What are the best ways to pitch a sports story to the media?

1 Know your audience

Before you write your pitch, you need to research your target media outlets and their audience. What kind of stories do they cover? What tone and style do they use? What are their deadlines and preferences? How do they like to receive pitches? You can find this information by reading their articles, following their social media, and checking their websites. The more you know about your audience, the better you can tailor your pitch to their needs and interests.

2 Find your angle

Your pitch should not just be a summary of facts and figures. It should have a clear and unique angle that hooks the reader and shows why your story is newsworthy, relevant, and interesting. Your angle should answer the questions: Why now? Why this? Why them? For example, you could focus on a timely issue, a human interest story, a local connection, a controversy, or a trend. Your angle should also reflect your goals and objectives for pitching the story.

3 Write a catchy subject line

Your subject line is the first thing that the media will see when they receive your pitch. It should be concise, catchy, and informative. It should capture the essence of your angle and make the reader want to open your email. Avoid using generic or vague phrases, such as "press release" or "story idea". Instead, use keywords, questions, or teasers that spark curiosity and excitement. For example, "How this coach turned a losing team into champions" or "The secret behind this athlete's amazing comeback".

4 Keep it short and simple

Your pitch should be brief and clear. It should not exceed one page or 300 words. It should include the following elements: a greeting, an introduction, a summary of your angle, a hook, a call to action, and a signature. Your greeting should address the media by name and show that you are familiar with their work. Your introduction should explain who you are and why you are contacting them. Your summary should highlight the main points of your story and why it matters to their audience. Your hook should provide a compelling quote, statistic, or anecdote that supports your angle. Your call to action should invite the media to follow up with you for more information or to arrange an interview. Your signature should include your contact details and any relevant links or attachments.

5 Follow up and be flexible

After you send your pitch, you should follow up with the media within a few days. You can send a polite reminder, ask for feedback, or offer additional details or sources. You should also be flexible and responsive to their requests and questions. You may need to adjust your angle, provide different materials, or coordinate with other parties. Remember that the media are busy and have many pitches to choose from. You need to be respectful, professional, and persistent to get your story published.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?