These examples show how to organize different media pitches. They are starting structures, not finished messages. Replace each bracketed field and remove any sentence you cannot support.
Original data pitch
Subject: Data: [specific finding] among [defined population]
Hi [first name],
[Organization] analyzed [sample and period] and found [specific result]. The strongest change appeared among [affected group], where [consequence].
This connects to your reporting on [exact topic or linked article] because [specific editorial reason].
We can share the methodology, underlying tables, and an interview with [named source and relevant qualification]. The material is available [under embargo until date and time / immediately].
Would you like the dataset and methodology?
[signature]
Review before sending: Define the sample, method, period, and limitations. Do not promote a percentage without its denominator.
Product or company news pitch
Subject: [company] [announces change] for [affected audience]
Hi [first name],
[Company] is [launching, acquiring, opening, or changing] [specific thing] on [date]. The change means [concrete consequence] for [audience].
[One or two verified facts: price, availability, funding terms, customer eligibility, location, or scale.]
Your coverage of [specific article or beat] makes [particular angle] relevant. We can provide [demo, documents, executive interview, customer source, or images] before [deadline].
Would [specific next step] be useful?
[signature]
Review before sending: State the news in the first sentence. Company background belongs after the consequence, if it belongs at all.
Expert commentary pitch
Subject: Source on [current development]: [specific expertise]
Hi [first name],
For your coverage of [current development], [expert name] can address [two or three narrow questions]. [Name] is [qualification that directly supports those questions].
One relevant point: [brief, attributable observation that adds information rather than prediction].
[Name] is available [times and time zone] by [phone, video, or email]. I can also send [supporting research or disclosure].
Would an introduction help?
[signature]
Review before sending: Expertise must match the question. A senior title alone does not establish subject knowledge.
Local story pitch
Subject: [local place]: [specific change] affects [local group]
Hi [first name],
[Local event, policy, opening, closure, or dataset] will affect [defined local audience] beginning [date]. [Local evidence and consequence.]
This extends your coverage of [local issue] with [new document, person, location, or result]. We can arrange [local source or on-site access] and provide [records, images, or data].
Would you like [specific material] today?
[signature]
Review before sending: A local dateline is not enough. Explain the local effect and provide a person, place, record, or number the outlet can verify.
Contributed article pitch
Subject: Contributed article: [clear thesis]
Hi [first name],
I am proposing a contributed article arguing that [specific, defensible thesis]. It would give [publication audience] a practical way to [outcome] using [evidence or experience].
Proposed sections:
- [Point that establishes the problem]
- [Point supported by evidence]
- [Actionable conclusion]
The author, [name], is [relevant qualification]. The draft would be original, [length] words, and available by [date]. It would not promote [company or product].
Is this thesis suitable for [publication or section]?
[signature]
Review before sending: Check the publication’s contributor rules before proposing the article. State conflicts and commercial relationships.
One follow-up
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Hi [first name],
Following up once on the [story or data] below. Since my first note, [material new fact, source, document, or timing update].
I can send [specific asset] or arrange [source] by [time]. If it is not relevant, I will close the loop.
[signature]
Review before sending: Add information. A message that only asks whether the first email was seen creates work without improving the editorial decision.
Adapt the structure to the journalist
Cision’s 2025 State of the Media report reflects responses from more than 3,000 journalists across different markets and working conditions. No single template represents all of them. Follow published preferences, recent work, outlet format, and the actual complexity of the story.
Read how to write a media pitch before turning these structures into drafts. PitchFriendly users can save approved versions as templates and then create reporter-specific drafts for review.