How to Submit a Press Release to CNN & Get Backlinks

CNN Press Release vs. Submitting a News Story Tip

CNN, short for the Cable News Network, is one of the world’s leading news organizations. Known for its round-the-clock coverage and global presence, it boasts a monthly average of over 400 million unique visitors on its digital platforms, making it an enviable choice for your press release or news submission. CNN attracts a mature, well-informed demographic that’s interested in both global and local news, politics, health, entertainment, and more. Therefore, your content’s success on CNN is partly determined by how well it resonates with this particular audience.

Press Release vs. News Submission: What’s the Difference?

Let’s demystify this: Submitting a press release directly to CNN and sending in a news story tip are not the same thing. Here’s how they differ:

1. Nature of Content:
   • Press Release: This is typically an official statement issued to provide information on a particular matter. Businesses or individuals use press releases to announce significant events, product launches, or initiatives.
   • News Submission: This is more of a tip or suggestion about a potential news story that you think CNN should cover. It might be an event, a local occurrence, or any other newsworthy item.
2. Intended Audience:
   • Press Release: These are typically geared towards journalists and media houses. Their primary aim is to get the press release content picked up and featured as a news story.
   • News Submission: This is directly for CNN’s editorial team, signaling them about a story worth their attention.
3. Distribution Channels:
   • Press Release: Press releases can be published directly on CNN’s website, given they meet the required guidelines and are deemed newsworthy by the editorial team.
   • News Submission: This is more of a pitch to the editorial team. It doesn’t guarantee publication but alerts the team about potential news.

Remember, the key to a successful submission, be it a press release or a news story tip, lies in its relevance and newsworthiness. Always ask yourself: “Why would CNN’s audience care about this?” Because when your content resonates with the audience, you’re already halfway to success.

How to Contact CNN to Feature Your Story

Before diving headfirst into contacting CNN, it’s essential to make a stellar first impression. Just like you’d introduce yourself at a professional conference or event, you must present yourself in the best possible light to CNN. Always make sure to identify the best point of contact for your particular story. Below is a partial list of journalists that work at CNN.

Contact Information for CNN

• Aya Elamroussi: Associate Writer
  • LinkedIn: Aya Elamroussi’s LinkedIn
• Harmeet Kaur: Culture Writer
  • LinkedIn: Harmeet Kaur’s LinkedIn
• Grant Winter: Staff Writer
  • LinkedIn: Grant Winter’s LinkedIn
• Christina Maxouris: Writer
  • LinkedIn: Christina Maxouris’s LinkedIn
• Rachel Ramirez: Climate Writer
  • LinkedIn: Rachel Ramirez’s LinkedIn

Additionally, there are ways to reach out to CNN directly.

If you have a news tip you’d like to submit, you can contact CNN directly at [email protected].

If you have a video clip, image, or eyewitness account, you can submit it through CNN’s I-Report submission form on their website here.

Do’s and Don’ts of Contacting CNN

Navigating the intricate channels of a mammoth news organization like CNN requires tact and understanding. Below are some pointers to help guide your efforts:

Do’s:

1. Be Concise: CNN’s team receives numerous pitches daily. A brief, clear message stands a better chance of catching their attention.
2. Attach Relevant Materials: Photos, videos, or documents that can add weight to your story? Include them, but ensure they’re high-quality and relevant.
3. Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back within a week, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder. Persistence can pay.

Don’ts

1. Avoid Mass Emails: Sending your story to every CNN email you can find comes across as spammy. Target specific departments or editors.
2. Don’t Over-Promise: Stick to the facts. Don’t exaggerate or make claims that can’t be backed up.
3. Avoid Being Pushy: CNN receives a plethora of stories daily. If your story doesn’t get picked up, it doesn’t reflect its worth. Keep pitching and improving.

Remember, each story and pitch is unique. Tailor your approach to what you believe will resonate most with CNN and its vast audience. And most importantly, believe in the story you’re telling. Passion shines through, and it’s often the key to grabbing attention.

How to Submit a Press Release & Publish Directly on CNN

Getting your press release published directly on a behemoth platform like CNN is akin to hitting the bullseye in media outreach. But how do you navigate this process?

How to Submit Your Press Release:

1. Craft a Newsworthy Release: Before anything else, ensure your press release is indeed newsworthy. CNN is looking for stories that resonate with a broad audience, are timely, and offer a unique angle.
2. Head to CNN’s Press Release Submission Page: CNN has a dedicated section for press release submissions. It’s here you’ll begin your journey.
3. Follow the Submission Guidelines: These guidelines vary, but typically, they’ll involve providing:
   • A catchy headline
   • The main body of the press release, concise yet detailed
   • Relevant multimedia (images, videos)
   • Contact information
4. Wait for Review: Once submitted, your press release goes under the discerning eyes of CNN’s editorial team. If it aligns with their criteria and is of interest, they’ll reach out.
5. Engage with Feedback: If CNN is interested but wants changes, be responsive. Tailor your press release as per their feedback.

Leveraging Platforms Like AmpiFire for Enhanced Distribution:

Beyond direct submissions, platforms like AmpiFire can simplify the process of distributing your press release. They amplify your reach by ensuring your content gets in front of multiple platforms, including high-authority ones like CNN. To learn more about AmpiFire and its services, click here!

In essence, submitting a press release to CNN can be transformative for your brand’s visibility and reputation. And while the process requires diligence, the potential benefits are well worth the effort. Remember, in the digital age, the right exposure can catapult your business to new heights.

How to Get a Backlink from CNN

Before diving deep, let’s clarify what a backlink is. In its simplest form, a backlink is a link from one website to another. It’s like a digital thumbs-up, signaling that the content being linked to holds value. And when that thumbs-up comes from a titan like CNN, CNBC, or Bloomberg, it’s more like a standing ovation for your website’s credibility and authority.

Steps to Secure a Backlink from CNN

1. Original Research or Data: CNN and other reputable sites often link to original studies or data-driven insights. If you’ve conducted a study or have unique data, highlight it.
2. Exclusive Stories or Insights: Offer a fresh perspective or exclusive content that CNN won’t find anywhere else. This could be an interview with a prominent figure or firsthand accounts of significant events.
3. Create Comprehensive Guides: Long-form, in-depth guides about trending topics can often catch the eye of major networks. Ensure it’s thorough, well-researched, and offers value to readers.
4. Build Relationships: Instead of cold-calling or sending generic emails, focus on building genuine relationships with journalists and editors at CNN. Engage with their content, offer valuable insights, and gradually introduce your own.
5. Be Responsive: If a journalist from CNN reaches out for additional information or clarification, reply promptly. Your responsiveness can determine if you get that backlink.

Once you’ve got content worth linking to and have conducted outreach, monitor your site and CNN’s to see if they link to your content. Tools like Google Alerts or backlink checkers can be invaluable here. If you notice a mention without a link, a friendly email to the journalist can often secure that backlink.

Remember, getting a backlink from CNN isn’t just about boosting your website’s SEO. It’s a nod to your content’s quality, relevance, and credibility. It’s about being recognized as a valuable player in the information landscape. And while it may seem daunting, with the right content and approach, it’s entirely within reach.

Use AmpiFire to Publish to CNN

Navigating the digital publishing terrain can be intricate. With a plethora of platforms, guidelines, and criteria, securing your spot, especially on elite platforms like CNN, can be daunting. This is where AmpiFire steps into the spotlight. While AmpiFire currently does not publish directly to CNN, but it can greatly assist your efforts.

AmpiFire is a groundbreaking software platform designed to automate content distribution. Most importantly, its robust features and vast network connections, including with media giants like CNN, make it a prized tool for those looking to magnify their content’s reach. Additionally, AmpiFire offers a premium service with added benefits.

The AmpiFire Premium Service:

1. Automated Content Amplification: With AmpiFire’s premium service, your content doesn’t just get shared; it gets amplified. It uses a mix of press releases, blog posts, slide presentations, and even videos, spreading your content across a variety of channels.

2. A Network of Elite Publishers: Through its premium service, AmpiFire boasts connections to a slew of reputable publishers. This network can be a game-changer for content creators or businesses desiring high-level visibility.

3. Simplified Submission Process: Instead of navigating complex submission guidelines for each platform, AmpiFire’s premium service streamlines the process. By filling out a single form, your content can be tailored and prepped for multiple platforms.

4. Enhanced Visibility and Credibility: By pushing your content to esteemed platforms, AmpiFire doesn’t just boost your visibility but also bolsters your brand’s credibility.

5. Expert Support and Guidance: For those who opt for AmpiFire’s premium offerings, there’s more than just software at your disposal. You get access to a team of experts offering guidance, ensuring that your content is not just seen, but also resonates.

In essence, AmpiFire acts as a bridge, connecting your content with platforms that would have otherwise remained out of reach. For anyone looking to make a splash in the world of content, AmpiFire’s premium service is undeniably a valuable asset.

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Time to elevate your content game! Dive into the world of high-quality press releases and content distribution, and tap into platforms like CNN to boost your reach. Ready to make the next move? Would you rather go the traditional route or harness the power of platforms like AmpiFire to amplify your content’s reach?