Sending us a press release? Check here first.

***Writing an open letter/letter to the editor? Those guidelines are here.***

The Metro Wire has a diverse readership and works to ensure fair and equal coverage insofar as we are able.

While our publication specializes in hard news about local government, crime, business, and investigative reporting, we rely on news tips and submissions from the community to supplement our coverage. Because of this, we encourage all groups and organizations to send us press releases or media alerts for news and events that occur inside Portage County. You do not need to send us a formal press release for any news tip.

If we decide to publish your submission, please note it will be copyedited for spelling, grammar, and style. But our staff is small so we suggest you read through our guidelines prior to submission:

• Submit your information at least one week prior to an event, if applicable.
• Include the five W’s: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and, if applicable, How.
• Do not send PDFs or Word docs. Paste your content in the body of an email. We get hundreds of submissions every week and no time to download/open documents or correct formatting issues that both PDF and Word present.
• Run spell checks prior to sending.
• Limit the body to about 300 words. Use an inverted pyramid; include the most important
  details upfront. Have a clear news angle.
• Skip hyperbole. Avoid exclamation marks. Stick to information, not a sales pitch. If you can’t, that means you need to buy an ad.
• Send uncropped, horizontal, hi-resolution photos as .jpg, .jpeg, or png attachments — but not in the body of a document. Embedded photos reduce resolution and will not be used. Photos should belong to you or your company. Include a cutline (caption): photos without a cutline may not be published. ***Please note this does not apply to obituary photos.
• If you include any stats/numbers/data, include a hyperlink to the source.
• Robotic quotes like “We’re thrilled/pleased for X” will not be used. Please include natural, conversational language.
• Do not include an exclamation mark unless your press release verifies the existence of aliens or a secure victory in a world war.
• When writing quotes, make sure people “said” them. They did not “note,” “observe,” “declare,” “proclaim,” “enthuse,” “cry loudly,” or any other ridiculous, colorful verb you can think of.
• If you use a title like “Director of Awesomeness” and “Executive Director of Fun,” your press release will go directly into the trash.
• No, we won’t run your check presentation photo so you can get a grant from your trade organization. That’s called advertising. This kind of advertising comes with a small charge.
• Do not send us fliers or posters unless you’re buying an ad.
• We do not publish digital art/logos with a story. That’s advertising. Buy an ad.
• Include the contact information of someone who can answer quick follow-up questions.

Send your news tips and submissions to [email protected].