Spotting a story for local news
For your event or story to make it into your local newspaper, it needs to tick the following boxes. If it doesn't fulfil all of these criteria, there are other ways of getting free publicity.
Unusual
Even a 'celebrity's biscuit' can be newsworthy.
There is a perception that a journalist is only interested in conflict and negativity. In fact, it is how unusual an event is that makes it newsworthy.
For example, a church in Somerset's unusual crime gained attention from the Daily Telegraph and Metro.
However, your story doesn't have to be wacky - it can be serious, heartwarming or emotional - it just needs to have an unusual 'angle'.
For example, a church in Somerset's unusual crime gained attention from the Daily Telegraph and Metro.
However, your story doesn't have to be wacky - it can be serious, heartwarming or emotional - it just needs to have an unusual 'angle'.
Local
Your story needs to be either a genuinely local event or a local spin on a national story.
Non-commercial
No journalist wants to give free publicity to a potential advertiser.
If you are a charity, make that point clear. If you are a business, don't highlight it! Avoid massive company logos on your press releases or a 'commercial' style of writing.
If you are a charity, make that point clear. If you are a business, don't highlight it! Avoid massive company logos on your press releases or a 'commercial' style of writing.
New/recent
Old events are not news, so publicise your event before it happens, or soon after if it was something you weren't expecting.
About people
Journalists love strong personalities
A good story shouldn't be about policies and theories but about how it affects people.
This charity boxing match (right) became more interesting because the boxers were a scrawny vicar and the 20-stone owner of the local 'Devil's Den' Tattoo Parlour.
The event was covered by local TV, the Sunday Times (login required) and attracted 500 people.
This charity boxing match (right) became more interesting because the boxers were a scrawny vicar and the 20-stone owner of the local 'Devil's Den' Tattoo Parlour.
The event was covered by local TV, the Sunday Times (login required) and attracted 500 people.
