Broadcast media have rules and preferences for pitches that, when followed, can make the difference between placing a story and having your pitch sent to the recycle bin.

Before pitching broadcast media, it’s important to do your homework and know the answers to these questions:

• Who is the appropriate producer to pitch given the subject manner?
• Does the producer have preferences for how she or he is approached?
• Assuming the producer takes phone calls, when is the best time of day to call?
• What audience does the show target?
• What is the style format of the show?
• When does the show air?
• How much lead time will producers need for a story?

This may seem like a lot of information to gather before pitching, however there are great resources available online to help you find answers and effectively prepare.

For example, Cision Media Source, a world-class provider of media intelligence, published a report in January 2009 titled, “Pitching Profiles for Television Broadcast Contacts.” The report provides business professionals with important information about pitching major broadcast outlets including, The Today Show, CBS Evening News, Today in New York, Good Day Chicago and NBC Nightly News.

The Cision report provides important background information such as pitching preferences, lead times and show style. It also offers contact information for the appropriate producers.

Mediabistro.com is another valuable source when looking for background information on broadcast media. The organization is dedicated to providing opportunities to meet and share resources and knowledge among professionals. Its Web site contains helpful information and feedback from broadcast producers and print journalists.

For instance, on March 13 Mediabistro.com posted information about Zev Shalev, the new senior broadcast producer for The Early Show. Mediabistro.com provided detailed information about Zev’s background and provided a copy of the press release announcing his new role at The Early Show.

Based on our experience pitching broadcast media, we have found that watching the show, examining the show’s Web site and looking at what has been written about it on blogs is another great way to gather information. Some shows, such as The Ellen Degeneres Show, provide information about the show focus and style directly on the Web site.

Whatever resource you use, it’s important to do your homework before pitching broadcast media to help your pitch get noticed and demonstrate to producers that you are familiar with their program.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Cision report, please e-mail Cision at info.us@cision.com.