How To Submit Videos To Metro TV: A Complete Guide

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How to Submit Videos to Metro TV: A Complete Guide

So, you've got some awesome video content and you're thinking, "Hey, I want to get this on Metro TV!" That's a fantastic goal! Metro TV is a well-respected national news network, and getting your video featured can give you massive exposure. But how exactly do you go about submitting your video? Don't worry, guys, I'm here to break it down for you step by step. We'll cover everything from understanding what kind of content they're looking for, to the technical specs, and the actual submission process. Let's dive in!

Understanding Metro TV's Content Needs

Before you even think about hitting that "send" button, you've got to understand what kind of content Metro TV typically airs. They're a news network, first and foremost. So, hard news, current affairs, documentaries, and investigative pieces are generally a good fit. Consider what you usually see on Metro TV. Is your video in line with their regular programming? Relevance is key. Submitting a cat video (as cute as it might be) probably won't cut it. Think news, think informative, think impactful.

  • News and Current Affairs: Metro TV thrives on breaking news and in-depth coverage of current events. If you have footage or a documentary related to a significant news story, that's a great starting point. Ensure your video is factual, unbiased, and provides a clear narrative.
  • Documentaries: They often feature documentaries that explore social, political, or economic issues. If you've created a documentary that aligns with their editorial focus, you're already halfway there. High production quality and a compelling story are crucial.
  • Investigative Journalism: Metro TV is known for its investigative reporting. If you've uncovered something significant and have video evidence to back it up, this could be a great avenue. Accuracy and credibility are paramount.
  • Community Programs: They occasionally air community-focused programs. If your video highlights a local issue, a community project, or a cultural event, it might be a good fit. Check their existing community programs to see if your content aligns.

It’s also important to consider the angle of your story. Does it offer a unique perspective? Does it shed light on an under-reported issue? Does it have a strong human interest element? Metro TV, like any news outlet, is looking for content that will resonate with its viewers and make a difference. Consider the demographics of Metro TV's audience as well. Are you creating content that resonates with the audience? If your content can attract audience engagement, you're on the right track.

Preparing Your Video for Submission

Okay, so you've assessed that your video is a good fit for Metro TV's content. Now comes the nitty-gritty: making sure your video is technically sound and polished. Quality matters! Blurry footage, bad audio, or poor editing can be an immediate turn-off, no matter how compelling the story is. This is where you need to pay attention to the details.

  • Video Resolution and Format: Metro TV, like most broadcast networks, has specific requirements for video resolution and format. Generally, you'll want to aim for Full HD (1920x1080) or even 4K (3840x2160). As for the format, MP4 is usually a safe bet, as it's widely compatible. However, it's always best to check Metro TV's specific guidelines to be absolutely sure. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting their submissions department.
  • Audio Quality: Crystal-clear audio is non-negotiable. Ensure your audio is free from background noise, distortion, and dropouts. Use a good quality microphone during recording, and carefully edit the audio in post-production. If there's dialogue, make sure it's easily understandable. Remember, viewers are more likely to forgive slightly less-than-perfect visuals than they are to tolerate poor audio.
  • Editing and Storytelling: Your video should be well-edited and tell a clear, concise story. Use smooth transitions, appropriate pacing, and engaging visuals. Avoid jump cuts and jarring edits. If your video is longer than a few minutes, consider adding titles and graphics to break up the content and keep viewers engaged. Think about the narrative flow. Does your video have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does it hold the viewer's attention throughout?
  • Copyright and Permissions: This is a big one! Make sure you have all the necessary rights and permissions for any music, footage, or images used in your video. Using copyrighted material without permission can land you in legal trouble, and it will definitely disqualify your video from being aired on Metro TV. Obtain written permission from any individuals who appear prominently in your video. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
  • Subtitles and Captions: Consider adding subtitles or captions to your video. This makes your content accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also makes it easier for viewers to watch your video in noisy environments.

Finding the Right Contact at Metro TV

Okay, your video is polished, your ducks are in a row, now whom do you contact? Research is key here. Don't just send your video to a generic email address and hope for the best. Try to find the specific department or individual who handles video submissions or content acquisition. This might be the news desk, the documentary department, or the programming director. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding contact information.

  • Metro TV Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the Metro TV website. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Submissions" page. They may have specific instructions or guidelines for submitting videos. They might even have a dedicated online form. Read everything carefully and follow their instructions to the letter.
  • LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for employees at Metro TV who work in relevant departments. You can search for titles like "News Director," "Content Acquisition Manager," or "Documentary Producer." Once you find someone, send them a polite and personalized message introducing yourself and your video. Be sure to include a brief summary of your video and why you think it would be a good fit for Metro TV.
  • Networking: If you have any contacts in the media industry, reach out to them and see if they can connect you with someone at Metro TV. A personal introduction can go a long way. Attend industry events and conferences to network with media professionals.
  • Phone Calls: While email is often the preferred method of contact, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call Metro TV. Ask to speak to someone in the news desk or programming department. Be polite and professional, and clearly explain why you're calling. Remember, the people receiving these calls are really busy. Make sure you respect them.

Crafting Your Submission Message

Your email or message is your first impression, so make it count! Be professional, concise, and persuasive. Clearly state the purpose of your email, briefly describe your video, and explain why you think it would be a good fit for Metro TV. Include a link to your video (preferably on a platform like Vimeo or YouTube) and any relevant information, such as a press release or synopsis.

  • Subject Line: Make your subject line clear and attention-grabbing. Something like "Video Submission: [Your Video Title] - [Brief Description]" is a good starting point. Avoid generic subject lines like "Video Submission" or "Important Video." Be specific and let them know what your video is about right away.
  • Personalization: Address the recipient by name, if possible. This shows that you've done your research and you're not just sending a mass email. Mention something specific about their work or the program they oversee. This demonstrates that you're familiar with their content and you've put thought into your submission.
  • Brief Summary: Provide a concise summary of your video, highlighting the key points and the overall message. Keep it short and sweet – no more than a few paragraphs. Focus on the most compelling aspects of your video and why it would be of interest to Metro TV's viewers.
  • Why Metro TV? Explain why you think your video would be a good fit for Metro TV specifically. What makes it relevant to their audience? How does it align with their editorial focus? This shows that you understand their programming and you're not just blindly submitting your video to every news outlet.
  • Call to Action: End your email with a clear call to action. Ask them to watch your video and let you know if they're interested in featuring it. Provide your contact information and make it easy for them to get in touch with you.

Following Up (Without Being Annoying)

Okay, you've sent your submission. Now what? Patience is key, but a gentle follow-up is often a good idea. Wait about a week or two after sending your initial email, then send a brief follow-up to check if they've had a chance to review your video. Be polite and respectful, and avoid being pushy. Remember, they're busy people, and they may have a lot of submissions to review.

  • Timing: Don't follow up too soon. Give them at least a week or two to review your video. Sending multiple follow-up emails within a short period of time can be annoying and counterproductive.
  • Brevity: Keep your follow-up email brief and to the point. Simply reiterate the purpose of your initial email and ask if they've had a chance to review your video. Avoid adding any new information or making any demands.
  • Politeness: Always be polite and respectful, even if you're feeling frustrated. Remember, the person you're contacting is likely very busy, and they may have a lot of submissions to review. Thank them for their time and consideration.
  • Alternative Contact: If you haven't heard back after a second follow-up, consider trying to contact someone else at Metro TV. You can try reaching out to someone in a different department or a different position. Just be sure to avoid contacting the same person multiple times.
  • Moving On: If you've made a reasonable effort to follow up and you still haven't heard back, it's probably time to move on. Don't take it personally. There could be a variety of reasons why they didn't choose to feature your video. Focus on submitting your video to other outlets and creating new content.

Alternative ways to send video to TV

  • Agencies: Agencies usually have a connection with television to offer certain content.
  • Journalists: Journalists may be interested in helping you create a video and send it to a TV station.
  • Editors: Maybe the editors in a local tv station are interested in your video.

Final Thoughts

Submitting a video to Metro TV can be a challenging but rewarding process. By understanding their content needs, preparing your video properly, finding the right contact, crafting a compelling submission message, and following up appropriately, you'll significantly increase your chances of success. Good luck, and I hope to see your video on Metro TV soon! Remember that persistence and quality is key. Don't give up easily and don't sacrifice your video quality.