To really grab a reporter’s attention, you must think like one. A reporter wants a story that is newsworthy. As a former full-time journalist for The Final Call and a current contributor to The Final Call, N’digo and other publications, I understand what make a news story interesting. In fact, I was taught what makes a story interesting while in school at Morehouse College. This is one of the greatest secrets to getting news.

To get your story in the news, you must think like a reporter. To guarantee a good story, a reporter looks for news hooks. A news hook is what you use to make a story more interesting, attractive, and irresistible to a reporter. It’s the bait that lures the fish (journalist) to take a bite.

As you read the list of foolproof news hooks provided below, think about stories like the unfairly ousted Agriculture Department official Shirley Sherrod or the BP oil leak crisis. If you have two or three of these news hooks in your story about your business, it can spice up your story and help you score press. Which of these hooks apply to your story?

CONTROVERSY always sells stories. Frame the controversy to put the opposition on the defense.

DRAMATIC HUMAN INTEREST. Include the stories of real people, their triumphs, tragedies, adventures and anecdotes.

TRENDS. Stories that suggest new opinions, behavior patterns and attitudes. Three is a trend; find at least 3 examples to assert that a new trend is emerging.

TIMELINES / CALENDAR. Captures something coming up on the calendar. “Back to school” can be a hook for toxic pollution in your children’s schools. Mothers’ Day can be a hook for a new breast cancer community hot line and Fathers’ Day for prostrate cancer awareness.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT. Think in terms of “Unprecedented” or “groundbreaking” or “first-ever”. Reporters are only interested in new news, not old news. Make your news fresh.

LOCALIZE NATIONAL STORY (and vice versa). Take a nationally breaking story and emphasize its local impact, i.e., how a welfare reform bill is affecting people living in your community.

ANNIVERSARIES / MILESTONES. One year later, one decade later.

FRESH ANGLE ON OLD STORY Take an old story and put a fresh twist on it.

PROFILES AND PERSONNEL may feature individuals, community leaders, or galvanizing spokespersons who may become news themselves because of their fascinating stories.

SPECIAL EVENTS. A huge conference, rally or gathering. Frame event to capture the issue and importance.

RESPOND AND REACT to news others have made.

CELEBRITY. If you have a nationally known celebrity on your side, make sure they are included in the story.

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS. Have unlikely allies come together in solidarity over your issue? Highlight it in your story.

Toure Muhammad has 17 years experience in media, marketing and public relations. For more information on his services email him at toure@beansouptimes.com.