Selling Your Video To The News: A Comprehensive Guide

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Ever captured an incredible video and thought, "Wow, this is news!" or wondered how much can you sell a video to the news? You're not alone! Many people have amazing footage, from breaking news to heartwarming moments, and they're curious about getting it seen (and maybe even paid for) by news organizations. This guide is your ultimate resource, breaking down everything you need to know about selling your video to the news, from identifying newsworthy content to negotiating prices. Let's dive in and explore the exciting world of citizen journalism and video licensing!

Is Your Video Newsworthy? Identifying Content That News Outlets Want

First things first, not every video is going to make the evening news. News outlets are constantly looking for content that meets specific criteria. So, before you start dreaming of dollar signs, you need to assess if your video actually is newsworthy. Think of it this way: news organizations are in the business of informing the public, and they're looking for content that is timely, relevant, and impactful. Here's a breakdown of the types of videos that typically grab their attention:

  • Breaking News: This is the big one! If you've captured footage of a car accident, a fire, a crime scene, a natural disaster, or any other event that is unfolding in real-time, you've likely got something valuable. The quicker you can get this footage to the news, the better your chances of getting it used.
  • Unique or Unusual Events: Did you witness something extraordinary? Perhaps a rare animal sighting, a bizarre weather phenomenon, or a unique community event? Videos of these types of events often pique the interest of news organizations because they're visually compelling and often generate curiosity.
  • Human Interest Stories: These are the stories that tug at the heartstrings. If your video captures a moment of kindness, resilience, or triumph over adversity, it could be a great fit for a news segment. These types of stories often provide a welcome break from the more serious news of the day.
  • Exclusives and Investigative Footage: If your video reveals something newsworthy that hasn't been reported before, or if it exposes wrongdoing or corruption, it could be highly valuable. This type of footage often requires careful consideration regarding privacy and legal issues.
  • Expert Analysis and Context: Sometimes, it's not the event itself that's newsworthy, but rather the way it's presented. If your video can offer unique insights or expert analysis of a particular event, it may also be attractive to news organizations. This could include things like interviews, commentary, or relevant historical footage.

To determine if your video is newsworthy, ask yourself these questions: Is the event significant? Is it happening now? Does it involve people? Is it relevant to the community or the wider world? Does it tell a compelling story? If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you might have a winner! Always consider the ethical implications of your video. Does it invade someone's privacy? Does it potentially cause harm?

Contacting News Outlets and Pitching Your Video

Alright, so you've determined your video is newsworthy. Now what? The next step is to contact news outlets and pitch your footage. This might sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

  1. Research News Outlets: Start by identifying the news organizations that cover your local area or the area where the event took place. This includes TV stations, local news websites, radio stations, and even national news outlets. Check their websites, social media pages, and news reports to get a sense of the kind of content they typically cover.
  2. Find the Right Contact: This is crucial. Don't just send your video to a general email address. You need to find the person who is most likely to be interested in your footage. Look for the news editor, the assignment editor, or a specific reporter who covers the type of story in your video. Many news organizations list contact information on their websites. Try searching social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to find the right person.
  3. Craft a Compelling Pitch: Your pitch is your chance to grab the news outlet's attention. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Start with a clear and concise summary of your video. State what happened, where it happened, and when it happened. Highlight the key elements that make your video newsworthy. For example, use words such as: "Exclusive footage of…", "Witness captured…", "Breaking news from…" etc. Mention any unique details or compelling visuals in your video. Be sure to include your contact information so they can easily get in touch with you.
  4. Send the Video: You can either send a link to your video (e.g., uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or a cloud storage service) or attach a low-resolution version for preview. If the news outlet is interested, they will likely ask for the high-resolution version. Always include a brief description of the video, including a timestamp and any relevant details.
  5. Follow Up: If you don't hear back within a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a few hours or a day), don't be afraid to follow up with a brief email or phone call. Newsrooms are busy places, so it's possible your email got lost in the shuffle.

Pro Tip: Always be professional and courteous in your communications. Remember, you're building a relationship with the news outlet, and you want them to see you as a reliable source. Honesty and accuracy are key. Make sure your video is factually correct. Do not exaggerate or fabricate anything.

Determining the Value: How Much Can You Sell a Video to the News?

Ah, the million-dollar question: how much can you sell a video to the news? The answer is: it depends! The price of your video footage is determined by a variety of factors, including the newsworthiness of the content, the quality of the video, the exclusivity of the footage, and the news outlet's budget and reach. Let's break down these factors:

  • Newsworthiness: The more significant and timely the event, the more valuable your video will be. Breaking news events, such as a major accident or a natural disaster, can command higher prices. Footage that is considered unique or exclusive will also be worth more.
  • Video Quality: High-quality footage will always be more desirable than low-quality footage. If your video is well-lit, in focus, and has good audio, it will be more attractive to news outlets. However, even if your video isn't perfect, it can still be valuable, especially if the event itself is significant. They may also ask you for the original files so they can edit it. Always make sure to film your videos in high resolution as possible.
  • Exclusivity: If you are the only person who captured the event, your video will be more valuable. Exclusive footage is highly sought after by news organizations. If multiple people have footage of the same event, the price may be lower.
  • News Outlet's Budget and Reach: Larger news organizations with bigger budgets can typically afford to pay more for video footage. The reach of the news outlet also matters. A video that is going to be seen by millions of people is likely to command a higher price than a video that is only going to be seen by a local audience.

Negotiating the Price: Once a news outlet expresses interest in your video, it's time to talk about the price. Here are some tips for negotiating:

  • Research: Do some research to get an idea of the going rates for similar footage. You can check online forums or contact other citizen journalists to learn about their experiences.
  • Be Realistic: Don't overestimate the value of your video. Be prepared to negotiate. Consider the factors listed above when determining your price.
  • Set a Price Range: Have a price range in mind before you start negotiating. This will give you a sense of your bottom line and help you stay in control of the conversation.
  • Consider Licensing: Instead of selling your video outright, consider licensing it. This means you retain ownership of the video but grant the news outlet the right to use it for a specific purpose (e.g., a single broadcast, online use, etc.). Licensing can provide you with more control over your footage and potentially more revenue over time.
  • Negotiate Usage Rights: Be clear about the usage rights you are granting. Specify where and how the news outlet can use your video (e.g., on TV, online, in social media, etc.) and for how long.
  • Get it in Writing: Always get the terms of the agreement in writing before you provide the video. This protects both you and the news outlet. The written agreement should include the price, the usage rights, and the payment terms. If you can, get a lawyer to review the contract.

Licensing Your Video and Protecting Your Rights

When you sell or license your video to the news, it's crucial to protect your rights. Here's a quick rundown of important considerations:

  • Copyright: You own the copyright to your video footage. This means you have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display your video. When you sell or license your video, you are essentially granting the news outlet permission to use your copyrighted material.
  • Licensing Agreements: A licensing agreement is a legal contract that specifies the terms under which a news outlet can use your video. The agreement should clearly define the usage rights (e.g., broadcast on TV, online use, social media), the duration of the license, the territory where the video can be used, and the payment terms. You can also include restrictions to prohibit any modifications or editing.
  • Rights Managed vs. Royalty-Free: There are two main types of video licensing: rights-managed and royalty-free. In rights-managed licensing, the price of the video is determined by its specific use (e.g., the size of the audience, the duration of the use). In royalty-free licensing, you pay a one-time fee for the right to use the video for a variety of purposes. For most news videos, rights-managed licensing is more common.
  • Model Releases: If your video includes identifiable individuals, you should obtain their permission before selling or licensing the footage. This can be done with a model release, a written document that gives you permission to use their likeness. News organizations usually require model releases, especially when the footage will be broadcast on TV or used in advertising. This is the same for the location. Always ask the owner or the person in charge for permission.
  • Privacy Considerations: Be mindful of privacy laws and regulations. If your video captures a private event or sensitive information, you may need to blur faces or obtain consent before sharing the footage. Some places have laws on what you can and can't film.
  • Consult Legal Counsel: If you're unsure about the legal aspects of selling or licensing your video, it's always a good idea to consult with an attorney specializing in media law. They can review your contracts and advise you on your rights and obligations.

The Future of Citizen Journalism: The Rise of User-Generated Content

Citizen journalism, and the use of video footage from non-professional sources, is becoming increasingly important in the news industry. Traditional news organizations are realizing the value of user-generated content (UGC). This trend is driven by several factors:

  • Availability of Mobile Devices: Smartphones and other mobile devices have made it easier than ever for people to capture video footage. Anyone with a phone can become a potential news gatherer.
  • Increased Demand for Content: The news cycle is 24/7, and news organizations need a constant stream of content to fill their websites, social media feeds, and TV broadcasts. UGC helps meet this demand.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: UGC can be a cost-effective way for news organizations to obtain footage. They don't have to send a camera crew out to cover every event. Many news organizations also cannot afford to have cameras at every place, and rely on this as a source.
  • Authenticity and Relatability: UGC often offers a more authentic and relatable perspective on events. It can capture the raw emotion and unfiltered views that professional news coverage sometimes lacks.
  • Audience Engagement: UGC can increase audience engagement by allowing people to see themselves and their communities reflected in the news.

So, whether you're a seasoned videographer or just someone with a keen eye and a smartphone, there's never been a better time to get involved in citizen journalism. With a little bit of knowledge and some careful planning, you can turn your video footage into a valuable asset. Good luck and happy filming, folks!