Scooped by Your Neighbor? Not Today! How to Submit a Story to CBS 2 Chicago (and Become a Local Legend)
Ever witness something so darn interesting it made you say, "This belongs on the news!" Maybe it's a heroic squirrel chasing off a rogue Roomba, or a group of grandmas breakdancing in Millennium Park (hey, it's Chicago, anything's possible). Well, dust off your metaphorical trench coat and fedora, because you, my friend, might have stumbled onto a newsworthy gem.
The question is, how do you get that juicy tidbit from your brain cells to the bright lights of CBS 2 Chicago? Fear not, aspiring Woodward and Bernstein, this guide will turn you from a sidewalk observer to a news-reporting ninja.
Step 1: Is it News or Just Really Cool? (The Not-So-Secret Sauce)
Hold on there, Maverick. While that squirrel vs. Roomba showdown is epic, it might not qualify as breaking news. CBS 2 Chicago is looking for stories that resonate with the city, things that make you say, "Wow, that's Chicago!" Here are some tips:
- Is it timely? Did something just happen or is it about to? Hot off the presses is always a good bet.
- Does it impact a lot of people? School closures, traffic jams, or a missing shipment of deep-dish causing city-wide meltdowns? Bingo!
- Is it unique and interesting? A world champion thumb-twister living in Wrigleyville? Now you're talking!
Remember: If you're unsure, send it anyway! The worst they can say is "no thanks," and hey, at least you tried (and maybe got a chuckle out of the news editor).
Step 2: Craft Your Pitch, Channel Your Inner Hemingway (Except with Less Booze)
Now that you've got your newsworthy nugget, it's time to craft your pitch. Think of it like a dating profile for your story. Here's what to include:
- A catchy headline: "Local Man Discovers Fountain of Youth in Leftover Pizza" (probably not true, but attention-grabbing for sure).
- A quick summary: Briefly explain what your story is and why it matters.
- Any evidence? Do you have photos, videos, or even eyewitness testimonies (your grandma wouldn't lie, would she?) The more proof, the better.
Pro Tip: Keep it concise and clear. News editors are busy people, so get to the point quickly.
Step 3: Beam Me Up, Scotty, It's Time to Submit! (But Without the Spaceship)
There are two main ways to submit your story to CBS 2 Chicago:
- Email: Blast off to investigates@cbsnews.com with your pitch in tow.
- Their Website: Head over to https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/ and explore the "Contact Us" section. You might find a hidden submission form there (or maybe a secret bat signal, who knows?).
Don't forget: Include your contact information so they can reach you if your story is a go!
And Finally...
So there you have it! With a little know-how and a whole lot of hustle, you might just see your story gracing the airwaves of CBS 2 Chicago. Remember, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. After all, persistence (and maybe a few well-placed bribes with deep-dish) is key! Now get out there and uncover those hidden gems, Chicago!
