How To Submit Videos To Metro TV: A Complete Guide
So, you've got a video you think is perfect for Metro TV? Awesome! Getting your content on a major news network can be a game-changer. But how do you actually do it? Don't worry, guys, I'm here to walk you through the whole process. Let's break it down step-by-step so you can maximize your chances of getting your video seen by millions.
Understanding Metro TV's Content Needs
Before you even think about hitting that send button, you need to understand what kind of content Metro TV is looking for. Metro TV is primarily a news and current affairs channel, so they're generally interested in:
- Breaking News: Got footage of a major event happening right now? This is high-priority content.
 - Documentaries: In-depth explorations of social issues, current events, or interesting stories.
 - Investigative Reports: Exposing wrongdoing or shedding light on important issues.
 - Feature Stories: Human-interest pieces, profiles of interesting people, or stories about local communities.
 - Citizen Journalism: Videos capturing events or issues that are important to the public.
 
Essentially, your video needs to be newsworthy, informative, or have a strong social impact. Think about what makes your video unique and why Metro TV viewers would be interested. Avoid sending in purely promotional material or content that doesn't align with their journalistic standards.
Also, consider the quality of your video. While they might make exceptions for breaking news, generally, Metro TV expects a certain level of production value. Good lighting, clear audio, and stable footage are essential. Nobody wants to watch shaky, poorly lit videos, amirite?
Research Metro TV's past broadcasts. What kind of stories do they typically cover? What style do they use? This will give you a better idea of whether your video is a good fit. You can usually find a lot of their content on their website or YouTube channel. Take some time to browse and get a feel for their editorial style. This preparation will significantly increase your odds of success.
Finally, remember that Metro TV has a responsibility to its viewers to provide accurate and reliable information. Therefore, your video must be factual, unbiased, and ethically sound. Avoid sensationalism or spreading misinformation. Credibility is key in journalism, and Metro TV will only broadcast content that meets its rigorous standards.
Preparing Your Video for Submission
Okay, so you've determined that your video is a good fit for Metro TV. Now, it's time to get it ready for submission. This involves a few key steps to ensure your video meets their technical and editorial requirements.
- Video Quality and Format: First things first, make sure your video is high quality. Aim for at least 720p resolution, but 1080p is even better. Use a common video format like MP4, MOV, or AVI. These are widely compatible and should work with Metro TV's systems.
 - Audio Clarity: Clear audio is crucial. Use a good microphone when recording, and edit out any background noise or distractions. If there's dialogue, make sure it's easy to understand. Consider adding subtitles if necessary, especially if the audio isn't perfect.
 - Video Length: Keep it concise. News segments are typically short, so try to keep your video under 3-5 minutes. If you have a longer video, consider editing it down to the most essential parts. No one wants to sit through a long, rambling video.
 - Watermarking and Copyright: If you want to protect your work, consider adding a subtle watermark with your name or contact information. However, make sure the watermark doesn't distract from the video itself. Also, be aware of copyright laws. Don't use any copyrighted material (music, video clips, etc.) without permission.
 - Metadata: Add metadata to your video file, including a title, description, keywords, and your contact information. This will help Metro TV identify your video and understand its content. Think of it as your video's resume.
 
Review your video carefully before submitting it. Watch it from beginning to end, paying attention to the picture quality, audio, and overall message. Ask a friend or colleague to watch it too and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes you might have missed.
Consider creating a short trailer or highlight reel. This can be a great way to grab Metro TV's attention and showcase the best parts of your video. Keep the trailer short and punchy, and make sure it accurately reflects the content of the full video.
Double-check all your information before submitting. Make sure your contact details are correct, and that you've included all the necessary information about your video. The more organized and professional you are, the better impression you'll make.
Finding the Right Contact at Metro TV
Now comes the slightly tricky part: finding the right person to contact at Metro TV. Sending your video to a generic email address is unlikely to get you very far. You need to target your submission to the appropriate department or individual.
- Research Metro TV's Website: Start by visiting Metro TV's official website. Look for a contact page or a section for submitting news tips or videos. They may have specific instructions or forms to fill out. Don't skip this step!
 - LinkedIn: LinkedIn can be a goldmine for finding contacts in the media industry. Search for Metro TV employees in relevant departments like news, programming, or acquisitions. You can then send them a polite message introducing yourself and your video.
 - Twitter: Twitter is another great way to connect with journalists and media professionals. Follow Metro TV and its reporters on Twitter, and engage with their content. You can also try sending them a direct message, but keep it brief and professional.
 - Industry Events: Attend media industry events or conferences. These events are a great way to network with people in the business and make valuable connections. You might even get a chance to pitch your video in person.
 
Remember to be polite and professional in all your interactions. These people are busy, so be respectful of their time. Clearly state the purpose of your message and explain why you think your video is a good fit for Metro TV. Don't be pushy or demanding.
Tailor your message to each individual you contact. Avoid sending generic, copy-pasted emails. Instead, take the time to personalize your message and explain why you're contacting that specific person. This will show that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in working with them.
Follow up if you don't hear back within a week or two. However, don't be too persistent. A gentle reminder is fine, but avoid bombarding them with emails or messages. They may simply be busy or have decided that your video isn't a good fit. It's important to respect their decision and move on.
Crafting Your Pitch
Your pitch is your chance to sell your video to Metro TV. It's a brief summary of your video and why it's relevant to their audience. A well-crafted pitch can make all the difference in getting your video noticed.
- Start with a Hook: Grab their attention from the first sentence. What's the most compelling aspect of your video? Why should they care? Use a strong opening line that makes them want to learn more.
 - Summarize the Video: Briefly describe the content of your video. What's it about? Who are the key people involved? What are the main points you're trying to make? Keep it concise and to the point.
 - Highlight the Newsworthiness: Explain why your video is relevant to Metro TV's audience. Is it breaking news? Does it shed light on an important issue? Does it have a strong social impact? Emphasize the newsworthiness of your video.
 - Mention Your Credentials: Briefly mention your qualifications or experience. Are you a journalist? A filmmaker? A subject matter expert? This will help establish your credibility and show that you know what you're talking about.
 - Include a Call to Action: Tell them what you want them to do. Do you want them to watch your video? Do you want to discuss a potential collaboration? Make it clear what you're hoping to achieve.
 
Keep it short and sweet. Your pitch should be no more than a few paragraphs long. Respect their time and get straight to the point. No one wants to read a long, rambling pitch.
Proofread carefully. Before you send your pitch, make sure it's free of errors. Typos, grammatical mistakes, and spelling errors can make you look unprofessional. Ask a friend or colleague to proofread it for you.
Be enthusiastic. Show your passion for your video and your belief in its potential. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and make them more likely to take notice.
Following Up and Being Persistent (Respectfully)
So, you've sent your video and pitch to Metro TV. Now what? Well, the waiting game begins. But don't just sit around twiddling your thumbs. There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
- Follow Up: If you haven't heard back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your interest in working with Metro TV and ask if they've had a chance to review your video. Don't be pushy or demanding.
 - Be Persistent: Don't give up after the first rejection. Keep trying to find the right contact at Metro TV and keep submitting your video. Persistence can pay off, but remember to be respectful of their time and decisions.
 - Network: Attend media industry events and network with people in the business. Making connections can help you get your foot in the door and increase your chances of getting your video seen.
 - Improve Your Skills: Keep honing your video production skills. The better your videos are, the more likely they are to get noticed. Take courses, attend workshops, and practice, practice, practice.
 
Learn from Rejection: If your video is rejected, don't take it personally. Ask for feedback and use it to improve your future submissions. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Consider Other Outlets: While Metro TV is a great platform, it's not the only one. Consider submitting your video to other news outlets, websites, or social media channels. The more exposure your video gets, the better.
Be Patient: Getting your video on Metro TV can take time. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight. Keep working hard, keep networking, and keep submitting your videos. Eventually, you'll get your break.
Final Thoughts
Getting your video onto Metro TV is a challenge, but it's definitely achievable. By understanding their content needs, preparing your video properly, finding the right contact, crafting a compelling pitch, and being persistent, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Good luck, and I hope to see your video on Metro TV soon! Remember, stay creative, stay persistent, and never give up on your dreams! You've got this!