How to Distribute a News Story for Maximum Media Exposure

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Think about the angle of your story.

   What will appeal to a general audience?
2. 2

   Step 2: Determine who to contact.

   List the print media that covers this general audience.
   
   List the broadcast media that covers this general audience. , Repeat the first two steps for a business audience, a trade audience and a special interest audience. ,,, An online service such as Burrelles Luce can be helpful for for very large distribution. ,, Prioritize and choose which to pursue. ,,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Narrow your search.

4. 4

   Step 4: Further branch media into daily

5. 5

   Step 5: weekly

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   Step 6: bi-weekly

7. 7

   Step 7: monthly and quarterly distribution.

8. 8

   Step 8: Go back over the list and refine angles for each listed media.

9. 9

   Step 9: Obtain names of target reporters for each chosen media.

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    Step 10: Using the internet and publications you subscribe to

11. 11

    Step 11: research previous stories by your target reporters.

12. 12

    Step 12: Go back to the original release and list of story angles.

13. 13

    Step 13: Develop pitches for a select group of A-list pubs and reporters.

14. 14

    Step 14: Determine the B-list and send news release without a pitch

15. 15

    Step 15: following up by phone where appropriate.

16. 16

    Step 16: Determine C-list and send news release with no follow-up.

17. 17

    Step 17: Use a clip service to measure resulting coverage of your story.

Detailed Guide

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