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When it comes to successful broadcast pitching, sometimes it’s luck, but a lot of the time, it’s about developing the right pitch, delivering it to the right person, and tying it to a timely trend.

Unlike other media, broadcast outlets operate on really tight deadlines and prioritize stories with strong visual and emotional appeal. Producers and bookers are flooded with pitches daily, so standing out requires a strategic approach.

Below are key tips to increase your chances of landing a segment and getting your story on the air.

Know the Audience: Step one is sometimes obvious, but it’s critical that you know the audience (who watches the show) and style (does the show have guest conversations?, etc.) of the segment. Understand what stories resonate with their viewers or listeners to ensure your pitch aligns with their needs. For example, don’t pitch a CEO for a business story to a consumer morning show that talks about the latest/ trendiest eye cream. You want to ensure that what you are pitching will resonate with the producer or the audience.

Leverage Timely Tie-ins: Highlight why your story matters now. Make sure your narrative is newsworthy, timely, and relevant, and frame it in a way that stands out from typical pitches. Look for trending topics, big upcoming events, or tap into breaking news that aligns with your story , making it even more compelling for producers who are looking for new ideas.

Be Concise: It’s especially important in broadcast pitching to keep your pitches concise. Producers are busy, and usually on deadline, so they appreciate pitches that get straight to the point. Use a compelling subject line and hook and present the key details in a clear, short format.

Embrace Personalization: Who doesn’t like to feel the love!? Avoid generic mass emails – they don’t work for producers. Referencing a past segment to explain why your story is a great fit for their program or taking the time to tailor your pitch in other ways shows producers that you understand their content and can increase the likelihood of your story being considered.

Provide Supporting Materials: Include relevant assets such as video clips, b-roll, or images, and be ready to offer additional information or interviews promptly. For broadcast, visual assets are critical so that the booker or producer can see the subject matter expert in action and get a sense of how they will be on camera.

Successful pitching is a mix of preparation, persistence, and knowing how to frame your story in a way that resonates with both producers and their audiences. The above tips can help ensure your pitch is not only opened, but seriously considered by busy broadcast producers/bookers looking for stories.

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