Getting your story, event, or project featured on RT� Nationwide can be a fantastic way to reach a broad Irish audience. Nationwide is renowned for its focus on human interest stories, local communities, cultural events, and the diverse fabric of Irish life. It's not about breaking news or sensationalism; it's about showcasing the unique and often heartwarming aspects of everyday life across Ireland.
Are you passionate about a local initiative? Do you have a fascinating personal story to share? Is your community doing something truly remarkable? If so, then getting on Nationwide could be the perfect platform for you!
Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to increasing your chances of being featured:
The Journey to RT� Nationwide: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How To Get On Nationwide Rte |
Step 1: Is Your Story a Nationwide Story? – The Crucial First Assessment
Before you even think about contacting RT�, the most important step is to honestly evaluate whether your story aligns with the Nationwide ethos. This isn't about fitting a square peg into a round hole; it's about understanding what makes Nationwide tick.
What Kinds of Stories Does Nationwide Feature?
- Human Interest: At its core, Nationwide is about people. Stories of overcoming adversity, unique hobbies, fascinating family histories, or individuals making a difference in their communities are highly sought after. Think about the personal angle of your story.
- Community Spirit: Is your local town or village undertaking a remarkable project? Are there volunteers working tirelessly for a cause? Nationwide loves to highlight the vibrancy and resilience of Irish communities.
- Cultural Events & Heritage: Festivals, historical anniversaries, traditional crafts, local arts scenes, and preservation efforts are all strong contenders. If it celebrates Irish culture or heritage, it's worth considering.
- Unique Businesses & Innovations: Small, independent businesses with an interesting story, innovative practices, or a strong local connection often feature. It's less about the commercial aspect and more about the journey and impact.
- Unusual Hobbies & Passions: Do you or someone you know have a quirky hobby, an extraordinary collection, or a unique skill? Nationwide enjoys showcasing the diverse talents and interests of people across Ireland.
- Anniversaries & Milestones: Significant birthdays, centenaries of local landmarks, or long-running community groups celebrating a milestone can make for compelling segments.
- Positive & Uplifting Narratives: Nationwide generally steers clear of highly controversial or negative topics. They focus on stories that are positive, inspiring, and engaging.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Is my story unique enough to capture national attention?
- Does it have a strong visual element that would translate well to television?
- Who are the key individuals involved, and are they good communicators?
- What is the "heart" of this story? What message or feeling do I want to convey?
- Does it offer a fresh perspective or highlight an often-unseen aspect of Irish life?
If you can confidently answer these questions and believe your story fits the bill, proceed to the next step!
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Step 2: Crafting Your Compelling Pitch – Making a Strong First Impression
Once you're confident you have a Nationwide-worthy story, it's time to put together a compelling pitch. This is your chance to grab their attention and make them want to learn more.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Power of the Written Word – Your Email Pitch
An email is generally the best way to make initial contact. Keep it concise, clear, and impactful.
- Subject Line: Make it catchy and informative. Something like: "Nationwide Story Idea: [Brief, intriguing title] - [Your Location]"
- Example: "Nationwide Story Idea: The Bee Whisperer of Mayo – A Unique Conservation Effort" or "Community Spirit: How a Small Donegal Village Revived its Local Hall"
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and the core of your story. Get straight to the point.
- The Hook: What makes your story special? Why should Nationwide feature it? Highlight the most compelling aspect right away.
- The Narrative: Provide a brief but engaging summary of the story. Include:
- Who: The main characters or people involved.
- What: What is happening or what has happened.
- Where: The location(s).
- When: Any relevant dates or ongoing aspects.
- Why: The significance or impact of the story.
- Visual Potential: Briefly describe what makes your story visually appealing. This is a TV show, after all!
- Example: "The vibrant colours of the annual Fiddle Fair," "Stunning drone footage of the restored lighthouse," or "Close-ups of the intricate lace-making process."
- Key Contacts/Interviewees: Mention who would be available for interview and why they would be good on camera.
- Call to Action: Express your enthusiasm for them to consider your idea and offer to provide more information or answer any questions.
- Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, and email address.
Sub-heading 2.2: Supporting Materials – A Picture Paints a Thousand Words (or More!)
While not strictly necessary for the initial pitch, having some supporting materials ready can significantly strengthen your case if they express interest.
- High-Quality Photos: Visuals are key for television. Have a selection of clear, well-lit photos that showcase your story. Think about different angles and subjects.
- Short Video Clip (Optional but Recommended): A brief, well-shot video (even on a smartphone) can give them a taste of the visual potential and the personalities involved. Keep it under 2 minutes.
- Relevant Links: If you have a website, social media pages, or newspaper articles about your story, include these. They provide credibility and further context.
- Press Releases/Media Coverage: If your story has already received local media attention, mention this and provide links.
Step 3: Identifying the Right Contact and Submitting Your Pitch
You've got your story and your pitch ready. Now, where do you send it?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Sub-heading 3.1: Finding the Direct Route
While RT�'s main contact page provides general information, for Nationwide, it's often best to try and find a more direct route to the programme's team.
- RT� Information Office: The general RT� Information Office (info@rte.ie or (01) 208 3434) can sometimes guide you to the correct department or provide a specific email address for Nationwide submissions.
- Keep an eye on the Nationwide program itself: Sometimes, they'll show a contact email at the end of an episode for story suggestions.
- Social Media: While not a primary pitching channel, following Nationwide on social media (e.g., Twitter/X, Facebook) might give you clues about who to contact or how they prefer submissions.
- Look for Production Companies: Nationwide is produced by RT� Cork. Sometimes individual segments might be produced by external production companies. If you see a name of a producer or production company associated with segments similar to your story, you might be able to find contact information for them online.
As of current information, a general approach to the RT� Information Office or directly searching for a "Nationwide story submissions" email is the most common method. Unfortunately, a single, dedicated, publicly advertised email for Nationwide story pitches isn't always readily available, so a bit of digging might be required.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Submission Process – What to Expect
- Be Patient: RT� receives a huge volume of pitches. It can take time for them to review submissions. Don't expect an immediate reply.
- Follow Up (Politely): If you haven't heard back after a few weeks (say, 3-4 weeks), a polite follow-up email is acceptable. Briefly re-state your interest and offer to provide more details. Avoid multiple, insistent follow-ups, as this can be counterproductive.
- Be Prepared to Adapt: If Nationwide expresses interest, they may have specific ideas about how they want to feature your story. Be open to their suggestions and flexible with filming schedules.
- Be Professional: Even if you don't hear back, maintain a professional and courteous demeanor. You never know when another opportunity might arise.
Step 4: The Filming Process – What to Anticipate
If your pitch is successful, congratulations! The Nationwide team will typically contact you to discuss the story further and arrange filming.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Pre-Production and Planning
- Detailed Discussion: A researcher or producer will likely have a more in-depth conversation with you to gather all the necessary information and ensure the story fits their editorial line.
- Scheduling: They will work with you to find suitable dates and times for filming. Be as flexible as possible to accommodate their schedule.
- Logistics: Discuss any specific locations, people who need to be present, or props/materials required for the shoot.
- Briefing: They may brief you or the key interviewees on what topics will be covered and how the filming process generally works.
Sub-heading 4.2: During the Shoot
- The Crew: A typical Nationwide crew might consist of a presenter, a cameraperson, and a sound engineer. They are usually very experienced and professional.
- Interviews: Be prepared for interviews. Speak clearly, confidently, and naturally. Try to express your passion and enthusiasm for the subject.
- Visuals in Action: The crew will likely ask you to perform activities or demonstrate aspects of your story that will look good on camera. Be prepared to show, not just tell.
- Naturalness is Key: Nationwide thrives on authenticity. Try to be yourself and act as naturally as possible. Don't feel pressured to be overly theatrical.
- Time Commitment: Filming can take several hours, or even a full day, depending on the complexity of the story. Be prepared to dedicate the necessary time.
Step 5: Post-Production and Broadcast – The Big Reveal!
After filming, the team moves into post-production.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Sub-heading 5.1: Editing and Review
- Editing Process: The footage will be edited into a cohesive segment, typically with narration, music, and graphics.
- No Pre-Screening: It's unlikely you will see the final segment before it broadcasts. Trust the Nationwide team's expertise in storytelling and editing.
Sub-heading 5.2: The Broadcast and Beyond
- Notification: You will usually be informed of the broadcast date and time well in advance.
- Spread the Word: Let your friends, family, and community know when to tune in!
- Enjoy the Moment: Seeing your story on Nationwide is a significant achievement and a wonderful way to share your passion with the nation.
- Online Availability: Nationwide episodes are typically available on the RT� Player for a period after broadcast, so you can watch it back and share the link.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to write a good pitch for RT� Nationwide?
Write a concise, engaging email outlining who, what, where, when, and why your story is compelling, focusing on its human interest and visual appeal.
How to find contact details for RT� Nationwide?
Start by emailing the general RT� Information Office (info@rte.ie) or looking for specific submission guidelines on the Nationwide section of the RT� website.
How to make my story stand out for RT� Nationwide?
Highlight what makes your story unique, inspiring, and visually interesting, emphasizing its connection to Irish culture, community, or human experience.
How to prepare for a RT� Nationwide interview?
Be ready to speak clearly and enthusiastically about your story, practice telling your narrative concisely, and be prepared to show relevant activities or objects.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
How to know if RT� Nationwide is interested in my story?
The Nationwide team will contact you directly via phone or email if they are interested in pursuing your story further.
How to follow up after submitting a story idea to RT� Nationwide?
Wait a few weeks (3-4) and then send a polite follow-up email, briefly reiterating your interest and offering more information.
How to make my location appealing for RT� Nationwide?
Consider the aesthetic and cultural significance of your location, highlighting any unique features or activities that would translate well on screen.
How to ensure good quality visuals for my story on RT� Nationwide?
If providing photos or video, ensure they are high-resolution, well-lit, and clearly showcase the key elements and people involved in your story.
How to manage expectations after filming with RT� Nationwide?
Understand that you will likely not see the final edited piece before broadcast and that the Nationwide team has editorial control over the segment.
How to share my RT� Nationwide appearance with others?
Once broadcast, inform friends and family, and share the link to the episode on the RT� Player on social media or via email.
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