Hey everyone, so you've got a story you think is headline-worthy? Awesome! Landing a story on CNN, one of the biggest news networks in the world, is a pretty big deal. But how do you actually make it happen? Well, it's not as simple as sending an email and hoping for the best, but it's also not impossible. Let's break down how to get a news story to CNN, step by step. We'll cover everything from crafting a compelling pitch to understanding what CNN looks for in a story. Getting your story featured can boost your credibility and reach a massive audience. So, grab a coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let's dive in! This guide will help you understand the landscape and increase your chances of getting your story noticed. Remember, persistence and a well-crafted approach are key.

Understanding What CNN Wants

Okay, before you even think about pitching your story, you need to understand what CNN is all about. They're not just looking for any old news. They have a specific audience, and they're looking for stories that resonate with that audience. They want stories that are impactful, relevant, and well-sourced. So, what exactly does that mean? Well, CNN typically focuses on:

• Breaking News: This is their bread and butter. If something big just happened, they want to be the first to report it. Think major disasters, political events, and significant social changes. They are always on the hunt for the latest developments. They value speed and accuracy, so you'll need to have your facts straight and be able to provide reliable sources. Remember, accuracy is critical here.
• Politics and World Affairs: CNN is a major player in covering politics both nationally and internationally. If your story involves policy changes, elections, international conflicts, or significant political figures, you're on the right track. You need to provide context and analysis, not just the facts. CNN wants to help their viewers understand the “why” behind the headlines. If your story provides a unique angle or sheds light on an underreported issue, you'll have a better chance.
• Human Interest Stories: These stories tap into emotions and connect with viewers on a personal level. They could be about overcoming adversity, acts of kindness, or extraordinary achievements. But they need to be well-told and emotionally engaging. The best human-interest stories often have universal themes that resonate with a broad audience. Keep this in mind when crafting your pitch. Think about what makes your story compelling and why people should care.
• Business and Finance: Economic news and market trends are also a big part of CNN's coverage. If your story is related to the economy, business, or the financial markets, it might be a good fit. Make sure you can explain complex financial concepts clearly. They want stories that help people understand the world of money. Always be prepared to back up your claims with data and credible sources.
• Tech and Innovation: CNN also covers the latest advancements in technology and innovation. If your story is about a new invention, a breakthrough in science, or a significant tech development, you could have a shot. Show how the innovation will impact society. Again, they value clear explanations of complex topics.

So, before you send your pitch, consider these things: Does your story fit into any of these categories? Is it timely? Is it important? Does it have a strong angle? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you're on the right track. Remember, CNN has a reputation to uphold, so they need to be sure the information they present is credible and accurate. Always check your facts and make sure you can support your claims with solid evidence.

Crafting a Compelling Pitch

Alright, you've got a story, and you think it's a good fit for CNN. Now it's time to craft a pitch. This is your chance to grab their attention and convince them to cover your story. Think of it as a carefully crafted sales pitch. The goal is to make the journalist want to learn more, so they decide to publish it. Here's how to do it right:

1. Know Your Audience: Research the specific CNN journalist or team that covers the topic of your story. Who are the relevant reporters, editors, or producers? Find out what they've covered recently. Knowing their interests will help you tailor your pitch. Look at their past work to understand their style and what kind of stories they prefer. LinkedIn and Twitter are great places to find this information. Identifying the right person to contact is critical. A general pitch to the wrong person is often ignored.
2. Write a Concise and Engaging Subject Line: Your subject line is the first thing they'll see. It needs to be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. Make it specific and intriguing. Avoid clickbait, but make it interesting enough to open. Something like "Exclusive: [Your Story Title]" or "Breaking: [Your Story Topic]" can work well if appropriate. Think of it like a newspaper headline: it should immediately tell the reader what the story is about.
3. The Pitch Itself: Keep it short and sweet. The ideal pitch is one or two paragraphs long. Start with a strong hook to grab their attention. Briefly explain what the story is about and why it matters. Include the key facts and your unique angle. Tell them why they should care. Be clear about why CNN should cover your story. What makes it newsworthy? What's the impact? Don't overload them with information; save the details for the actual story.
4. Highlight the Key Elements: Make sure you clearly state the “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” and “why” of your story. This helps the journalist quickly understand the basics. Include any relevant quotes, statistics, or supporting data. If you have exclusive access to information or a unique perspective, be sure to highlight that. Journalists are always looking for exclusive content.
5. Provide High-Quality Information: Include all relevant contact information, including your name, email, phone number, and website (if applicable). Offer to provide interviews, additional sources, or supporting materials. Make it easy for them to follow up. The more you can do to make their job easier, the better your chances. Attach any relevant documents, photos, or videos that support your story, but keep the attachments small so they don't clog up their inbox.
6. Follow Up (But Don't Pester): If you haven't heard back within a few days, it's okay to send a brief follow-up email. A polite reminder can sometimes nudge them. But don't bombard them with emails. A single, polite follow-up is usually sufficient. Remember that journalists are busy, so be patient. They receive a lot of pitches.

Finding the Right Contact at CNN

Okay, so you've got your pitch ready to go, but who do you send it to? Finding the right contact is crucial. Sending your story to the wrong person is a surefire way to get it ignored. Here's how to find the right people at CNN:

• CNN's Website: Start by exploring CNN's website. Look for the “Contact Us” or “Newsroom” section. Sometimes, you can find general email addresses or even specific contact information for certain departments or reporters. CNN.com has a lot of information, including staff lists and areas of coverage. This can guide you to the right person to contact.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for finding journalists and media professionals. Search for CNN journalists, editors, and producers. Look for people who cover the topic of your story. You can often find their email addresses or connect with them directly. LinkedIn profiles can provide valuable insights into their area of expertise. Study their profiles to see what kind of stories they typically cover.
• Twitter: Twitter is another excellent resource. Many journalists are active on Twitter and share their work. You can follow reporters and editors who cover your topic and see what they're interested in. You might even find their email addresses in their profile or a link to their publication. You can also use Twitter to directly engage with journalists, but be mindful of their time and avoid spamming them.
• CNN’s Public Relations: If you are unsure where to send your pitch, you could consider reaching out to CNN’s public relations department. They may be able to direct you to the right person or department. However, this may not always be the best option, as they are often swamped with requests.
• Media Databases: There are media databases that compile contact information for journalists and media outlets. These databases can be a paid service, but they can save you time and effort in finding the right contacts. These databases usually have extensive search capabilities, allowing you to narrow your search by topic, location, and even individual journalist interests. Check to see if your company or organization already subscribes to a media database before paying for a new one.

Remember to personalize your pitch whenever possible. Referencing a journalist's previous work or mentioning a specific interest can make your pitch stand out. Before contacting anyone, always double-check the accuracy of their contact information.

Making Your Story Stand Out

So you've done the hard work of pitching your story. Now it's time to increase your chances of getting noticed. What makes a story stand out? Here are some factors that CNN considers:

• Exclusivity: If your story is exclusive, meaning no one else has it, you’ll have a significant advantage. This could be an exclusive interview, a breaking piece of information, or access to a unique source. Exclusive stories are a journalist's dream. Journalists are always on the lookout for a story that they can call their own.
• Timeliness: CNN is constantly looking for stories that are relevant and happening now. The more current your story is, the better. Is there a pressing deadline? Is it connected to a developing event? Timeliness is a key factor. News is a constantly evolving environment. Stories that are late to the game are often ignored.
• Impact: Does your story affect a large number of people? Does it have the potential to change the world? CNN often looks for stories that have a significant impact on society. Think about the scope of the story and who will be affected.
• Strong Visuals: CNN is a visual medium. Providing compelling photos or videos can dramatically increase your chances. High-quality visuals are essential for attracting attention. If you don't have good visuals, consider offering to connect the journalist with someone who does. Pictures and videos tell stories in their own way.
• Credibility and Reliability: Accuracy is paramount. Make sure your story is factually correct and that your sources are credible. Back up your claims with evidence. CNN is known for its rigorous fact-checking process. If you can provide a detailed list of sources, you will significantly improve the odds of having the story published.
• Unique Angle: What makes your story different? Why should people care? Every story has a unique angle. It’s what sets it apart from the rest. Finding the unique angle is an essential part of getting your story noticed. What perspective do you offer? A new angle can transform a run-of-the-mill story into a must-read.
• Provide Solutions: People love stories that offer a solution. CNN, and news generally, is often focused on what the problems are, so a solution makes a great story to capture an audience.

Important Considerations and Things to Avoid

Before you send your pitch, there are a few important things to keep in mind, and some things to avoid. Following these tips will improve your chances of success:

• Don't Spam: Avoid sending mass emails or spamming journalists. Personalize each pitch. Take the time to tailor your message to the individual journalist. It shows you've done your research and you value their time.
• Don't Be Pushy: Be polite and respectful. Journalists are busy, so don't be demanding or aggressive. Persistence is important, but don't pester. If they're not interested, respect their decision.
• Don't Misrepresent Facts: Accuracy is essential. Never exaggerate or fabricate information. Always double-check your facts and cite credible sources. Mistruths will damage your credibility.
• Respect Deadlines: If a journalist gives you a deadline, make sure you meet it. Be responsive and available to answer questions. Be prompt when responding to requests. They will appreciate it.
• Be Patient: Getting a story on CNN takes time. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back right away. It can take days or even weeks. Be prepared for a long game. Be persistent, and keep pitching your stories.
• Understand CNN's Perspective: CNN's primary focus is on producing high-quality news for its audience. They need stories that meet their standards for accuracy, credibility, and relevance. Understand their goals and tailor your pitch accordingly.
• Avoid Over-Promoting: Focus on the news value of your story, not on promoting yourself or your organization. Keep the focus on the story and its significance. The story needs to stand on its own merits.

What to Do After Your Story is Published

Congratulations! Your story made it to CNN. Now what? There are a few things you can do to maximize the impact and value of the coverage:

• Share it: Share the story on your social media channels and website. This helps extend the reach and visibility of the story. Share it with your networks. Promote the article to drive traffic to CNN. Increase the article's views and help spread the word.
• Thank the Journalist: Send a thank-you note to the journalist who wrote the story. Show your appreciation for their work. A simple thank you can go a long way in building a relationship.
• Monitor the Coverage: Track the coverage of your story and see how it is being received. Monitor the comments and social media conversations. See what people are saying about the article.
• Build Relationships: Now is a great time to build relationships with journalists. If you have a good experience, reach out again in the future. Establish a professional relationship for future news coverage.
• Use the Coverage: Use the coverage to support your marketing and public relations efforts. Link to the story on your website and include it in your press materials. This creates a valuable asset for your organization.

Final Thoughts

Getting a story on CNN is a major achievement that can open many doors. While it requires effort, dedication, and a bit of luck, following these tips will significantly increase your chances. Remember to be persistent, tailor your pitch, and always prioritize accuracy and credibility. Good luck, and go make some news!