Member Resources

The Pitch Page

Updated: January 2009

To help sell your stories, below is a list of people and places that acquire work from freelancers. If you are one of those people or places and you'd like to add or change a listing, please proceed to the Pitch Page Submission/Update Listing Form . Also, take a look at RadioCollege.org's recently posted Ask the Expert: What makes a good pitch? Pitches that work, pitches that don't! For a survey of current rates paid to Freelancers, visit our Rates Watch page.

African Learning Channel

series: African Learning Channel is an audio channel run by First Voice International, a 501c3 organization that works with community groups, international organizations and government agencies to deliver information on pressing issues to impoverished rural and urban populations in Africa and Asia. The Africa Learning Channel provides programming developed from content produced by African NGOs, media groups and other content providers, specifically for an African audience. The channel focuses on programming related to international development issues and humanitarian purposes.
show: hour-long topical magazine programs
segments: varies 
compensation: unavailable
pitch: By email 
contact: info@firstvoiceint.org
301-960-1276
mailing address: Africa Learning Channel First Voice International 8515 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
url: http://www.firstvoiceint.org

American RadioWorks

series: American RadioWorks is the national documentary unit of American Public Media. ARW is public radio's largest documentary production unit; it creates documentaries, series projects and investigative reports for the public radio system and the Internet.

ARW represents a sustained effort at explanatory and investigative journalism. Principal themes include:

  • Public affairs documentaries on major social and economic issues
  • Investigative reporting
  • Documentaries that explore significant social and cultural subjects through stories with strong narrative threads
  • "Living History," an ongoing effort to document the 20th century American experience through the lives of those who witnessed it.

ARW currently does not currently commission, acquire or distribute documentaries from independent and station-based producers.


shows:  seasonal
segments:  59:00
eguettler@americanpublicmedia.org
phone:  (651) 290-1351
fax:  (651) 290-1150
mailing address:  American Public Media
480 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
URL: www.americanradioworks.org
compensation: varies according to level of experience; negotiable

B-Side Radio

series: Kind of like the cool songs found on the back side of a 45, we dig up stories about people that may just surprise you. B-Side is a monthly podcast and public radio show hosted by Tamara Keith.

B-Side is also an all volunteer operation, with stories recorded in closets and mixed on home computers.  We operate on a shoestring, but keep coming back because the creative process is enjoyable and enriching.  At B-Side we offer extensive editing and nurturing.  We offer a chance to tell stories that couldn't be told elsewhere.

B-Side specializes in stories about people, stories that get beyond the gee whiz, to the why.  We don't require news pegs or expert voices of reason.  Actually we prefer to go without them.  
show: 30/60 monthly/every 2 months
segments: 2-15
pitch: Please contact Tamara via e-mail. Please check out our  submission information as well as our "manifesto" where you will find a very complete explanation of how we work, and the types of stories we are looking for.
contact: Tamara Keith, Senior Producer
tamara@bside-radio.org
mailing address: Tamara Keith, P.O. Box 19009, Fresno, CA 93790-0009
http://www.bside-radio.org/ 
compensation: none - this is an all volunteer operation

California Report

series: The California Report, produced by KQED 88.5FM in collaboration with public radio stations throughout California, is a statewide radio news program. The California Report provides daily coverage of issues, trends, and public policy decisions affecting California and its diverse population. It is carried by more than 20 public radio stations, from Arcata to SanDiego. Many local station reporters are regular contributors to the program. The morning daily edition of The California Report, a nine-minute broadcast airing on KQED 88.5FM Monday -- Friday at 6:50a.m. and 8:50 a.m., updates important news from the weekend and spotlights events and issues expected to develop during the comingweek. The Friday edition, airing on KQED 88.5FM at 4:30 p.m., 6:30p.m., and 11:00 p.m., is a 29-minute newsmagazine that provides in-depth analysis of the week's top news stories and includes newsmaker interviews, debriefings with reporters and editors, and commentaries. show: 8 and a half minutes weekdays; plus a 29-minute magazine on Fridays
segments: varies
pitch: (By email preferred.) calreport@kqed.org 415.864.2000 / fax 415.553.2897 The California Report, KQED-FM, 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 http://www.kqed.org/radio/tcr/index.html
compensation: unavailable/undisclosed

Chicago Matters 2009

series: award-winning, annual multi-media exploration of an issue of broad concern to the Chicago region. Over the next year we’ll explore what it takes to succeed into the future as a global metropolis.There is no doubt that Chicago is a global city.  With sixty foreign consulates we remain a gateway for immigration from around the world.  Our downtown is home to some of the major business and financial elements of the global economy, including the headquarters of thirty Fortune 500 companies and the world’s largest options exchange.  We are a hub for international transportation and digital information.  The city’s Climate Action Plan is a model for other local governments seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  World–class attractions like Millennium Park and a highly-acclaimed theater scene have made Chicago a destination for international tourists and local art enthusiasts alike.  When many urban areas are in decline, Chicago remains a thriving metropolis, anchoring a wide and diverse region.

We also have many of the downsides of globalization.  Our middle class is shrinking, graduation rates in some of our public schools are appalling, and we face a growing crisis to find financing for our public transit and infrastructure projects.  Chicago Matters: Growing Forward 2009 will explore the state of our global metropolis.  We seek enterprising features that examine the current and future demands faced by the city and the region within a global economy.  We are looking for stories that explore the how people are experiencing the successes and stresses of our global existence, under such topic areas as politics, the economy, culture, the environment and infrastructure.


pitch: We are looking for fully researched and reported stories.  Pitches should include potential scenes and a list of possible story contacts/voices.  Every pitch should also include ideas for additional web content, including proposals for audio-visual slide shows, blog entries, video elements or links to other resources.

Please email story pitches for the series to Sally Eisele and Alison Cuddy at seisele@chicagopublicradio.org and acuddy@chicagopublicradio.org by Friday January 30.  Selections will be made by Friday February 13.  If you have questions or need more background on the series, call or email Cuddy at 312-948- 4702.

compensation:
Feature-length reports               $ 600/750
Half-hour Documentary            $5,000/6,000

This rate structure reflects the level of production assistance (especially audio mixing) contributors require.  If you are able to produce and mix your piece on your own, you will receive the higher rate.  If you require any assistance from WBEZ in finalizing your piece, the lower rate will apply.

Expenses for travel and production will be reimbursed by individual arrangement and must be discussed in advance of assignment.

Environment Report

Series: The Environment Report is a collaborative effort among 160 public radio stations to create a weekly news-feed of reports about the environment. Each feed contains two to three features, the occasional commentary, and four to five news spots. Every week, public stations incorporate those individual stories into their local programming. For maximum exposure, pieces are designed to be used individually during the "local news" sections of national programs like National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" or "All Things Considered".  We won't take stories already broadcast on an NPR program, but stories run locally or on a state network are fine.   
compensation: The ER pay scale begins at $40 for wraps and $150 for commentaries. For features, the pay flat rate- $400 for 3:30 - 4:30 minutes. (We pay LESS if we have to do the mix.) If phone tape is unavoidable, it's allowed for only one source. We expect pieces to be sound-rich. Mileage and lodging will be reimbursed if expenses are approved in advance. minutes.
Format: modular feed (6-8 stories a week)
segments: news wraps 0:45-0:50 excluding lede; commentary 2-2:30, features 3:30-4:30 including lede 
pitch: Email or phone pitch to TER Editors is acceptable; phone is quicker. See Submission Guidelines.
contact: Lester Graham, Senior Editor
877-550-4572
graham@environmentreport.org
In Lester's absence, contact Mark Brush,Editor/Technical Director
734-647-3472
brush@environmentreport.org
URL: http://www.glrc.org

Free Speech Radio Network

series: Free Speech Radio News (FSRN) is the half-hour daily newscast distributed by the Pacifica Radio network. The show is heard on 60+ stations in the U.S. and worldwide via shortwave every weekday. FSRN's mission is to provide incisive news and analysis; investigate and air important international and domestic stories ignored or suppressed by the corporate press; and promote cultural diversity and pluralistic community expression. FSRN seeks to break from the routine dependence on corporate and governmental news organs, analysts and their press releases. For news sources, we prioritize direct participants and first-person narratives over government spokespeople and professional analysts. Each show contains four to six features, the occasional commentary and four to five headline news spots. Pacifica stations and their affiliates play the show in its entirety or incorporate individual stories into their local programming.
show: 29 minutes/ M-F
segments: Features stories are 3-4 mins with a minimum of 3 voices. Mini-features generally run 2 mins with 2 voices. News headlines (usually same-day turnaround) run 45-60 seconds, with or without an actuality.
pitch: (preferably by e-mail) features@fsrn.org or headlines@fsrn.org
compensation: Full features pay $160, mini-features $80, headlines with actualities pay $40 and voicer headlines pay $30. Rate will likely increase in 2008.

Here and Now

series: Here and Now is Public Radio's noon news magazine. Produced every weekday at WBUR in Boston, Here and Now is a nationally syndicated, fast-paced program that covers up-to-the-minute news and also provides regular features on music, food, science and technology, as well as cultural stories about film, theater, music and more. We're looking for sound-rich produced field pieces of 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the material and the topic. While the format is flexible, we need freelancers to provide something we can't get through a phone or ISDN interview conducted by our in-studio host. We do not want traditional reporter packages. Whenever possible, the pieces should have informal narration or, even better, none. The show has a conversational style, and so should the field pieces. We are willing to consider previously broadcast work. shows: one hour Monday-Friday
segments: 3-9 minutes 
pitch: By email. (See Producer's guide for submissions, with examples.) submissions@here-now.org 617-358-0397 Attn: Here and Now, WBUR, 3rd Floor, 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 http://stage.here-now.org/   
compensation:

High Plains News

series: High Plains News provides up to 3-4 issue-specific programs annually on compelling topics that are largely unreported by other media. Programs examine agriculture, the environment, education and health, the lives of Native Americans and the elderly, natural resources and energy, for public radio reporting with a distinctly rural flavor. Arts, culture and thought-provoking commentary combine for unique reporting as varied as the Western landscape. shows: 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times yearly
pitch: Kevin Cowling, Communications Coordinator 406.252.9889 / fax 406.252.1092 2401 Montana Ave, Suite 301, Billings MT 59101 http://www.HighPlainsNews.org

Latino USA

series: Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective. It is a production partnership of KUT Radio and the Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Latino USA isdistributed by NPR and the Longhorn Radio Network. show: weekly half-hour
segments: 4-7 minutes; possibly longer
pitch: (By email preferable for first contact)
pitch. See our FAQ: How do I propose story ideas ? and our contributors guidelines .) Alex Avila, Senior Producer avila@mail.utexas.edu 800.445.4005 / fax 512.475.6873 Latino USA, University of Texas at Austin, 2609 University Ave, Suite 3.108, Austin, TX 78705 http://www.latinousa.org/

Living on Earth
Living on Earth is a weekly, one hour environmental news and feature program.  We're distributed by Public Radio International and air on over 275 public radio stations. LOE's features, interviews, and commentaries examine the social, economic, political and technological forces behind environmental change.  We're particularly interested in sound-rich pieces which use a strong narrative to tell a story.  LOE pays $100/minute of produced tape, plus approved expenses.

shows:  one hour weekly
segments:  varies;  most pieces are 4-8:00, but we also air longer or shorter segments
prefs:  email preferred.
phone:  617-629-3629fax:  617/629-3625
address:  Living on Earth
20 Holland St., Suite 408
Somerville, MA 02144
url:  http://www.loe.org

Making Contact (National Radio Project)

series: National Radio Project's Making Contact is a 30-minute nationally syndicated weekly public affairs radio program. We air on more than 200 NPR,community and college-based radio stations across the nation and can be heard in Canada, Ireland, South Africa and Australia. We also podcast our show. Utilizing voices and perspectives not often heard in mainstream media, Making Contact focuses on the human realities of politics, the connections between local and global events, and creative solutions for people to engage in hopeful democratic change.
shows: 29 minutes, weekly
segments: 8-10 minutes, 13 minutes, full length documentary (length depends on type of show we're producing)
Compensation: Varies by level of difficulty and experience of producer. Please see our rates: http://radioproject.org/production/subguide.html
pitch: Write a one or two paragraph description of your pitch. This should include the elements of your story including potential interviewees, actualities, ambient sound, music etc. If you haven't submitted work to Making Contact before, please send links or mail samples of your work. Making Contact is not a "weekly" news program; it delves deeper into the economic, social, and political issues underlying the news headlines. Stories should avoid time-dating and should be relevant three to six months after broadcast. Before pitching a story, please be familiar with the mission of National Radio Project. We'll try to respond to every pitch as soon as we are able. If you don't hear back from us within two to three weeks, please feel free to email us again or call us.
Making Contact Submission Guidelines: http://radioproject.org/production/subguide.html
contact : Tena Rubio, Executive roducer/Host
Phone: 510-251-1332 x104

Mailing address:
National Radio Project/Making Contact
1714 Franklin Street, #100
Oakland, CA 94612
url: http://radioproject.org/

 

Marketplace

series: Marketplace is public radio's daily magazine of business and economics. Produced by MPR. Distributed nationwide by Public Radio International. show: five days/week: 30 minutes evenings, five 9-minute Morning Reports
segments: 2.5-5 minutes
pitch: (By e-mail) Domestic & International Stories pitches@marketplace.org 213.601.3500 / fax 213.601.3501 Marketplace, 261 South Figueroa Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90012 http://www.marketplace.org/
compensation: Flat rate based on level of expertise involved: EZ - $300; Medium - $350; Hard - $400+: some reports - $90 per minute.

National Native News

series: National Native News is a weekday, five-minute radio newscast. It's one of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation's four nationally syndicated radio programs. NNN is produced in Albuquerque, NM. It is a headline radio news service dedicated to Native American issues and events that compiles spot news reports from around the country. NNN is the first Native-produced, daily Native radio newscast that is distributed nationally. NNN airs news stories about Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Indigenous People worldwide.
show: 5 minutes, Monday through Friday
segments: 0:50-1:15, 
pitch: (By email or phone.) NNN either accepts story pitches from reporters and/or gives assignments to reporters. NN daily FILING DEADLINE IS NO later than 10 A.M. ET on the airdate.
contact: Antonia Gonzales, Anchor/Producer
agonzales@nativenews.net
phone: 505.277.9180 / fax 505.277.4268
address: National Native News, P.O. Box 40194, Albuquerque, NM 87196
url: http://www.nativenews.net/
compensation: The pay scale is generally from $45.00-75.00 per story. Compensation can be negotiated if a submission requires heavy editing or editorial requirements have not been followed. When submitting for the first time, be sure to submit your SSN, mailing address and phone number. NNN uses a weekly pay schedule.

News stories purchased become the property of NNN. Reporters are not paid residuals for additional use of their work. NNN will pay a "kill fee" for commissioned stories if not used/aired. NNN does not pay for travel expenses.

National Public Radio

series: National Public Radio Programming shows: vary; http://www.npr.org/about/programs
segments: vary from show to show
pitch: Before pitching, see helpful hints at NPR Submission Guidelines (49K Acrobat PDF). If you already have pitch contact(s) at NPR, pitch to the appropriate one. To pitch a longer breaking news or quick turnaround story, contact your regional bureau chief. Northeastern Bureau Chief (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, DE, MD, DC, PA) Andrea De Leon adeleon@npr.org Southern Bureau Chief (WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, TN, MS, LA, AR, TX, OK, VA, KY) Russell Lewis rdlewis@npr.org Midwestern Bureau Chief (OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, ND, SD) Ken Barcus kbarcus@npr.org Western Bureau Chiefs (CA, AZ, NM, UT, CO, NV, WA, OR, WY, ID, MT, AK, HI) Alisa Joyce or Kate Concannon westbc@npr.org To pitch a commentary or essay, see http://www.npr.org/about/ pitch/#commentary. To pitch a spot (:45) on breaking news, call Newscast Unit (800) 433-1277. To pitch an audio postcard, see http://www.npr.org/about/ pitch/postcards.html.
To pitch an idea for a new program, or to inquire about syndication of an existing program, contact Stacey Foxwell, Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President for Programming, sfoxwell@npr.org.
For help in framing a pitch and identifying the appropriate recipient at NPR or another acquirer, contact NPR’s Liaison with Independent Producers, Paul Ingles at paul@paulingles.com  or (505) 255-1219. 

compensation: Varies by level of difficulty and experience of the producer: Mid-range experience level paid between $350 and $1K. Newscast rates: domestic wrap- $40; domestic voicer - $35; overseas wrap - $45; overseas voicer - $40. Actualities or Q&As that are "aired" - $20.
Address: NPR, 635 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001-3025 http://www.npr.org/

On the Media

series: On the Media explores the interplay between the press and the public,and explores all things media, from the internet to the telegraph. The show is producedby WNYC and distributed by National Public Radio. We are always looking for reported pieces that make rich use of sound and explore the media in an unconventional way.
show: one hour weekly
segments: up to 10 minutes
pitch: By email
contact: Jamie York, Associate Producer
jyork@wnyc.org 
212.669.3528
Mailing Address: 1 Centre Street, NY, NY, 10007
URL: http://www.wnyc.org/onthemedia/
compensation: $100 a minute.

Outfront

series: Outfront is primarily a documentary series that focuses on the personal stories of Canadians. Contributors are encouraged to tell their own stories or those of people close to them. Outfront likes to push the medium of radio by taking risks. The show works on the basis of stories developed from pitches and rarely buys shows "whole cloth." pitch guidelines are available here. show: 4 X 13 minute episodes per week
segments: up to 13 minutes long
pitch: Neil Sandell, Senior Program Producer neil_sandell@cbc.ca 416.205.2604 / fax 416.205.8552 Outfront, Box 500, Station 'A', Toronto, ON, M5W 1E6 http://cbc.ca/outfront/

Outright Radio

series: Outright Radio, distributed by PRI, presents hour-long radio specials featuring the extraordinary stories of America's Gay Community. Each show is filled with the heartache and humor of being openly gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered at the beginning of the 21st century. Feel free to suggest a story idea. We pay industry rates for non-exclusive use. Stories should be more than just entertaining: they should have depth and impact and explore the complexities of the queer experience in away that is digestible and intriguing to both gay and straight listeners. Stories must be true. Please note that we do not cover news or current events. We don't review books or CDs. We may not have the time to respond to all inquiries. Our production cycle begins in the summer with story pitches. By fall we have contracted and begun production on the pieces. Shows: We produce 6 hours of programming each year and approximately 3 artists are invited to submit their piece for each show.
segments: varies
pitch: Email preferred. David Gilmore, Executive Producer/Host David@OutrightRadio.org 866-688-7234 Outright Radio, c/o KXCI Radio, 220 South 4th Avenue, Tucson AZ 85701 http://www.outrightradio.org/
compensation: unavailable/undisclosed

Performance Today

series: Performance Today (PT), from NPR, is a classical music magazine that recreates the thrill of live concerts recorded by world-renowned artists on stages around the world. Listeners can experience the finest solo, chamber, and symphonic works -- not on CD, but performed in the concert hall by today's foremost musicians. The daily two-hour program offers intriguing features, engaging interviews, and in-depth commentary by nationally known music experts to help listeners learn more about this rich art form and experience firsthand the creative vitality of the classical music world. show: two hours daily M-F
segments: smaller scale pieces (1-3 mins) to enhance the music on the show; but always open to bigger possibilities
pitch: (By email is best, phone second.) Roger Wight, Supervising Producer rwight@npr.org 202.513.2396 / fax 202.513.3032 Performance Today, NPR, 635 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001-3753 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4
compensation: unavailable/undisclosed

Prime Time Radio

series: Prime Time Radio is seeking submissions of produced pieces of 4:00-4:30 for "Prime Time Postscript". The PTPS pieces run at the end of the 54-minute Prime Time Radio show each week – in a slot normally filled by newscasts. “Prime Time Postscript” is not limited by format or topic – but we do target the 45+ audience. That usually does not mean much – people 45+ are pretty much interested in everything. What we are looking for is creative and interesting stories. We want to provide a place to air the good works of creative producers that have not already been nationally broadcast (pieces broadcast locally are fine). We are seeking fully produced pieces only. The slot is 4:30 so pieces cannot be any longer than that, but they can be a bit shorter (no less than 4 minutes) as we have theme music for fill. We’ll be happy to air any credits desired. show: one-hour weekly
segments: 4:00-4:30
pitch: email preferred, send MP3s or links to audio if available Janelle Haskell, jhaskell@aarp.org 202-434-2601 Prime Time Postscript 601 E St., NW Washington, DC 20049 http://www.aarp.org
compensation: $300 for a 4.5 minute produced piece.

Pulse of the Planet

series: Pulse of the Planet is a daily, two-minute radio series that follows the seasonal rhythms of nature, culture and science. Those interested in producing a story for Pulse will be expected to conduct an interview and collect sound if available, but not to produce the final program.
compensation: We pay $150 plus expenses for raw tape (interview and sound) for domestic stories and $200 plus expenses for international stories. If the story is seasonal and has a strong sound component, we'll likely be interested. show: two-minutes weekdays
pitch: (By email.) Jim Metzner, Executive Producer pulse@igc.org http://www.pulseplanet.com

The Radio Project

Series: Journalism and in-depth critical analysis which goes beyond the breaking news. Currently the public affairs program airs on 160 stations in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa. Utilizing voices and perspectives rarely heard in media, Making Contact focuses on the human realities of politics, the connections between local and global events, and creative possibilities for people to engage in hopeful democratic change. show: 29 minutes, weekly
segments: 8-10 minutes (see details at RadioProject.org )
pitch: (Prefer email or mail; see Submission Guidlines ) Aimée Pomerleau, Director of Production and Training apomerleau@radioproject.org 510.251.1332 ext. 104 National Radio Project, 1714 Franklin St. Suite 311, Oakland, California 94612 http://www.radioproject.org/            
compensation: $85 a minute

Sirius OutQ News

series: Sirius OutQ is America's first 24/7 radio outlet broadcasting to the gay, lesbian, bi and transgender community. OutQ appears on Stream 109 of SiriusSatellite Radio. OutQ's five-minute hourly newscasts cover newsworthy events ofinterest to a national sexual minority audience. All the stories in OutQ newscasts are spot news, five-W type items. We try to throw in an amusing kicker in each newscast, but even these must be timely. There is presently no room in our format for radio features or magazinepieces.
show: six 5 min. hourlies M-F
segments: voicers & wraps 0:45-1:30
pitch: E-mail is fine; phone is faster.
contact: Tim Curran, News Director
tcurran@siriusradio.com
212.584.5116 / fax 646.313.2116
mailing address: 1221 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
URL: http://www.siriusoutq.com/ 

Sound Medicine

series: Sound Medicine, public radio's weekly magazine about medicine and health, is a lively mix of studio interviews, field pieces, phone/tape sync interviews, personal essays, health quizzes and snappy features (plus ideas we haven't thought of yet). The program is a joint production of WFYI (public radio in Indianapolis) and the Indiana University School of Medicine. In its 7th year of production, Sound Medicine is hosted by a seasoned journalist, with additional interviews conducted by a trained team of educators and clinicians.  We pay competitive rates, based on length, experience with the producer, production requirements, etc. Program is also produced as a free weekly podcast through iTunes. Payment upon acceptance; because of our long lead times, there may be several weeks or more between acceptance and broadcast of purchased pieces.
segments: varies (1:30 to 12:00)
compensation: pay rates will be negotiated individually, at or above the typical NPR scale  (at or around $100 per minute up to $500 maximum
pitch: Pitch via email, please. Upon request, stories can be posted on our ftp site.
guide:   We seek a wide range of health and medicine stories, from personal essays to in-depth explorations of diseases, treatments, current research, health issues. Background web links, journal articles, etc are appreciated. Stories may not have aired in Indiana; however, this is a great way to repurpose undated health stories that have aired elsewhere. Queries  are welcome at any time. Please allow 2 weeks for response.
contact: Nora Hiatt, Senior Producer
soundmed@iu.edu
phone:  317-278-3574
address:Sound Medicine, 550 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
url: http://soundmedicine.iu.edu

Soundprint

series: Soundprint is the longest running non-fiction documentary series on public radio.We seek topics of substance. We call Soundprint the aural equivalent of photojournalism. We like stories which engage the listener's mind, imagination and heart. We encourage creative and inventive use of sound, using state of the art technology to develop a contemporary art of story telling. Programs can range from the hard investigative to the evocative experiential documentary. show: one hour weekly, divided into two 30-minute modules
segments: 25:30 minutes 
pitch: (By email is easiest. See our Producer's Guidelines .)
producer@soundprint.org
phone: 301.317.0110 / fax 301.317.6794
address: Soundprint Media Center, 525 Main St., Suite 105, Laurel, MD 20707
url: http://www.soundprint.org/
compensation: undisclosed - negotiable

The Splendid Table

series: The Splendid Table, starring Lynne Rossetto Kasper, is about food -- enjoying it, buying it, cooking it -- and about eating out, entertaining, health and travel. We're looking for produced field pieces which fit our program.We need stories about food as a window to a culture; about meals as a memorable part of travel; about food producers (artisans and otherwise), the business of food, and new trends; about food and health; about the behind-the-scenes of restaurants or other food businesses; about festivals, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and amazing parties -- and about people with particular passions about food. Pieces with a quirky point-of-view or a sense of humor are encouraged. Pieces about local restaurants or other food businesses should focus on the exceptional people who run them, or have some other editorial focus which makes the story interesting to our national audience. 
compensation:We pay $400 for each piece we commission; $500 if you provide us with the finished mix. We ask for the non-exclusive right to broadcast the piece on radio, and to offer it on the Web (in both"streamed" and/or archival form), both in perpetuity. You would own all rights to the piece other than those granted to us. We ask only that The Splendid Table receive an appropriate credit when the piece, or elements thereof, appears elsewhere. We honor the spirit of the Code published by AIR. show: one hour weekly
segments: most are 3-5 minutes
pitch: E-mail with a brief description of your story idea. We will respond quickly with ayes or no, or with a proposed modification of the story. If we say yes,we will send you an Agreement right away.
Contact: Jennifer Russell, Producer
jenrussell@americanpublicmedia.org
651.433.3439 / fax 651.433.4667
Mailing Address:
The Splendid Table, P.O. Box 245, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
URL:http://table.mpr.org/index.html

Studio 360

series: "PRI's Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen" is an hourlong program about the arts, pop culture and ideas, hosted by novelist and journalist Kurt Andersen.  The show is a coproduction of Public Radio International and WNYC.  We are interested in trends stories, arts news (including business of the arts), and stories about creative people.  Close knowledge of particular art communities is a great advantage.  In every case, we look for reporting with a strong personal voice, motivated by genuine concern and passion for a subject.  To receive our independent producer guidelines, or to receive our sporadic call for stories, contact Associate Producer Michele Siegel, mtsiegel@wnyc.org.
segments: 2-8 minutes
pitch: Pitch your story by email to Michele Siegel, mtsiegel@wnyc.org. We prefer not to "pre-screen" ideas by phone or email before you pitch. The subject line of your emails should start with "PITCH: ".  It must include a one-paragraph summary of what the story would be, paying particular attention to key elements of your story (e.g., interviewees, actualities, location tape, scoring, etc), style of production, what a general listener in a large national audience will enjoy about the
story, and your voice in the piece.  You should also let us know how you found out about a story, and whether the subject has been covered elsewhere.  We try to respond to every pitch as soon as we are able, but you are welcome to contact us to check on the status in a reasonable
time frame. Please do not ask us to look at websites in your pitch, as they will not be part of most listeners' experience. http://www.studio360.org/
compensation: Flat rate based on commissioned length: 5 minutes or less- $400; 5-8 minutes- $750, 8-12 minutes - $1K. An extra $150 is paid when producer mixes the piece. Special terms may be in effect for regular contributors.

This American Life

series: This American Life is a bunch of stories -- some are documentaries, some are fiction, some are something else. Each week we choose a theme and invite different writers and performers to contribute items on the theme. (We seek surprising character- driven stories that generally follow a traditional literary structure. We pay expenses and $200 a day; the artist owns their own work and TAL keeps re-broadcast rights). show: one hour weekly
segments: generally 6-12 minutes; but if we like it, it can be any length.
pitch: By email. Submission Guidelines available.
contact: Julie Snyder, Senior Producer
julie@thislife.org (please put "submissions" in the subject line)
212 624 5012
mailing address:This American Life, 53 W. 27th Street, Suite 1104 New York, NY 10001
URL:  http://www.thislife.org/ 
compensation: $200+/day

The Voice of America

series: The Voice of America is the United States' representative on international radio. We are an independent agency within the federal government. In addition to English, VOA broadcasts in more than 40 languages. English language scripts may be translated and used by other language services. We rely on our freelancers to provide an audio picture of the people and issues in their part of the country. We want to hear from people who are involved in their communities, not just academics and spokespeople, in reports with natural sound (whenever appropriate). We're interested in stories on immigrant groups, environmental issues, medical developments, education, community action, social programs and religion. In other words, we want our programming to present the broad range of American experiences, portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of US society, and reflecting the nation's diversity of opinion. For a sampling of stories we've broadcast, check out VOA's American Life page. show: Americana pieces are used throughout the day in the news stream; science-related stories may air on Our World, a weekly half-hour program.
segments: 3-5 minutes. We purchase 10 to 20 stories a month from stringers; many are 'turn-arounds' of pieces that aired on your local station or a national program.
compensation: For a piece we request, or that you are doing originally for VOA, we pay $300. For a 'turn-around' piece that has aired elsewhere and that you've been paid for, we pay $150. For turn-arounds, we edit the original script for our international audience, and you re-voice it. You may produce it, or send us the elements to produce here. VOA does not pay travel expenses. Payment is made by direct deposit, and requires registration with the government-wide Central Contractor Registration system. This involves some phone and computer time on your part.
pitch: By e-mail. Faith Lapidus, Stringer Editor flapidus@voanews.com. VOA's English language audience includes many students and businesspeople, as well as foreign government officials. Most speak English as a second (or third) language, and listen to VOA not only for news and information, but to improve their comprehension. We also reach Americans overseas -- Peace Corps workers, diplomats, journalists, missionaries and members of the Armed Forces. In submitting an idea, consider why someone in Nigeria or China would want to listen to the story. http://www.voanews.com/

WBHM-FM

series: WBHM-FM in Birmingham, Alabama, accepts freelance contributions for the arts and culture show Tapestry.  Tapestry stories must have a "southern" angle (southern literature, musicians from the south, etc). We encourage you to check out our website and listen to Tapestry to get a feel for our style and editorial needs. We're particularly interested in sound-rich 4-6 minute features.
shows:  30 minutes/weekly
segments:  4-8 minutes
pitch: email is best, but phone is fine too
contact: Tanya Ott, News Director/Tapestry Executive Producer
tanya@wbhm.org
phone: 205-934-2264
address:  650 11th Street South, irmingham, Al  35233
url: http://www.wbhm.org/
compensation: WBHM pays $75/broadcast minute plus pre-approved expenses for Tapestry stories.

Women's International News Gathering Service

series: WINGS (Women's International News Gathering Service) is a series of news and current affairs programs by and about women around the world, syndicated to community radio stations in English-speaking countries. We use raw tape from freelancers as well as produced pieces. We prefer the emphasis to be on the women covered speaking themselves, rather than on a lot of script. The palette of WINGS tends to be hot, which means we like speeches and actualities from events, though we also use interviews. We are especially interested in stories featuring non-U.S.women and minority women. Subjects of most interest include women and the law, politics, labor, economics, the environment, indigenous sovereignty, sexuality, reproductive rights, war and peace, and --please! -- humor if you have it. We don't require an exclusive.
compensation: Fees for news items range from $40 for our use of your raw tape in a short piece for the newscast, to $100 for a fully produced piece of 6-1/2minutes or less. For half-hours we pay a royalty of 50% of net (currently around $140) for use of your tape, and an additional $60 editing fee if the work is substantially produced. show: weekly half-hour
segments: Our final product is 29-minutes long, of which one minute is intro/outro. News features should be under 7 minutes.
pitch: (By email. Producers' Guide available.) Frieda Werden, Producer wings@wings.org (800)798-9703 / (604)876-6994 Box 95090, Kingsgate Vancouver BC V5T 4T8 Canada http://www.wings.org

The World

series: The World is a co-production of the BBC World Service, Public Radio International and WGBH. It's based in Boston and airs on more than 280 public radio stations nationally. Although the BBC World Service co-produces the show, The World must distinguish itself from the BBC World Service programming already airing on many US stations. So the program speaks directly to its US audience, ensuring that each story feels relevant to the American listener. This is easy, since the US affects the rest of the world profoundly, and vice versa. For instance, in a story reported from Sudan, it would be a disservice to The World's US listeners NOT to include what the US government has been saying or doing about the situation on the ground. And to see how the rest of the world affects life in the United States, look in your backyard and you'll find immigration issues running hot in the domestic political scene, anti-terrorism measures going into affect along US borders, an American farmer frustrated with a new international trade decision -- LOTS of stories that belong on The World.
show: one hour, daily / M-F
segments: Vary, but keep in mind that we could really use shorter pieces -- some of our best, most seasoned reporters shine brightest in their 3-minute stories. That said, we've also aired mini-documentaries as long as 15 minutes (rarely, though).
pitch: By email; feel free to follow up later with a phone call.
Foreign-based stories, pitch to George Lewinski (george.lewinski@bbc.co.uk)
Domestic-based stories, pitch to William Troop (william.troop@bbc.co.uk)
compensation: $115 per minute aired. (Minutes aired is defined as finished story length plus 30 secs introduction.)
$100 flat fee for interviews
$25 for one photo used.
$50 for more than one photo used.
Will pay approved expenses
NOTE: In common with other broadcasters, The World has recently restricted its freelance contributions.

World Vision Report

series: The World Vision Report is a nationally broadcast half-hour weekly program that focuses on issues of poverty and social justice worldwide. We are particularly interested in reports from the developing world but will consider reports on related topics from the U.S. and other developed countries. The program is funded by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization. The program does not focus on issues of faith, but highlights them where it's relevant, and seeks to cover every issue in an unbiased way that upholds the highest journalistic standards. We do not promote the World Vision organization on the program in any way. We are looking for sound-rich, character-driven features (BBC or NPR style) on a wide variety of topics including poverty, human rights, refugee situations, immigration, social justice, environmental justice, health care and economic development. We also welcome: * Reporter's notebooks -- behind-the-scenes essays on a notable experience you had while covering a story; * 'Power of one' stories -- profiles of individuals who are making a positive difference, on a scale large or small * 'Day in the life' stories -- profiles of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.* Children's segments - 60-90 seconds of audio from a child in a challenging or remarkable situation. * Street Vendor segment -- a 2-3 minute snapshot of a street vendor that reflects some aspect of the local culture.
compensation: We pay $450 for stories under 4 minutes; $650 for 4-6 minute stories; and $750 for stories longer than 6 minutes. We also reimburse travel expenses if they're approved in advance. We're interested in stories that you may have filed for other networks, as long as you can come up with a fairly different angle for us. It is also fine with us for you to re-sell story ideas that we've generated, as long as we get first airing rights.
segments: 4-6 minutes
pitch: If you're pitching for the first time, please tell me about your experience, what you're doing now, and whether you have the ability to digitally edit sound files and send them by FTP or other means over the Internet. Also, please send me some audio samples of your work. Emailing an MP3 file or an audio link is fine. To hear the show, visit our web site at www.worldvisionreport.org For detailed submission guidelines, click on Your Story Ideas.
contact: Leda Hartman, Assignment Editor
ledahart@mindspring.com:
phone:/fax: 919-542-0008.
URL: http://www.worldvisionradio.org/

 

AIR's Pitch Page is the brainchild of AIR member, Barrett Golding (1999)