How to Contact CBS News by Email

Picture this: You’ve just unearthed an incredible story that you know the world needs to hear. It’s compelling, full of unexpected twists, and demands attention. Your instinct tells you that CBS News is the perfect platform to broadcast it, but then comes the question: How do you contact them?

It’s not as straightforward as it seems. Sure, CBS News has a website, social media handles, and TV channels that reach millions, but when it comes to getting your story in front of the right person, email is often your best bet. However, you’re not just looking for any email—you're seeking the one that will deliver your message into the hands of a decision-maker.

The Importance of Knowing Who to Contact
The media landscape is competitive. You’re up against a flood of daily pitches, most of which end up in the trash because they miss the mark. If you want your email to make it through CBS News’ gatekeepers, you'll need to know who you’re contacting and how to craft an irresistible pitch.

Let’s start by answering the first question: Who do you contact at CBS News? This is where things get a bit tricky. CBS News operates multiple departments: breaking news, investigative reporting, entertainment, business, and more. Each has its own editorial team, and they handle stories relevant to their specific focus. Knowing which department best fits your story is key.

So how do you reach out? What follows is a breakdown of the steps you should take to email CBS News, ensuring your story gets the attention it deserves.

1. Finding the Right Department
CBS News covers a wide range of topics, so your first step should be identifying the department that aligns with your story. Is it a breaking news item, or is it more investigative in nature? Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Breaking News: If your story is urgent, like a developing crisis or a headline-making event, reaching out to CBS News’ breaking news desk is your best option.
• Investigative Reporting: If your story is deep, requires research, or exposes something important, their investigative team is the right contact.
• Entertainment and Lifestyle: Perhaps your story focuses on celebrity culture, trends, or unique lifestyles—then this department would be appropriate.
• Business and Economy: Have insights or stories related to financial markets, corporate behavior, or economic trends? The business desk is your target.

2. Crafting Your Email: What Makes a Pitch Stand Out?
Once you’ve found the right department, it’s time to write the perfect email. This is your chance to grab their attention and convince them that your story is worth pursuing. CBS News receives hundreds of emails daily, so yours needs to stand out from the start.

Subject Line: The subject line is arguably the most critical part of your email. It should be concise but informative, giving the recipient an immediate sense of urgency or intrigue. For example, if you’re pitching a breaking news story, you might go with something like:
“Exclusive: Breaking Details on [Subject] – Time-Sensitive Story”

Opening Paragraph: Your first sentence needs to hook them immediately. This is not the time for long-winded introductions. Get straight to the point. Mention any relevant names, locations, or events that make your story unique.
Example: “I have exclusive, first-hand footage of [Event], which occurred just minutes ago in [Location].”

Body of Email: Once you’ve grabbed their attention, you need to deliver your pitch clearly. Explain why your story matters, and why CBS News should be the one to cover it. Highlight any access you have to exclusive interviews, photos, or information that no one else has. Make sure to include a few key facts or statistics that underline the importance of your story.

Here’s a formula for a compelling email body:

• The Hook: Why should CBS News care?
• The Story: What’s the core of your pitch?
• The Extras: What exclusive content or access do you provide?
• The Call to Action: Urge them to reply or call you immediately.

3. Key CBS News Emails to Keep in Mind
Now, let’s get into the practical part—how to contact CBS News. While CBS doesn’t publish a single universal contact email, several options can get you through. Keep in mind that these emails can change, so it's a good idea to double-check on their website or through other sources.

• CBS News General Contact Email:
  [email protected]
  This is the general audience relations email for CBS. It’s a good starting point for general inquiries but not ideal if you want your pitch to reach the editorial team.

• CBS News Investigative Team:
  [email protected]
  If you have an investigative piece or an exclusive scoop, this is the email to use. The CBS investigative team handles deep dives, uncovering fraud, corruption, and other significant issues.

• CBS This Morning Story Ideas:
  [email protected]
  For human interest stories, lighter news, or segments suited for the morning news, use this email to pitch your idea.

• CBS Entertainment:
  [email protected]
  For stories related to celebrities, movies, TV shows, or entertainment trends, this is your go-to.

4. What Happens After You Send the Email?
After sending your email, don’t just sit back and wait. Follow up, but do it tactfully. The key is to give them enough time to review your pitch, without being overbearing. Here’s a timeline you can follow:

• After 1 Week: If you haven’t heard back, send a polite follow-up email reiterating your original pitch. Keep it short and to the point.
• After 2 Weeks: If there’s still no response, consider calling the news desk directly. Explain that you’ve sent an email and are following up.

Follow-up Email Example:
“Dear [Editor Name], I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [Story Title]. I believe this story holds great importance due to [Key Reason], and I’d love to discuss further how CBS News can cover it. Please let me know if you need any additional information or would like to schedule a call. Thank you for your time.”

5. What If They Don’t Respond?
Not every pitch will be successful. CBS News, like any major outlet, has limited resources and can only pursue so many stories. If you don’t get a response after your follow-up, it’s time to look elsewhere. Other outlets like CNN, ABC News, or even local news stations might be interested in your story.

Remember, persistence is key. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t get picked up. Every rejection is an opportunity to refine your pitch and learn more about what works.

Final Thoughts
Contacting CBS News by email may seem like a daunting task, but by taking the right steps—identifying the appropriate department, crafting a compelling pitch, and knowing who to contact—you can significantly improve your chances of success. Whether you're pitching breaking news, a human interest piece, or investigative journalism, the way you present your story is critical. Keep your email concise, to the point, and filled with irresistible hooks that make CBS News want to cover it.