Community members are invited to submit upcoming events to WAMU and DCist staff for possible coverage through feature stories, news briefs, or events roundup listings. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with recent WAMU and DCist events coverage to get a feel for what we cover.
If we are interested in a longer story, reporters will contact you. Due to the volume of submissions, not all pitches will receive a response. We hope this sheet answers all your questions and wish you luck!
WHAT are the possibilities for coverage?
WAMU covers arts and culture in the greater Washington, D.C., region through on-air reporting at WAMU 88.5 or online articles at wamu.org.
DCist covers arts, entertainment, and food in Washington, D.C., through both feature stories and event roundups at DCist.com. The site does also cover some events outside of the city’s borders.
DCist publishes several regular event guides, which are curated lists of the best things to do around town. Each week, we publish roundups of weekday events, concerts, food, weekend events, and free weekend events. Each month, we also publish roundups of art exhibits, jazz/international music, and road races.
WHEN should I send information about my upcoming event?
Please send information as far in advance as possible. For a potential feature story, we ask that you ideally reach out at least two weeks in advance. For a DCist events listing, please submit information at least four days before the event.
WHERE can I go to see examples of your events coverage?
To see WAMU’s arts and culture stories, visit: www.wamu.org/beat/arts-culture
To see DCist’s arts and entertainment features, visit: www.dcist.com/beat/arts-entertainment
To see DCist’s food stories, visit: www.dcist.com/beat/food/
You can also check out DCist’s dedicated events section here: www.dcist.com/topic/events
WHO do I send my event information to?
To submit events to WAMU or to DCist please complete this form.
If you want to advertise an event through WAMU or DCist, contact sponsorship@wamu.org.
HOW can I make my pitch stand out? What should I include? Any bonus tips?
Make sure to include all the basic info: event name, date, location, contact/s, a website.
Bonus tips:
- Call out the local angle.
- Tell us why this event is different or special, particularly if it’s an annual event.
- Provide photos or graphics that can run with the story (DCist).