new releases is like writing a resume and there are several ways to do it.   Make sure you have WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW, WHY, covered in the document.  Also contact info where it can be clearly seen.

Phoning.  The least effective, you're dictating your idea to someone who's having to write it down.  The person on the other end is usually going to be busy and your idea won't get the attention that it deserves.  Plus most people on the phone have a tendancy to ramble and repeat what they've already said and this will irritate the station person on the other side will also put your idea in jeopardy.

If you are reporting a breaking news event then none of the above rules apply.  You will most likely be asked the who what, etc.  Also in the case of fire, crime, or accident try to find out what agency police or fire etc is handling the incident.  This will make it easier to confirm your information. Some stations will pay for breaking news tips.

Fax   A little better,  the station people can read it at their leisure and have all the facts to review later.  The down side is that someone has to enter the info in the station computer system.

Mail  Same as the fax but slower.  

email.  This is really the best way to make contact.  Most people that go through the email are cut and pasters so this is the best way for them to handle the info. You dont need to send a lot of pictures and dont send something that cant be cut and pasted.  

   A call to follow up on a email is fine and might even get some extra attention.  Calling and emailing  during non traditonal hours like at night and on weekends will give people at the station more time to review the release.  Sending the release two or three times is ok but I wouldn't push it past this,

Good luck and hope this is of some help to you.