17 Media Pitch Samples by Industry (Tech, Food, Health, Local, B2B)

A good media pitch sample is short, specific and written for one reporter's audience. Below are 17 media pitch examples by industry, each with a subject line, a pitch under about 150 words, when to use it and why it works. Copy one, replace the [brackets] and send it to a short list of reporters who actually cover that topic.

The template is the easy part. The list is where most pitches fail, so each sample also says where to send it. To find those reporters and newsrooms, Media PR Database lists 9,596 news outlets in 195 countries with 16,692 newsroom and journalist emails.

What journalists say about pitches

Before the samples, here is what reporters say they want. Two large surveys agree on the basics: be relevant, be brief, use email.

Muck Rack, State of Journalism 2026

• 86% of journalists say at least some of their work began with a PR pitch.
• 43% say it is rare to get pitches relevant to their beat.
• What they value most in a pitch: clear relevance to their beat (70%), interview access to relevant sources (58%), original data or research (40%) and high-resolution images (37%).
• 62% prefer a one-to-one email, 69% prefer pitches under 200 words and 78% prefer pitches sent before noon.

Source: University of Minnesota, Pitching journalists with Muck Rack's State of Journalism 2026.

Cision, 2025 State of the Media

• 86% of journalists reject pitches that are not aligned with their audience or beat.
• 85% say the best way to engage them is to "send me an email telling me why you want to connect."
• Cision calls short, data-driven, audience-centric pitches "the gold standard."

Source: Cision, PR by the Numbers: 2025 Takeaways.

So every sample below follows three rules: one story per email, under 150 words, and a clear reason why this reporter should care.

The anatomy of a good media pitch

Every pitch email to a journalist in this guide uses the same five parts:

1. Subject line: the story in plain words. Not "Press release" or "Partnership opportunity".
2. Hook: one or two sentences on what happened and why this outlet's readers care.
3. Why now: a date, a season, a trend or a local angle that makes it timely.
4. Proof: a number, a customer, an expert or photos. This is what turns a claim into a story.
5. Ask: one clear offer, such as an interview, a sample, a data file or an exclusive.

Want a first draft in seconds? Our free media pitch generator builds a pitch from these five parts. For more general templates, see our PR pitch templates page.

Which media pitch sample to use

Your situation	Use this sample	Send it to
Launching a product, app or feature	#1, #3 or #4	Tech, trade and consumer reporters
Raised money or hit a milestone	#2	Startup, business and local business desks
Opening or changing something locally	#5 or #7	Local newspapers, TV and radio
Have survey or usage data	#8	Trade press and national desks
A story is breaking in your field	#9	Reporters already covering it
Have a date people can attend	#10 or #11	Local listings and news desks
Want long-form exposure	#12, #13 or #14	Podcasts, newsletters, opinion editors
No reply after a few working days	#17	The same reporter, once

Tech and SaaS pitch samples

1. Tech or SaaS product launch

When to use: you are launching a new product or a major feature and can show what it does for a specific group of users.

Subject: [Product] lets [type of team] [do task] in [time] instead of [old way]

Hi [First name],

You covered [related story] last month, so this may fit your beat.

On [date], [Company] is launching [Product], a [one-line description] for [audience]. In our beta, [number] teams used it to [result, e.g. cut reporting time from days to hours].

Why now: [trend or change, e.g. new regulation, platform shutdown, AI shift] means [audience] has to [problem] this year.

I can offer:
- A demo with our CEO [Name] before launch
- Two beta customers who agreed to talk on the record
- Screenshots and a short product video

Would a 15-minute demo this week be useful?

[Name]
[Title, Company, phone]

Why it works: it opens with the reporter's own coverage, gives a result instead of adjectives, and offers interview access, which 58% of journalists value in a pitch. Send it to tech reporters and to trade outlets in your customers' industry, not only to big tech sites.

2. Startup funding announcement

When to use: you closed a round and can share the amount, investors and what the money is for.

Subject: Embargoed: [Company] raises $[amount] to [what you will do]

Hi [First name],

Under embargo until [date, time, time zone]: [Company], a [city]-based startup that [one line], has raised $[amount] led by [investor].

The money goes to [specific plan, e.g. hiring 20 engineers in [city], expanding to [market]].

The bigger story: [trend the round shows, e.g. investors returning to [sector]]. Our founder [Name] can talk about [angle].

Happy to share the release, founder photos and investor quotes now. Would you like to see them under embargo?

[Name]

Why it works: the embargo gives the reporter time, and the "bigger story" line gives them an angle beyond "company raises money". Local business journals often cover hometown startups that national outlets skip.

Consumer product pitch samples

3. Consumer product launch

When to use: a physical product that a lifestyle, shopping or review writer can test.

Subject: Sample for review: [product] that [solves specific problem]

Hi [First name],

I liked your roundup of [related products]. We just launched [Product], a [description] that [key difference, e.g. folds to the size of a phone].

Three details your readers might care about:
- Price: $[price], available at [retailer] from [date]
- Made by [founder story in one line]
- [Proof: award, test result, waitlist size]

I would love to send you a sample to try, no strings attached. What address works best?

High-resolution photos: [link]

[Name]

Why it works: it gives a price, a date and a link to images (37% of journalists value high-resolution images), and the ask is easy to say yes to.

4. Seasonal or gift guide pitch

When to use: holiday, back-to-school, Mother's Day or summer roundups. Pitch early: many gift guides are planned weeks or months ahead.

Subject: For your [season] gift guide: [product] under $[price]

Hi [First name],

Are you putting together a [season] gift guide this year? [Product] could fit the [category, e.g. "for the home cook"] section.

- What it is: [one line]
- Price: $[price] at [retailer]
- Why it is giftable: [reason]

Photos on white and lifestyle shots are here: [link]. Samples are available.

[Name]

Why it works: it is built around the format the writer already uses, so the item can slot straight into a list.

Food and restaurant pitch samples

5. Restaurant opening or new menu

When to use: a new opening, a new chef, a seasonal menu or a dish with a story.

Subject: [Neighborhood] gets its first [cuisine] spot on [date]

Hi [First name],

[Restaurant] opens at [address] on [date], the first [cuisine or concept] in [neighborhood].

The story: chef [Name] [background in one line, e.g. cooked at [place] for 10 years and is now cooking her grandmother's recipes].

For your readers:
- Signature dish: [dish] at $[price]
- Opening offer: [offer]
- Preview tasting for press on [date and time]

Would you like to stop by for the preview, or should I send photos and the menu?

[Name]

Why it works: local food writers need a "first" or a person, plus practical facts. Use our tool to find local newspapers in your city, then add local TV and city magazines.

Health and wellness pitch samples

6. Health or wellness expert pitch

When to use: you have a qualified expert who can explain a health topic, a new study or a seasonal concern. Never overstate claims.

Subject: [Season or news]: what [audience] gets wrong about [topic]

Hi [First name],

With [timely hook, e.g. flu season starting, a new study in [journal]], your readers may be asking about [topic].

[Name], a [credential, e.g. board-certified dermatologist] at [practice], can explain:
- [Myth 1] and what the evidence says
- [Practical tip readers can use]
- When to see a doctor

[Name] is available for phone or video interviews this week and can review facts for accuracy.

[Name]

Why it works: health reporters need credentialed sources and practical advice. Leading with the reader's question, not the clinic's services, keeps it from reading like an ad.

Local business and community pitch samples

7. Local business or community story

When to use: a giveaway, an anniversary, a local hire, a donation or a business that affects the neighborhood.

Subject: [Town] bakery to give away [number] loaves for [cause] on [date]

Hi [First name],

On [date], [Business] in [town] will give away [number] free loaves to [group], to mark [occasion, e.g. 25 years on Main Street].

Why it matters locally: [local angle, e.g. the owner started the bakery after the plant closed in [year]].

Good visuals: the baking starts at 4 a.m., and you are welcome to bring a camera.

Owner [Name] can talk any time this week: [phone].

[Name]

Why it works: local reporters cover people and places their readers know. A visual moment and a direct phone number make it easy for TV and photo desks. Build the list by state: for example newspapers in Texas, California news outlets or New York media contacts.

B2B and data story pitch samples

8. B2B data story or original research

When to use: you ran a survey or have anonymized usage data that shows a trend. This is the strongest pitch type for B2B companies.

Subject: New data: [X]% of [audience] [surprising finding]

Hi [First name],

We surveyed [N] [audience] in [month and year], and one result stood out: [X]% said [finding], up from [Y]% last year.

Three more findings:
- [Finding 2]
- [Finding 3]
- [Finding by region or company size]

You can have the full data set and methodology before we publish on [date]. Our head of research, [Name], can walk you through it.

Want me to send the report?

[Name]

Why it works: 40% of journalists in Muck Rack's survey value original data or research in a pitch. Include the sample size and method so the reporter can trust the number. Trade publications in your sector are the first stop, then national business desks.

Expert source and reactive pitch samples

9. Expert source for breaking news

When to use: news breaks in your field and you can add something reporters cannot easily get elsewhere. Speed matters: send it the same day.

Subject: Source on [news event]: [expert's one-line take]

Hi [First name],

Re: today's [news event]. [Name], [title] at [company], has [relevant experience, e.g. 15 years in airline pricing].

Her take: "[One sharp, quotable sentence that adds a new angle.]"

She can explain [what readers will want to know next] and is free for calls until [time] today: [phone].

[Name]

Why it works: it includes a ready-to-use quote and a deadline-friendly availability window. If you also use journalist request services, see our guide to HARO alternatives for the free and paid options.

Event and nonprofit pitch samples

10. Event pitch or media invite

When to use: a public event, a launch party, a festival or a conference with newsworthy speakers.

Subject: Media invite: [event] on [date] in [city]

Hi [First name],

You are invited to cover [event] on [date] at [venue, address].

What will happen: [the newsworthy moment, e.g. the mayor will open the city's first [thing]].
Who will be there: [speakers or guests].
Photo opportunity: [time and description].

Press passes and parking are reserved for media. Can I add your name to the list?

Day-of contact: [Name, phone]

[Name]

Why it works: it reads like a planning note, with what, who, where and the photo moment. Send it twice: once a week before, and a short reminder the day before.

11. Nonprofit or cause pitch

When to use: a fundraiser, a milestone or a story about the people your organization helps.

Subject: [Town] family [result] thanks to [program]

Hi [First name],

[Name], a [short description] in [town], [result, e.g. moved into her first home this month] through [Nonprofit]'s [program].

The bigger picture: [local issue, with one sourced number].

[Name] is willing to be interviewed, and our director [Name] can explain how the program works. On [date], we are [event or appeal] to [goal].

Would this fit your community coverage?

[Name]

Why it works: it leads with a person and a result, not the organization's mission statement. The sourced local number gives the reporter context.

Podcast, newsletter and op-ed pitch samples

12. Podcast guest pitch

When to use: you want to appear as a guest on a show whose audience matches your expertise.

Subject: Guest idea for [Podcast]: [episode topic]

Hi [Host first name],

I listened to your episode with [guest] on [topic], especially the part about [specific point].

Episode idea: "[Working title]". [Guest name], [title], could cover:
- [Talking point 1]
- [Talking point 2]
- [A story or mistake listeners will remember]

[Guest] has spoken on [other shows or stages] and will share the episode with [audience size or community].

Would this work for an upcoming episode?

[Name]

Why it works: it proves you listened, proposes a ready episode and offers promotion. Media PR Database Premium includes 2,997 podcasts to pitch as a bonus.

13. Newsletter pitch

When to use: you want a mention, a feature or a guest section in an independent newsletter.

Subject: For [Newsletter]'s [section name]: [resource or story]

Hi [First name],

I read [Newsletter] every week. Your [section] might like [resource or story]: [one line on what it is].

Why your readers: [specific fit, e.g. it saves freelance designers [time] on invoicing].

Link: [URL]. Free for your readers: [offer, if any].

Thanks either way.
[Name]

Why it works: newsletter writers are often one-person teams. Pitching a specific section with a single link respects their time. Premium also includes 123 newsletters you can pitch.

14. Op-ed or contributed article pitch

When to use: your expert has a strong, arguable opinion tied to current news.

Subject: Op-ed pitch: [the argument in one sentence]

Hi [First name],

I would like to offer [Publication] an op-ed by [Name], [title], arguing that [argument].

Why now: [news peg].
Why [Name]: [credential or first-hand experience].
Length: [700 to 800] words, exclusive to [Publication], ready by [date].

Summary of the argument:
1. [Point 1]
2. [Point 2]
3. [What should change]

Would you be interested?

[Name]

Why it works: opinion editors decide on the argument, so it goes in the subject line. Offering exclusivity and a firm length saves them a round of emails.

Trade press, exclusive and follow-up samples

15. Trade publication customer story

When to use: a customer got a measurable result and will speak on the record.

Subject: How [Customer] cut [metric] by [X]% at [number] [locations or plants]

Hi [First name],

[Customer], a [size and type of business] in [region], [result] after changing how it [process].

[Customer contact name and title] is willing to explain what they changed, what did not work and what it cost.

This could fit your [section, e.g. "operations" or "case study"] coverage. Interested in a call with them?

[Name]

Why it works: trade reporters prefer customers to vendors. Offering "what did not work" signals an honest story rather than an ad.

16. Exclusive offer pitch

When to use: you have one strong story and want it in one target outlet first.

Subject: Exclusive offer: [news in one line]

Hi [First name],

I would like to offer you this story first, before anyone else: [news].

What you would get: [interview, data, early access, photos].
Timing: we plan to announce on [date], so I would need to know by [date].

If it is not a fit, no problem. I will offer it elsewhere after [date].

[Name]

Why it works: it is honest about the deadline and what happens if the answer is no. Offer an exclusive to one reporter at a time.

17. Follow-up email

When to use: no reply after a few working days. Follow up once, with something new.

Subject: Re: [original subject]

Hi [First name],

Quick follow-up on [story]. One new detail: [new fact, photo, customer or data point].

If it is not for you, no reply needed. Is there a colleague who covers [topic]?

Thanks,
[Name]

Why it works: it adds value instead of asking "did you see my email?", and it gives the reporter an easy way to redirect you.

Real PR examples that earned coverage

Templates help, but it is worth seeing what large campaigns have in common. Two well-documented examples:

Spotify Wrapped: a data story every December

Spotify has run Wrapped every year since 2016, turning user listening data into shareable summaries. It has been covered and debated in outlets such as The Guardian, Vanity Fair and CNN Business, and The Atlantic called it "a masterful coup of free advertising" in 2018. In December 2019, more than 1.2 million posts on Twitter were about Wrapped (Wikipedia, citing the original reports).

Lesson for your pitch: data that people can see themselves in is a story. Sample #8 is the small-company version of this idea.

Fearless Girl: a stunt with a clear message

State Street Global Advisors' "Fearless Girl" statue, created with McCann New York, won a Grand Clio in Public Relations in 2017, plus a Gold in PR Special Event (The Clio Awards).

Lesson for your pitch: a single strong visual tied to a clear message gives photo desks and reporters something to show. Sample #10 is built around the photo moment for that reason.

How to send these pitches to the right journalists

With 43% of journalists saying relevant pitches are rare, the list is where most of the work pays off. A simple process:

1. Pick one story and one audience. A local opening and a funding round need different lists.
2. Build a short list. Start with 20 to 50 outlets that cover your topic and location. Use the free media list builder or search the database by country, state and city.
3. Find the right desk. Use a reporter's name when you have one, or the newsroom email for local news, business or features.
4. Personalize the first line. Mention a recent story or a section, then paste the sample.
5. Send before noon. 78% of journalists in Muck Rack's survey prefer morning pitches.
6. Follow up once with sample #17, then move on.

Media PR Database covers all 50 US states and 195 countries, so the same process works for UK media outlets or any other market. Plans are one-time payments with no subscription:

• Pro, $149 one-time: outlet emails and CSV export.
• Premium, $299 one-time: everything, plus 2,997 podcasts, 123 newsletters and export to Instantly, Smartlead and Lemlist.

Compare the options on the Media PR Database pricing page. If you are weighing a subscription tool instead, our Muck Rack alternatives guide compares prices.

Common pitch mistakes to avoid

• Sending one pitch to everyone. Cision found 86% of journalists reject pitches that do not fit their beat.
• Attaching files. Link to photos and documents instead.
• Burying the news. If the story is not clear in the first two lines, it will not be read.
• Writing a press release in the email body. A pitch is a short note to one person. Link to the release if you have one.
• Following up many times. One follow-up with a new detail is enough.
• Making claims you cannot back up. Every number in your pitch should have a source the reporter can check.

The bottom line

The best media pitch sample is the one that matches your story and your reader: a launch pitch for tech press, a person-first story for local news, data for trade outlets, a quick quote when news breaks. Keep it under 150 words, send it to a short, relevant list, and follow up once. Start with the media pitch generator for a draft and find local newspapers or national outlets to send it to.

FAQ