Make headlines this Black History Month: Speed Pitching with News UK

Applications have closed

We know how challenging it can be to get your story heard by the media. Navigating the complexities of approaching journalists and building strong media connections can be overwhelming. But fear not – we’re here to help you amplify your impact and get your pitch press-ready ahead of Black History Month. 

Our upcoming event will focus on empowering and uplifting the voices of Black communities ahead of Black History Month in October. 

• Date: Monday 30 September 
• Time: 10:30 to 13:30 pm 
• Location: News UK, 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF  

Join this exclusive event to gain expert media pitching training and pitch your stories to top journalists and content producers from national publications such as The Times, The Sunday Times, Talk, Virgin Radio and more! This opportunity is ideal for charities looking for increased media exposure in the lead up to Black History Month in October.  

How it works  

This exclusive opportunity is designed with charities in mind, created to sharpen your media pitching skills and gain invaluable insights from industry experts.  

The event kicks off with a dynamic one-hour masterclass led by a seasoned News UK journalist. Here you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on the current media landscape and learn the essential techniques for crafting compelling pitches that capture the attention of media and radio professionals. 

The session includes a Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to seek answers to your burning questions about pitching and leave feeling confident in your ability to secure media coverage for your cause. 

Following the masterclass, you’ll be divided into small breakout groups for an interactive pitching session. You’ll present your key stories in a concise 60-90 second pitch to journalists and producers from News UK, and receive immediate, expert and honest feedback on how to refine your pitch and seize the opportunity to have your story developed and published in time for Black History Month in October.  

Each breakout group, comprising 2-3 charities and 2-3 journalists, will provide you with a unique platform to showcase your work. With four rotations, you’ll have the chance to pitch your story to up to 12 journalists, maximising your chances of securing impactful media coverage for your cause. 

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your storytelling. With limited spaces available, sign up today to avoid missing out.

Why participate?  

• Expert training and support: Get guidance to craft a compelling pitch that resonates with journalists. 
• On-the-spot feedback: Receive real-time advice from News UK journalists and producers to polish your pitch. 
• Nationwide exposure: A unique opportunity to gain UK-wide media coverage leading up to in October (stories must be relevant nation-wide).
• Showcase impact: Highlight your work, raise your profile, and inspire others while creating lasting change. 
• Enhance skills: Improve your media engagement knowledge and confidence for obtaining future media exposure.   

Who should apply? 

This event is for charities and non-profits supporting Black communities across the UK. Although your charity’s focus doesn’t have to be solely on Black communities, we do ask that the story you pitch revolves around raising awareness or empowering voices within this community and relevant to this year’s Black History theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.    

This helps us highlight diverse narratives on our platform and uplift the voices of those from Black communities. Due to limited spaces, we can only accommodate one person per charity. You will be expected to come prepared with a 60-90 second pitch on a story that you would like to gain awareness on.  

Please note that the event will be taking place in person at News UK’s office in London. If you are a micro or small charity travelling from outside of Greater London, please let us know in your application if you need support with travel costs.   

The venue is fully accessible, but please let us know in your application form of any support or adjustments you may need.  

To find out more, please contact Media Trust’s Events Manager Lara Harper at larah@mediatrust.org.  

How to apply 

To apply, please complete our application form below.

• Application deadline: 13 September
• Shortlisting: 16 September
• Applicants will be notified: 17 September

Please note: the deadline, shortlisting and applicant notification dates have been extended as of 5 September.

Any question? Please contact Media Trust’s Events Manager Lara Harper at larah@mediatrust.org.  

About Black History Month  

Black History Month in the UK is an annual celebration held in October to recognise and honour the contributions, history, and cultural heritage of Black individuals and communities. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives” recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture by highlighting untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies by taking control of these stories, honouring heroes, and challenging overlooked contributions of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.  

Find out more about Black History Month here  

About News UK  

News UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Their news brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and the TLS. Their national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, and they have market-leading local stations across Ireland.  

Their world-famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 50 million people each month, panning digital and print, audio and video, events and experiences. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp. News Corp (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV).