Thread: Newsworthy? How to get in the news...

How do you get yourself into the news (for no good reason, except free advertisement?) That sounds awful, but you know what I mean. I feel like many of us have "life stories" that would be awesome little features in local papers. How to write a press release or a guest article that will really hook the editor and make them really want to write a story about you?

Anyone given this a shot and been successful?

My real world job is in PR, so maybe I can give you a few tips. :)

Unless you live in a very small town (or are submitting to a very small local paper), you're not very likely to get a feature story published from a press release. Loads and loads of press releases get tossed every day, and most reporters prefer to write features from scratch, not from a release. But they DO appreciate tips on good stories with news value. The best way to go about it would be to cultivate a relationship with the features/entertainment editor and make the pitch via phone. Once you've done that, you might want to follow up with a fact sheet that includes some of the things you discussed plus other sources to contact. It will also help you chances greatly if you can tie your story into an event--are you putting on a new stage show or throwing an open-to-the-public hafla? Or maybe the BDSS are coming to town, and you can pitch *your* story as a local angle on the national belly dancing trend.

The main thing is whether the media outlet you are courting takes submissions. If they do, you can write your own piece, or just send in a captioned photo, and cross your fingers that they will print it. There can be quite a lag between when you send something in and getting it printed, so if you have time-sensitive information, send it in early!

If you are hoping to get the attention of a major outlet that doesn't take submissions, your best bet would be to send them a press release. (Google to get an idea of the format, if you've never written one before.) Ideally, you would be promoting a specific event, such as a benefit show that is open to the public, or a performance at a local festival. Barring that, there's always World Bellydance Day in May. (Again, send early!)

If you're hoping for a big human-interest feature, your best bet would be to somehow make contact with a reporter who does those stories. If you can catch one of them at an event where you're performing, introduce yourself. Otherwise, reporters often have e-mail addresses on their TV station's or newspaper's web sites, and you could try to write them and pitch your story idea. You'll be more likely to capture their interest if you have a good angle (overcoming some tragic adversity, making a noble contribution to humanity), as opposed to just "Hey, look at me!" If you teach, you might also consider inviting a female reporter to try a class and do a story on her experience.

I did publicity for my son's school a couple of years ago. It was always interesting to see what caught their eye. Sometimes the things you thought would be great stories were ignored, and the leads that were throwaway garbage got picked. I think a lot of it just depends on how slow a news day it is.

One more thing to keep in mind is that you will have to work ten times harder than normal to bust the stereotypes. Reporters are under pressure to sell papers/snag viewers, and sex sells. If you are working directly with a reporter, make sure to have some printed information to hand out that bolsters your respectability. You can't control the outcome, but at least you can say you tried to prevent yourself from being introduced with the teaser, "...Stay tuned, because after break, Michelle's going to tell us about her experience learning the sexy and seductive 'Dance of the Seven Veils'!"

Originally Posted by GenevieveOfAtlanta

My real world job is in PR, so maybe I can give you a few tips. :)

Unless you live in a very small town (or are submitting to a very small local paper), you're not very likely to get a feature story published from a press release. Loads and loads of press releases get tossed every day, and most reporters prefer to write features from scratch, not from a release. But they DO appreciate tips on good stories with news value. The best way to go about it would be to cultivate a relationship with the features/entertainment editor and make the pitch via phone. Once you've done that, you might want to follow up with a fact sheet that includes some of the things you discussed plus other sources to contact. It will also help you chances greatly if you can tie your story into an event--are you putting on a new stage show or throwing an open-to-the-public hafla? Or maybe the BDSS are coming to town, and you can pitch *your* story as a local angle on the national belly dancing trend.

Oh Awesome. yes, actually BDSS is coming close by (3 locations) and we are having Yousry in June with a giant show. Great idea!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Barring that, there's always World Bellydance Day in May. (Again, send early!)

.

Now, how sad is it that I had no idea this existed? ,f::

i have a student who is a producer at a local nbc station.
they call when they need something about fitness etc.we also have a morning show, local hosts.i will be on that promoting dvd for seniors at our barnes and nobels local section. so, develop a repor with a station, and they will call you for stories

There's an article on my web site written by fellow bhuzzer CFerhat that I recommend: Working with News Reporters

Originally Posted by *Shira*

There's an article on my web site written by fellow bhuzzer CFerhat that I recommend: Working with News Reporters

Sweet! Your website always has great stuff, Shira! ..g.:

I second that!!!

I have a friend that does his press releases on this website: Free Press Release - Online Press Release Distribution Service .

I don't know how much it helps, but it certainly can't hurt!