Does anyone have any tips on how one might get TV NEWS CHANNELS interested in taking on a local NEWS STORY?

Question

The issue is an eminent domain problem we are going through in a small city, Moorpark. This city is located in California. Both the City and the redevelopment agency are not informing the public about their desire to reinstate and then redevelop 40% of the town. While the City Council meetings can all be viewed on TV live these redevelopment meetings are NEVER announced nor are they televised or reported on. This is not fair. I would like to be able to make this whole thing fair by allowing the public to at the very least be properly informed!

Many older families are at a REAL risk of losing their homes!
Also there are numerous established small businesses that are also out risk.

I have emailed both abc channel 7 and cbs channel 2 news and I have not received a response! Do news channels only like to report car chases and other easy to report news? Are there any news networks that actually truly help out the community by reporting serious issues?

Answer 1

Email a specific newscaster that usually handles stories along the lines of yours. Or call the station directly and try to speak with someone. Pick someone specific though. You greatly increase your chances. I would also try local papers. Sometimes TV gets their stories from newspaper stories.

Answer 2

First of all, don't forget to send your story idea to your local paper as well, which often has more resources and time to devote to investigational stories.



It sounds like the issue you speak of is an important one. There are several ways to get the attention of the local media, here are some tips:



1. Write a letter outlining the problem and be prepared to be quoted and/or back up your claims with proof. Send your letter to the news editors of every local TV station, as well as your local paper. Trying to get an editorial/opinion letter printed wouldn't hurt either. Make sure to include your contact information.



2. Create a little notoriety yourself. Can you organize an official grassroots group or PAC to represent the interests of the residents? Can you circulate a petition calling for open government or government accountability? What about a protest outside city hall? All these things, when done by concerned citizens in an organized, non-violent manner, generate public and media interest and lend support to your cause.



3. Write your local government or get an attorney involved and send copies to your local media. Sometimes "officialness" carries more weight.



4. Be patient and persistent, but don't be a pest. Most journalists are very busy juggling many stories at once and sometimes can't respond as quickly as you believe they should. Be respectful and make your communications intelligent and you're more likely to be regarded as having a legitimate concern. Try communicating not only with local reporters, but with the editors in charge as well.



Good luck!



Newarview

Answer 3

You have several options.



Specifically, to get in the television news, you have to first establish that there is enough community interest in the story to merit its airtime. If you are involved in community organizations, get the word out through these groups; places of worship, service organizations, even social clubs are handy venues for raising awareness. Ask friends to write, call, and/or email the newsstation. The key word is persistence. Try going through print media first, using the same methods to get local newspapers interested in the story. Writing letters to the editor is often a good way to get into a paper, especially small local papers. Additionally, making flyers, even just half-sheet or third-sheet tracts with the basic info might be a good idea - put them in the mailboxes of houses affected, and you might begin to see the community rallying around you! Also, calling talk radio will also get your idea solid community airtime.

The best choice, however, is to visit in person to make your case. Usually, the visibility of the story will increase in direct proportion to the effort you put into getting the word out! Stick with it, employ the help of friends and family, raise community awareness, actively raise awareness, and your work will pay off!

Answer 4

my advice would be to try local papers instead of going after tv spotlight. If that doersnt work run a petition and get the locals interested in the topic. Its hard to get airplay if you dont have more people behind you

Answer 5

Call them, go to the station....there are all kinds of things you could do. In Phoenix, we have "3 on your side" and the Channel 3 news has a number you can call, they will investigate, interview...do the whole nine. You might want to check into that. Good luck!

Answer 6

Try the "Turko Files". You know, "When it just ain't right!"

That guy does stories like this all the time! I'm not sure what station he's with, but I know he gets things done! I'm in San Diego, CA. You never know, but you sound motivated enough that this could really happen for you. CALL HIM!

Answer 7

check out channel 5...KTLA they love these lil stories. you may have to start with a smaller fish before the bigger ones bite! explain to them how soo many ppl are unaware and se eif you can get at least one to scoop the story. also try radio...its agreat venue and there are tons of talk radio stations in the early AM, they like this stuff.

Answer 8

Your best bet is your local paper. If the paper writes it up well, the local TV news might get interested. But your instincts are right, the TV news is really only interested in stories that come with good visuals.

Answer 9

Try bypassing the email and instead telephone them directly. And don't give up... Bug them daily.

Answer 10

show up at their station wearing nothing but a sandwich sign detailing your story

Answer 11

Call the stations as well as make a personal appearance. Be organized and have info in writing concerning statistics. Also, have you researched at all if the actions your City Council is trying to enact or approve for this developer actually falls under the LAW for eminent domain action? If they are not following the guidelines and requirements for eminent domain as the law reads...you have your point made for you and don't need the media to pick up your story.