How To Submit Videos To Metro TV: A Comprehensive Guide
So you've got some killer video footage and you're thinking, "Hey, Metro TV should see this!" Awesome! Getting your video to a major news network can seem daunting, but don't worry, guys, it's totally doable. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of submitting your video to Metro TV, making sure it gets the attention it deserves. We'll cover everything from understanding what kind of content they're looking for, to the nitty-gritty technical specs, and even some tips to make your submission stand out. Let's get started!
Understanding Metro TV's Content Needs
Before you even think about hitting that send button, it's crucial to understand what kind of content Metro TV typically airs. They're a news network, first and foremost, so think newsy! Breaking news, exclusive footage of current events, and stories with a strong local or national angle are your best bets. Metro TV also has a reputation for in-depth reporting and investigative journalism, so if your video aligns with those themes, you're in a good spot. Spend some time watching Metro TV. Seriously, do it. Get a feel for their style, the types of stories they cover, and the visual quality they expect. This research will dramatically increase your chances of a successful submission. Think about what makes your video unique and newsworthy. Does it offer a perspective that hasn't been seen before? Does it shed light on an important issue? Does it have compelling visuals that will grab viewers' attention?
Consider these points:
- Relevance: Is your video timely and relevant to current events?
- Uniqueness: Does it offer a new perspective or exclusive footage?
- Impact: Does it have the potential to inform, educate, or inspire viewers?
- Quality: Is the video and audio clear and of decent quality? (More on that later!)
Remember, Metro TV receives tons of submissions every day, so you need to make sure yours stands out. Understanding their content needs is the first, and arguably most important, step in that process. Now that you have a better understanding of the channel, you can start to formulate a plan for what you want to send them. This also allows you to ensure that your time and effort isn't spent creating content that they're not interested in, saving you time and making the entire process more efficient and less draining.
Preparing Your Video for Submission
Okay, so you've got your awesome video, and you know it's perfect for Metro TV. Now comes the technical part: preparing your video for submission. This isn't just about slapping a filter on it and calling it a day. We're talking about making sure your video meets Metro TV's technical specifications and is presented in a way that's easy for them to review. First, let's talk about video format. Generally, news organizations prefer standard formats like MP4, MOV, or AVI. These formats are widely compatible and offer a good balance between quality and file size. Make sure your video is encoded in a high-definition resolution, ideally 1080p (1920x1080) or even 4K if you have it. The higher the resolution, the better it will look on television.
Audio is just as important as video. Make sure your audio is clear, free of distortion, and at an appropriate level. Avoid background noise and ensure that any voices are easily understandable. If you have narration or interviews, consider adding subtitles to improve accessibility. Next up, editing. Keep your video concise and to the point. News organizations are always on a tight deadline, so they don't have time to sift through lengthy footage. Focus on the most important information and cut out any unnecessary fluff. If you have a longer video, consider creating a shorter highlight reel that showcases the key moments. Be sure to add titles, captions, and any other relevant information to your video. This will help Metro TV understand the context of your footage and make it easier for them to use it. Finally, make sure your video is properly labeled with a clear and descriptive file name. Include your name, contact information, and a brief description of the video's content. This will help Metro TV keep track of your submission and contact you if they have any questions. By taking the time to properly prepare your video, you'll increase your chances of it being accepted and broadcasted on Metro TV. Now you can be confident that your footage is ready for review!
Finding the Right Contact Information
Alright, you've got your polished video ready to go. The next hurdle is finding the correct contact information to actually submit it! This can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, but don't worry, we'll break it down. Start by visiting the official Metro TV website. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Submit News" section. Many news organizations have specific email addresses or online forms for submitting videos. If you can't find a specific submission portal, try looking for the news desk's email address or the contact information for the assignment editors. These are the people who are responsible for assigning stories to reporters and coordinating news coverage. You might also be able to find contact information for specific departments, such as the investigative journalism team or the documentary unit. If your video aligns with a particular department's focus, it might be worth reaching out to them directly. Social media can also be a useful tool for finding contact information. Check Metro TV's Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages for email addresses or direct messaging options. You can also try searching for Metro TV employees on LinkedIn and sending them a message. When reaching out to Metro TV, be professional and courteous. Introduce yourself, explain why you're contacting them, and briefly describe your video. Be sure to include a link to your video or attach it to your email (if the file size is small enough). Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back right away. News organizations receive a high volume of submissions, so it may take some time for them to review your video. Follow up after a week or two if you haven't heard anything. Finding the right contact information can take some time and effort, but it's an essential step in getting your video to Metro TV. With a little persistence, you'll be able to connect with the right people and get your video seen. Remember to be polite and stay diligent and you will greatly increase your chances of being noticed by the right people.
Crafting a Compelling Submission Message
You've got the video, you've found the contact, now comes the art of persuasion: crafting a compelling submission message. This is your chance to grab the attention of a busy news editor and convince them that your video is worth their time. Start with a strong subject line. Be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. Something like "Exclusive Footage of [Event]" or "Urgent News Tip: [Brief Description]" will do the trick. In the body of your message, introduce yourself and briefly explain who you are and why you're contacting Metro TV. Highlight the key aspects of your video and explain why it's relevant to their audience. What makes your video unique and newsworthy? What impact could it have on viewers? Be specific and provide concrete details. For example, instead of saying "My video is about a local protest," say "My video shows exclusive footage of a local protest against the new development project, featuring interviews with key organizers and residents affected by the project." Keep your message concise and to the point. News editors are busy people, so they don't have time to read lengthy emails. Aim for a message that's no more than a few paragraphs long. Proofread your message carefully before sending it. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and undermine your credibility. Double-check your spelling and grammar, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review your message before you send it. Include a clear call to action. Tell the editor what you want them to do. Do you want them to watch your video? Do you want them to contact you for more information? Make it easy for them to take the next step. Finally, be polite and professional. Thank the editor for their time and consideration, and express your enthusiasm for the possibility of working with Metro TV. A well-crafted submission message can make all the difference in getting your video noticed by Metro TV. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and get your video seen by a wider audience. This is a crucial element that could result in a very positive outcome.
Following Up and Being Patient
You've sent your video and your amazing submission message. Now what? The waiting game begins. But don't just sit there twiddling your thumbs! Following up is key, but so is patience. Newsrooms are busy places, and your video is just one of many submissions they receive. Don't expect an immediate response. Give them at least a week, maybe two, before following up. When you do follow up, keep it brief and polite. A simple email saying something like, "Hi [Editor's Name], I just wanted to check in on my video submission from [Date]. I understand you're busy, but I wanted to see if you had a chance to review it. Thanks again for your time and consideration," should suffice. Avoid being pushy or demanding. Remember, you're trying to build a relationship, not annoy them. If you still don't hear back after your follow-up, don't take it personally. It could be that your video wasn't a good fit for their current needs, or that they simply didn't have the resources to review it. Don't give up! Keep creating great content and keep submitting it to different news outlets. The more you put yourself out there, the greater your chances of success. In the meantime, consider sharing your video on social media and other online platforms. This can help you build an audience and generate interest in your work. Remember, getting your video on Metro TV is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn and improve. But with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals. Don't be afraid to seek feedback from other filmmakers or journalists. They can offer valuable insights and help you improve your craft. And most importantly, never stop creating! The more you create, the better you'll become, and the more likely you are to get your work seen by the world. This is an important stage in the process, stay patient, be polite and you may reap the rewards of your labor.