Best way to pitch to a tv or radio program

To get your pitch heard you have to pitch it the right way.

If you want to pitch to a tv or radio program and have your pitch heard, you have to start by knowing what ways of pitching aren't going to work. For television never pitch via email. It is not going to get looked at because reporters are way too busy. They are constantly on the move, and they are not about to sit down and check their email.

The best way to contact them is to send a fax to the assignment editor with their name on it so it'll get set on their desk. They are going to be rushing around all day, and they will scoop the stuff off their desk and take it with them when they go out on a story, so you want your fax to be on their desk.

Also, because they are so busy and on the go, calling them is a really good thing to do. However, only if you do it right. Here are some do's and don'ts about calling:

• First and foremost, never, ever, ever call during a newscast. They are busy, and if you call during a cast, they are going to think you are an idiot. You will lose your credibility, and they will be annoyed with you, and never want to work with you.
• Never call at least one hour prior to the show. Before the show, they will be working to get the show together, this is a mad hour. If you call during this hour, once again you lose your credibility and you have no shot.
• When it's a 5 or 6 o'clock show, don't call after 3 PM. Frankly, producing a live show is a lot of work, and takes some time. Most talk shows or news shows have a few shows in the evening, so do not call anywhere near the time of the show.
• The best time to call is in the morning, before that morning meeting. Talk shows and radio talk shows have meetings each day to discuss what will be talked about, and how. Call before this meeting so your name can come up, especially if you are trying to get on the news.
• Always ask permission to talk. When you call a producer, anchor, or whomever, the important thing you want to do is ask them if it is a good time. If you just start talking, and they are busy, they will think you are rude, and your chances will be blown.
• Make it brief, like 30-seconds for a message, and no more than a few minutes if you get them live. If you are calling a radio or television show, and you get a voicemail, make it brief. These people get a lot of voicemails each day, and if yours is too long, they will not listen to it.
• Offer yourself as an expert, say your name, what the story is, and always give your cell phone number so they know that you're accessible. You want to grab their attention and let them know that you are an expert. This gives you credibility and grabs their interest.
• Never leave more than one message. If you do, you are an obnoxious person, and you will not get much follow up from them.
• Try to catch the reporter before that morning meeting. This has been stated, but you will want to for sure catch the anchor, talk show host, or reporter BEFORE they have to go to their meeting.

Now that you know the best way to pitch, you need to know how to follow up on a pitch or release that you send in. Look for advice tomorrow.

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