Want to get your story into the media ahead of South Asian Heritage month?

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. 

Media Trust is partnering with News UK to offer a series of speed pitching events for underrepresented groups in preparation for key 2024 awareness days. Our third event will focus on empowering and uplifting the voices of South Asian communities ahead of South Asian Heritage Month in July and August 2024.  

How it works 

The event will start with a one-hour masterclass delivered by a News UK Journalist, who will give an overview of the current media landscape and guidance on best practices when pitching your story to print media and radio. This session will include a Q&A to answer your questions about pitching and ensure that you are confident in your ability to get your story picked up. 

You will then have the chance to put your learning into practice! In small breakout groups, you will deliver a 60-90 second pitch of your key stories to senior journalists from across News UK’s brands and get honest immediate feedback on how to improve the pitch to catch journalists attention – and maybe even a chance to have your story developed and published in time for South Asian Heritage month! 

Each breakout group will consist of 2-3 charities and 2-3 journalists and will last for 15 minutes. This will be repeated four times, meaning that you will have the chance to pitch your story to up to 12 journalists.

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 senior News UK journalists to polish your pitch. 
• Nationwide exposure: Have the opportunity to gain UK-wide media coverage leading up to South Asian Heritage Month in July/August 2024.  
• 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.  

There are only 10 spaces available, so for a chance to join the event, please sign up here. The deadline to apply was Wednesday 8 May at 5:00pm. Places are limited to ten spaces. 

Attendance Eligibility: 

This event is for charities and non-profits supporting South Asian Communities across the UK. Although your charity’s focus doesn’t have to be solely on South Asian communities, we do ask that the story you pitch revolves around raising awareness or empowering voices within this demographic. This helps us highlight diverse narratives on our platform and uplift the voices of those from South Asian heritage. 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 –  To ensure accessibility for regional charities, News UK will consider covering subsidised travel costs for micro and small charities travelling from outside of Greater London. Terms and Conditions will apply. 

The venue is fully accessible, but please let us know of any support or adjustments you need. You can let us know in your application form should you be selected to attend.  

To find out more, contact Project Coordinator, Niamh Mawhinney on Niamhm@mediatrust.org 

About South Asian Heritage Month 

South Asian Heritage Month First Took Place In 2020 And Runs From 18th July To 17th August Each Year. South Asian Heritage Month seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities. It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia. 

To find out more about South Asian Heritage Month, please visit the South Asian Heritage Month website.

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, TalkTV and Virgin Radio UK, and we have market-leading local stations across Ireland. Our world-famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month. Spanning print and pixel, audio and video, events and experiences, our multi-format brands are home to a plurality of opinion, representing the diverse communities we serve. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp.