The Exact Steps to Secure a Media Interview on Your Local TV Station
Local TV is more accessible than you think. Here is how to get on it.
Most people assume local television is out of reach. They often picture publicists with industry connections, press kits designed by agencies, and budgets that justify the effort, but none of that is true.
Local TV stations are hungry for credible, camera-ready guests who can speak to topics their viewers care about. The morning show producers at your local NBC, ABC, CBS, or Fox affiliate are actively looking for people like you, they just haven’t heard from you yet.
Here is exactly how to change that!
Step One: Identify the right show and the right producer
Start by watching your local morning shows for one week, if you’re not already. Pay attention to the segments that feature guests who are not breaking news figures. Those segments are called soft news or lifestyle segments and they run between 7am and 10am on most stations. They cover topics like personal finance, health and wellness, home improvement, business advice, community stories, and local expertise.
Once you know which show you are targeting, your next step is to find the segment producer. This is not the news director and it is not the anchor, it is the producer who books guests for those lifestyle and community segments. You can usually find their name in lower third graphics of the segment, on the station website under the show page, or on LinkedIn by searching the show name and producer title.
Step Two: Develop your segment pitch
A TV pitch is different from a print pitch because producers are thinking visually. They need to know what the segment will look like on screen, why their viewers will care, and why you are the right person to deliver it.
Your pitch should answer four questions in four sentences or fewer. This is so important.
What is the topic and why does it matter to viewers right now? What is the one thing viewers will learn or be able to do after watching? Who are you and why are you the right person to speak on this? What is the visual or demonstration element that makes this good television?
That last question is critical because, television is a visual medium, and if your segment is just you sitting across from an anchor talking, it’s a much harder sell. If you can bring something to show, demonstrate a process, or walk viewers through something step by step it becomes a much easier booking.
Step Three: Write and send the pitch
Producers receive dozens of pitches daily and they make decisions fast. Your pitch email should be no longer than eight to ten sentences.
Subject line: Segment Idea for [Show Name] — [Your Topic in Five Words or Less]
Open with the hook like, what is happening right now that makes this topic timely. Follow with what the segment would look like and what viewers would take away. Close with two to three sentences about your credentials and why you are the right guest. End with a simple ask: would you be open to a quick call to discuss?
If you have a media kit, I like to include that right from the start so if there is interest you cut out a few back and forth emails between you and the producer. The more work you can do for them, the better! Send the pitch Tuesday through Thursday between 8am and 10am and follow up a few business days later if you have not heard back.
Step Four: Prepare for the yes
When a producer responds with interest they will likely ask for a headshot, a one paragraph bio, and sometimes a list of three to five talking points or sample questions you can answer on air. If you already sent your media kit along, as long as you have a complete media kit, this should be taken care of already! It’s ideal to have all of these ready before you send your first pitch so you can respond immediately when the yes comes.
Practice your talking points out loud! Local TV segments are typically three to five minutes long, so know that you will not have time for everything you want to say. Identify your single most important point and make sure you land it clearly regardless of what questions come your way.
A few other pointers to keep in mind: show up early, be easy to work with, and send a thank you note to the producer the same day. The goal of your first local TV appearance is not just the coverage it’s the relationship with the producer that leads to the second and third appearance.
The bottom line
Local TV is one of the most underused PR tools available to entrepreneurs and emerging voices. The barrier to entry is lower than you think and the credibility it builds is immediate. One appearance on your local morning show does more for your authority in your market than months of social media posts.
