Nailing Your Local News Coverage: 5 Insider PR Tricks

Want to see your story splashed across local headlines? 

Follow these savvy PR tips to boost your chances of scoring that coveted local news coverage.

1. Hook 'Em With Hometown Relevance

Make it local or lose it all. Your pitch needs to scream "local interest" from the get-go. Forget generic subject lines - name-drop the region right away. 

Then, in your opening line, spell out exactly why this story matters to the community. 

Pro move: Reference a similar piece they've done before to show you've done your homework.

2. Master the Newsroom Clock

Timing is everything in broadcast. News assignments often get locked in by 8 AM for daytime coverage. 

For afternoon shows, it's a different ballgame. Your mission: Identify the decision-makers and learn their schedules. 

Get your story on their radar at just the right moment for maximum impact.

3. Avoid the Shotgun Approach

Precision beats volume every time. Blasting every reporter at a publication is a rookie mistake. 

Local newsrooms are tight-knit - word travels fast if you're spamming inboxes. Instead, craft one or two laser-focused pitches for the most relevant journalists. 

Quality over quantity wins the day.

4. Become a Local News Junkie

Know your audience inside and out. Dive deep into the local media landscape. 

Understand the hot-button issues, key players, and unique audience for each outlet. Bonus points: 

Learn the media ownership landscape. Knowing which companies own multiple outlets can unlock unexpected opportunities.

5. Play the Long Game

Every interaction is an investment. Follow up (within reason) on your pitches. 

When you land coverage, nurture that relationship like gold. 

Even if a story falls through, stay helpful and professional. That producer who called last-minute for an expert?

They might be your ticket to prime coverage down the road.

Remember, local news still packs a punch. With 76% of Americans trusting their local TV news (compared to national outlets), these strategies can help you tap into a powerful, engaged audience. 

Master the art of local media outreach, and watch your company's visibility soar in the community that matters most.

To learn more about Middle Media Agency, please visit https://middlemedia.agency/services