How To Submit Your Video To Metro TV: A Complete Guide

So, you've got some killer video footage and you're thinking, "Hey, this would be perfect for Metro TV!" That's awesome! Getting your content on a national news channel can be a huge win, boosting your visibility and giving you some serious bragging rights. But how do you actually do it? Don't worry, guys, I'm here to walk you through the process step-by-step. Let's break down everything you need to know to successfully submit your video to Metro TV and increase your chances of it actually getting aired.

Understanding Metro TV's Content Needs

Before you even think about hitting the "send" button, you need to understand what kind of content Metro TV is actually looking for. They're a news channel, first and foremost, so they're generally interested in:

• Breaking News: If you've captured footage of a major news event happening in real-time, that's gold. Think natural disasters, protests, significant accidents, or anything that's making headlines.
• Current Affairs: Videos that shed light on important social issues, political developments, or economic trends can be a good fit.
• Documentary-Style Content: If you've produced a mini-documentary or a short film that's relevant to Indonesian current affairs, Metro TV might be interested.
• Human Interest Stories: Heartwarming or compelling stories about everyday people overcoming challenges or achieving something extraordinary can also find a place on Metro TV.

Think about your video: Does it align with any of these categories? Is it newsworthy, informative, or emotionally engaging? If not, it might not be the right fit for Metro TV. Remember, quality is key. Your video needs to be well-shot, well-edited, and have clear audio. Grainy footage or shaky camera work won't cut it. Metro TV has a reputation for high-quality broadcasting, and they'll only air content that meets their standards.

Consider the timeliness of your video. News channels operate on tight deadlines. The fresher your content is, the better. If you've got footage of an event that happened last week, it might already be old news. Speed is of the essence, especially when dealing with breaking news. Make sure you're ready to submit your video as soon as possible after capturing it. Doing some research on Metro TV's recent broadcasts can also give you a better sense of the types of stories they're currently covering. Watch their news programs, visit their website, and check out their social media feeds. This will help you tailor your submission to their specific interests and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Furthermore, ensure that your video doesn't violate any copyright laws or ethical guidelines. If your video includes copyrighted music, images, or footage, you'll need to obtain the necessary permissions before submitting it. Plagiarism or the unauthorized use of someone else's work can have serious consequences. Similarly, avoid submitting videos that contain offensive, discriminatory, or misleading content. Metro TV has a responsibility to its viewers and will not air anything that could be harmful or unethical. Always double-check your video to make sure it's accurate, fair, and respectful.

Preparing Your Video for Submission

Okay, so you've determined that your video is a good fit for Metro TV. Now it's time to get it ready for submission. This involves a few key steps:

• Editing: Polish your video to make it as clear and concise as possible. Cut out any unnecessary footage, add titles and captions if needed, and ensure the audio is clear and easy to understand.
• Format: Metro TV likely has specific requirements for video formats and resolutions. Check their website or contact them directly to find out what they prefer. Common formats include MP4, MOV, and AVI.
• Compression: Large video files can be difficult to send and download. Compress your video to a reasonable size without sacrificing too much quality. There are many free online video compressors you can use.
• Watermark (Optional): If you're concerned about your video being used without your permission, you can add a watermark with your name or logo. However, keep the watermark subtle so it doesn't distract from the content itself.

When it comes to editing your video, less is often more. Focus on telling the story clearly and efficiently. Avoid using excessive special effects or transitions that could distract viewers. Keep the pacing brisk and engaging. If your video includes interviews, make sure the audio is clear and the subtitles are accurate. Good editing can make a huge difference in how your video is received. Choosing the right video format is also crucial. Metro TV may have specific technical requirements that you need to adhere to. Check their submission guidelines carefully to avoid any compatibility issues. If you're not sure which format to use, MP4 is generally a safe bet, as it's widely supported and offers a good balance between quality and file size.

Compressing your video is important for making it easier to send and download. However, be careful not to compress it too much, as this can result in a loss of quality. Experiment with different compression settings to find the sweet spot. There are many free online video compressors available, such as HandBrake and Freemake Video Converter. These tools can help you reduce the file size of your video without sacrificing too much detail. Adding a watermark to your video can help protect your intellectual property. However, keep the watermark subtle and unobtrusive. A small logo or text overlay in the corner of the screen is usually sufficient. Avoid using large, distracting watermarks that could detract from the viewing experience. The goal is to protect your video without making it unwatchable.

Finding the Right Contact at Metro TV

This is where things can get a little tricky. Metro TV, like most large media organizations, has a complex internal structure. Finding the right person to contact can be a challenge, but it's essential for getting your video seen. Here are a few strategies you can try:

• Check the Website: Metro TV's website might have a section for user-submitted content or a contact form for general inquiries. Look for specific email addresses or phone numbers for the news desk or the video submissions department.
• LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for employees at Metro TV who work in news, video production, or content acquisition. Connect with them and politely inquire about the best way to submit your video.
• Social Media: Reach out to Metro TV's social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and ask for contact information for video submissions.
• Networking: If you know anyone who works in the media industry, ask them if they have any contacts at Metro TV who might be interested in your video.

When you're reaching out to people at Metro TV, be professional and respectful. Introduce yourself briefly, explain what your video is about, and ask if they're the right person to contact or if they can point you in the right direction. Avoid being pushy or demanding. Remember, these people are busy, and they're more likely to respond to someone who is polite and courteous. Persistence is key, but don't cross the line into harassment. If you don't hear back from someone after a reasonable amount of time, try reaching out to someone else. Be prepared to provide a brief synopsis of your video and a link to a low-resolution preview. This will allow the recipient to quickly assess whether your video is a good fit for Metro TV. If they're interested, they'll likely ask you to send them the full-resolution version.

Utilize Metro TV's official website to its full potential. Many news organizations provide clear guidelines for submitting content, including contact information and preferred formats. Look for sections specifically dedicated to user-generated content or news tips. This can be a direct route to the right department. Leverage professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Search for individuals working in roles related to content acquisition, news production, or assignment editing at Metro TV. A polite and concise message expressing your interest and briefly describing your video can open doors. Remember to personalize your message and avoid generic requests. Building relationships within the media industry can significantly improve your chances of getting your video seen.

Submitting Your Video and Following Up

Once you've found the right contact, it's time to submit your video. Follow their instructions carefully. They may ask you to email them a link to your video, upload it to a specific platform, or send them a physical copy on a DVD or USB drive.

In your submission email or message, include the following information:

• Your Name and Contact Information: Make it easy for them to get in touch with you.
• A Brief Description of Your Video: Summarize the content of your video and explain why it's relevant to Metro TV's audience.
• The Date and Location Where the Video Was Shot: Provide context for the footage.
• Any Relevant Background Information: If there's anything else they should know about the video, include it here.
• A Statement Granting Metro TV Permission to Use Your Video: This is crucial for legal reasons. You can use a standard release form or simply state that you grant Metro TV the right to broadcast your video.

After you've submitted your video, be patient. It may take some time for them to review it. If you haven't heard back after a week or two, you can send a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your submission. However, avoid being too persistent or demanding.

When describing your video, focus on its newsworthiness and relevance to Metro TV's audience. Highlight any unique angles or perspectives that your video offers. Explain why viewers would be interested in seeing it. If your video has the potential to generate buzz or spark a conversation, be sure to mention that. The goal is to convince the recipient that your video is worth their time and attention. Make it easy for Metro TV to use your video by providing all the necessary information and permissions. Include a clear and concise statement granting them the right to broadcast your footage. This will help expedite the review process and increase your chances of getting your video aired. Be sure to retain a copy of your submission email and any attachments for your records.

What to Do If Your Video Gets Rejected

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that your video will be accepted by Metro TV. Media organizations receive countless submissions every day, and they simply don't have the capacity to air everything. If your video gets rejected, don't be discouraged. Ask for feedback on why it wasn't a good fit and use that information to improve your future submissions. Consider submitting your video to other news outlets or sharing it on social media. Even if it doesn't make it onto national television, your video can still reach a wide audience online.

Rejection is a common part of the creative process. Don't take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask for specific feedback on what you could have done better. Was the video quality not up to par? Was the story not compelling enough? Was the timing off? Use this feedback to improve your skills and increase your chances of success in the future. There are many other avenues for sharing your video content. Consider submitting it to local news stations, online news platforms, or video-sharing websites like YouTube and Vimeo. You can also share it on your own social media channels and encourage your friends and followers to spread the word. The internet offers a vast audience for your video, even if it doesn't make it onto national television.

Getting your video on Metro TV can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. By understanding their content needs, preparing your video carefully, finding the right contact, and being persistent, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck, and happy filming!