Podcasts have become increasingly popular in the last few years and new ones are airing all of the time.

You name it, millions of people listen to their favorite shows on their way to and from work, while they cook, exercise or do chores around the house.

Like traditional media reporters, podcasters are always happy to hear from their listeners. Send them your story ideas related to the issues we work on for them to include in their next episode!

How to Pitch a Story to a Podcast

  1. Research podcasts that would be interested in The Borgen Project’s mission.
  2. Check the Outreach document to see if the podcast has been contacted in the past. If not and if you decide to contact the podcast, add it to the ‘Podcast’ tab in the spreadsheet.
  3. Tell them how they can get involved (Pick one!)
    • Here are two ways your favorite podcasts can show their support:
      • Contact Congress
        • Inform the podcast about the importance of emailing Congress and walk the host through the steps to easily contact representatives.
      • Support legislation
        • Provide information about the various bills and requests that The Borgen Project supports. Teach them how they (and their listeners) can take action and get involved.
  4. Prepare one to two paragraphs outlining your idea
    • Make sure you provide enough information for the host to fully understand your story but don’t make your message overwhelmingly long. Use a friendly and encouraging tone of voice when reaching out!
  5. Find the producer or host’s contact information
    • Find an email address on the About page of the show or on the host’s personal website. If you can’t find it there, contact the host or producer on their social media.
  6. Send your pitch
    • When reaching out, mention who you are and what you’re asking for. Provide the podcast with information about the organization, its goals, and its messages and why it matters to them. Include a clear call to action, letting them know exactly what you’re asking for!
  7. Follow up
    • Politely send a follow-up email/message if you don’t hear back within a week. To increase your chances of getting a response, give your contact some more information on your idea or establish a clearer connection between your story and the podcast’s topic and audience.
  8. If the podcast shows support, add the episode to the ‘Confirmed Outreach’ tab in the Outreach spreadsheet.

Remember: The key to successful media outreach is all in the numbers. If you contact 10 media outlets it is likely that you will only hear back from 1, if that. The more outlets you reach out to the more likely you will be successful.

Example for Contacting Congress

Dear XXX,

My name is ____, I am an ambassador for The Borgen Project, a Washington-based, non-profit committed to fighting global poverty. I really enjoy your podcast, ___, and think your listeners would be interested in learning more about the importance and process of contacting their representatives. Congressional offices keep a tally of every issue that constituents in their district contact the representative about. This information goes into a weekly report that is viewed by the Congressional leader and key staff. Just one email will get the issue or bill on your leader’s radar! All your listeners have to do is visit this link: https://borgenproject.org/action-center/, click on the legislation that interests them and input their information. Within seconds, they can spread awareness about important legislation that fights against global poverty.

Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks so much!

[Your name]

 

Example for Supporting Legislation

Dear XXX,

My name is ____, I am an ambassador for The Borgen Project, a Washington-based, non-profit committed to fighting global poverty. I really enjoy your podcast, ___, and think your listeners would be interested in learning more about a piece of legislation our organization is advocating for, The Keeping Girls in School Act. Across the world, 130 million girls are not enrolled in school and girls ages 10-19 are three times more likely than boys to be kept out of school, particularly in countries affected by conflict. This bill would increase educational opportunities and economic security for girls all around the world! You can help spread awareness about this legislation by mentioning it during your next episode and letting your listeners know that they can voice their support by visiting our website and emailing their members of Congress: https://borgenproject.org/issues-homepage/#/42

Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks so much!

[Your name]