Submitting Videos To Fox News: A Complete Guide

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

So, you've got some amazing video footage and you're thinking, "Hey, Fox News needs to see this!" That’s awesome! Getting your video on a major news network can give it massive exposure. But how do you actually do it? Don't worry, guys, it's not as complicated as you might think. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, to help you get your video in front of the right people at Fox News.

Understanding What Fox News is Looking For

First off, before you even think about hitting that send button, let's talk about what kind of videos Fox News typically uses. Fox News, like any major news outlet, is always on the lookout for timely, newsworthy, and compelling video content. Think breaking news, significant events, human-interest stories, and anything that captures the public's attention. If your video is shaky footage of your cat doing something mildly amusing, it might not be the best fit (unless, of course, your cat is saving lives or something equally extraordinary!). They often look for exclusive content – stuff they can't get anywhere else. So, if you're the only one who captured that incredible tornado footage or that heartwarming rescue, you're already in a good position.

  • News Value is Key: Does your video cover a current event? Is it relevant to national or international news? The more newsworthy your video, the better chance it has of being considered.
  • Exclusivity Matters: Did you film something that no one else did? Exclusive content is highly valued by news organizations.
  • Visual Quality: While they might forgive some shakiness in breaking news situations, generally, the better the quality of your video, the more likely it is to be used. Make sure it's in focus and well-lit, if possible.
  • Relevance to Fox News's Audience: Consider the types of stories Fox News usually covers. Does your video align with their general focus and audience interests?

Think about the kind of stories Fox News typically airs. Are they political? Are they human interest? The more your video aligns with their general content, the better. Also, remember that quality matters. While they might forgive some shakiness if it's breaking news, generally, a clear, well-shot video is more likely to be used. Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of actually submitting your video.

Finding the Right Contact Information

Okay, so you've got a killer video that you think Fox News will love. Now what? The next step is to find the right contact information. Unfortunately, there isn't one single, universally advertised email address for submitting videos to Fox News. This means you might have to do a little digging. Here are a few avenues you can explore:

  • Fox News Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the Fox News website (https://www.foxnews.com/). Look for a "Contact Us" or "Submit News" section. These sections often have different departments listed, and you might find an email address specifically for video submissions or news tips. Check the footer of the website and the "About Us" section, too. News outlets will often hide contact information in the places you least expect.
  • Specific Shows or Segments: If your video is relevant to a particular show or segment on Fox News, try to find the contact information for that specific show. Many shows have their own email addresses or social media accounts where you can send your video.
  • Social Media: Fox News and its individual reporters and anchors are very active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. While it's unlikely they'll accept a video submission directly through a tweet or DM, social media can be a good way to get their attention and ask for the appropriate contact information. Try sending a brief message with a link to your video (if it's hosted online) and asking who you should contact for video submissions.
  • General Inquiries: As a last resort, you can try using the general contact information for Fox News and ask to be directed to the appropriate department for video submissions. This might be a long shot, but it's worth a try if you're striking out with other methods.

Tips for Finding Contact Information

  • Be Persistent: Don't give up after one search. Try different keywords and explore different sections of the website.
  • Use LinkedIn: Search for Fox News employees in relevant departments (e.g., assignment desk, newsgathering) on LinkedIn and see if you can find their contact information or connect with them.
  • Follow Fox News Staff on Twitter: Journalists often share their email addresses or other contact information on their Twitter profiles.

Crafting Your Submission Email

Alright, you've tracked down a potential contact. Now it's time to write an email that will grab their attention. Remember, these folks are busy, so keep it concise and to the point.

  • Subject Line: Make your subject line clear and compelling. Instead of "Video Submission," try something like "Exclusive Video: [Brief Description of Video Content]" or "Urgent: [Breaking News Event] Video Footage." The goal is to immediately convey the video's relevance and importance.

  • Body of the Email:

    • Introduce Yourself (Briefly): State your name and any relevant affiliations (e.g., citizen journalist, eyewitness). Avoid lengthy personal stories.
    • Describe the Video: Provide a concise and accurate description of the video content. Highlight the key information: who, what, where, when, and why.
    • Explain the Video's Significance: Explain why your video is newsworthy and why Fox News should be interested in it. What makes it unique or important?
    • Mention Exclusivity (If Applicable): If your video is exclusive, explicitly state that. This is a major selling point.
    • Technical Details: Briefly mention the video's format, resolution, and length. If it's a large file, let them know how you're planning to share it (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
    • Contact Information: Include your phone number and email address so they can easily reach you.
    • Respectful Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your email. Avoid being demanding or entitled.

  • Example Email Template:

    Subject: Exclusive Video: Tornado Devastation in Oklahoma

    Dear [Contact Name],

    My name is [Your Name], and I'm a resident of Oklahoma. I'm writing to you today to submit exclusive video footage I captured of the devastating tornado that struck [Town Name] on [Date].

    The video shows the extent of the damage to residential areas and includes interviews with affected residents. I believe this footage is highly newsworthy and provides a crucial glimpse into the impact of this disaster.

    This video is exclusive and has not been shared with any other news outlets.

    The video is in MP4 format, 1080p resolution, and is approximately 3 minutes long. I can share it via Google Drive upon request.

    Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you're interested in using this footage.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sharing Your Video File

Okay, you've got your email ready to go. Now, how do you actually get the video to Fox News? Sending large video files directly via email is usually a no-go. Here are some better options:

  • Cloud Storage Services: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and WeTransfer are your best friends. Upload your video to one of these platforms and then include a shareable link in your email. Make sure the link permissions are set so that anyone with the link can view the video.
  • YouTube or Vimeo (Unlisted): You can upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo as an unlisted video. This means it won't appear in search results, but you can still share the link with anyone you choose. This is a good option if you want to control who sees your video.
  • FTP Server (If Requested): In some cases, Fox News might ask you to upload your video to their FTP server. This is a more technical process, and they'll usually provide you with specific instructions and login credentials.

Important Considerations for Sharing Videos

  • File Format: MP4 is generally the most widely accepted video format. If possible, save your video in MP4 format before sharing it.
  • Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) is a good resolution for most purposes. However, if your video is in a lower resolution, that's okay too, especially if it's breaking news footage.
  • Keep the Original: Always keep a copy of the original video file. You never know when you might need it.

Following Up (But Not Too Much!)

So, you've sent your email with the video link. Now comes the hard part: waiting. Newsrooms are busy places, and it might take them a while to review your submission. It's okay to follow up, but don't be a pest!

  • Wait a Few Days: Give them at least a few days to review your email before following up.
  • Keep Your Follow-Up Brief: When you do follow up, keep your email short and to the point. Simply reiterate your original message and ask if they've had a chance to review the video.
  • Don't Be Pushy: Avoid being demanding or aggressive. Remember, they're doing you a favor by considering your submission.
  • Respect Their Decision: If they decline to use your video, respect their decision. Don't argue or try to convince them otherwise. There could be many reasons why they're not interested, and it might not have anything to do with the quality of your video.

Submitting a video to Fox News, or any major news outlet, can feel like a shot in the dark. However, by following these steps – understanding what they're looking for, finding the right contact, crafting a compelling email, and sharing your video effectively – you'll significantly increase your chances of getting your video seen and potentially broadcast to a large audience. Good luck, and remember to keep filming! You never know when you might capture the next big news story.