How to Share Your Story with The Dallas Morning News
If you have a meaningful story that impacts the Dallas community, The Dallas Morning News welcomes your input. Whether it’s urgent news, inspiring human interest pieces, local happenings, or comprehensive features, there are several effective ways for residents and readers to engage with our newsroom. This guide will walk you through the best approaches to submit your tips, stories, and information, ensuring your voice contributes to the ongoing dialogue that shapes the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Effective Strategies for Pitching Your Story
Start by identifying the appropriate journalist or editor who specializes in your story’s subject. Tailoring your pitch to the right contact significantly increases the likelihood of your story being noticed. Compose a brief yet informative email that covers the essential details: who is involved, what happened, when and where it took place, why it matters, and how it unfolded. Include any pertinent photos, press releases, or links to supplementary materials to provide a thorough background. Emphasize the story’s significance to the Dallas community to boost its appeal.
Keep these tips in mind when submitting your pitch:
- Create an engaging subject line that encapsulates the core of your story.
- Provide your contact details and specify your availability for follow-up conversations or interviews.
- Respect newsroom schedules by sending your pitch during evening hours or early mornings, as newsrooms often start early.
Connecting with the Right News Departments
To maximize the impact of your submission, it’s crucial to direct your story to the appropriate editorial team. Whether your news involves urgent updates, community activities, or in-depth features, our reporters are eager to receive credible and meaningful information. Below are the main contacts for various news categories:
- Urgent News: Send immediate tips or breaking updates via our newsroom hotline or dedicated email.
- Community & Local Events: Inform our local outreach team about upcoming events or neighborhood stories.
- Business & Economy: Reach out to business journalists to share insights on economic developments or company news in Dallas.
- Arts & Culture: Contact our arts editors to highlight creative projects and entertainment news.
- Sports: Submit stories about Dallas-area teams, athletes, and sporting events to the sports desk.
| News Section | Contact Method | Phone / Email |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent News | Phone / Email | (214) 123-4567 / breaking@dallasnews.com |
| Community & Events | community@dallasnews.com | |
| Business | biznews@dallasnews.com | |
| Arts & Culture | arts@dallasnews.com | |
| Sports | sports@dallasnews.com |
Whether you’re a community leader, PR professional, or an engaged citizen, directing your story to the correct department ensures timely and relevant consideration. We value clear, factual submissions that help us deliver news that truly matters to Dallas residents.
Crafting an Engaging and Effective News Submission
Be succinct and straightforward. Reporters receive a high volume of pitches daily, so it’s vital to communicate your message clearly and quickly. Start with the most critical information—who, what, when, where, why, and how. Avoid technical jargon or promotional language; focus on facts that will resonate with the Dallas Morning News audience. A well-organized and direct pitch stands out in a crowded inbox.
Emphasize the local significance. Stories that highlight issues or events affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex carry more weight. Explain why your story is relevant to local readers, whether it’s breaking news, a neighborhood event, or a topic impacting the community. Including credible sources or potential interviewees can add depth and authenticity to your submission.
- Always provide your contact details for follow-up.
- Attach high-resolution images or videos when available.
- Verify all facts and data before sending your pitch.
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clear Subject Line | Ensures your email is noticed promptly among many. |
| Local Relevance | Boosts interest for Dallas Morning News readers. |
| Supporting Materials | Strengthens credibility and reader engagement. |
What to Expect After You Submit Your Story Idea
After your submission arrives at our newsroom, it undergoes a thorough evaluation by our editorial staff. We consider the timeliness, relevance, and potential impact of each pitch, ensuring it aligns with the interests and values of our Dallas audience. If your story shows promise, a reporter or editor will reach out for additional information, clarification, or interviews. This collaborative process helps us deliver accurate, well-rounded coverage.
Here’s an overview of the typical process:
- Confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your submission.
- Follow-up inquiries or interview requests as needed.
- Review by subject experts for specialized topics.
- Updates regarding editorial decisions and potential publication dates.
| Phase | Description | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Screening | Editorial team assesses relevance | 1-3 business days |
| Research & Follow-up | Reporters gather additional details | Up to 2 weeks |
| Editorial Approval | Final decision on publication | 3-5 days |
| Publication | Story is published online and/or in print | Varies |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reporting breaking developments, promoting a local event, or offering a fresh viewpoint, The Dallas Morning News is eager to hear from you. By following the outlined steps and connecting with the appropriate contacts, you can play an active role in the dynamic conversation that shapes Dallas and its surrounding communities. Stay involved, stay informed, and let your story be heard.
