How to Suggest a Story Idea
Surprise us. Like all journalists, we are looking for true stories, events or people that present something new, important and interesting to a nationwide audience.
Is it for us? Would your story be more interesting to your neighbors than to people across the country? If so, contact the news department at your local NPR member station.
Keep it short. One paragraph is best. In all cases, it needs to fit in the space below. The box will hold about 200 words.
Be specific. Tell us why your story would interest our listeners: e.g., "For 100 years scientists have assumed they knew all the orders of insects. Biologist Jim Witherspoon has just proved them wrong."
Give us a peg. Let us know whether the story is time-sensitive: e.g., "Witherspoon's story will be published in this week's edition of Insects Today." Or: "This would be a great story to run with the anniversary of the Smithsonian next month."
Don't write us with your opinions. This space is for story ideas, not opinions. You can send your opinions about NPR programming to the Ombudsman. If you want to submit a commentary, contact a show directly.
Please, no attachments. You cannot include any attachments with your message. You can include links to web sites. But don't just send the link. If you only write, "Hey, look at this!" and include a link, your idea will not get much attention. Pique our interest with a message.
Provide contact information. Give us your name, email address and daytime phone number so we can get in touch with you if we need to. We will not share this information with anyone outside NPR.
Suggest a Story Idea
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