How to Get Featured in Calgary Media

Calgary's media landscape is compact enough that one good story can travel from a morning radio segment to a TV newscast to a front page. Here's how to earn Calgary media coverage: who covers what, how to pitch, and how to make the most of it.

This guide is part of our Calgary marketing series, and builds on how to get local media coverage.

Calgary's media map

Outlet type	Examples	Good for
Daily papers	Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun	Business news, city stories, features
TV news	CBC Calgary, CTV Calgary, Global Calgary, CityNews Calgary	Visual stories, expert commentary, events
Talk and news radio	QR Calgary (770 CHQR), CBC Radio One Calgary	Interviews, expert commentary, call-ins
Music radio	Country 105, CJAY 92, X92.9 and others	Morning show features, community events
Magazines	Avenue Calgary	Lifestyle, people, "best of" lists, neighbourhoods
Online and community	Independent local news sites, community newspapers	Local and neighbourhood stories
Multicultural media	In-language radio, print and online	Specific communities (multicultural marketing)

Outlets change. Always check who's currently covering your topic.

Calgary story angles that work

• Weather: Chinooks, hail, cold snaps, first snowfall (home services, auto, health)
• Stampede season: local businesses, community events, western culture (Stampede marketing)
• Economy: energy, tech, jobs, cost of living
• Neighbourhoods: new communities, revitalization, local heroes
• Newcomers and diversity: Calgary's growing communities
• Data: your own local survey or insights (original research)

Pitching Calgary TV

TV needs pictures. Offer:

• A spokesperson available on short notice
• A visual location (your shop, a job site, an event)
• A timely hook
• Short, clear talking points

Pitch the assignment desk or a specific segment producer, ideally a few days ahead for planned stories, or the same morning for breaking commentary.

Pitching Calgary radio

Radio loves experts who can explain things simply. Pitch the show's producer with three tips or a clear opinion on a current topic. Local radio is also the best practice ground for bigger interviews (interview prep).

Pitching print and online

Find the reporter who covers your beat, reference their recent work, and offer a genuinely local story. Include photos and data.

Make it easy to say yes

• Keep pitches short
• Lead with why Calgarians care
• Be available
• Deliver what you promise

A Calgary pitch example

Subject: Calgary roofer: what homeowners should check after this week's hail

Hi [Name], with hail in the forecast this week, I can share five simple checks Calgary homeowners can do safely from the ground, and when to call a professional. I'm available for radio or TV [times] and can do an on-location demo in [neighbourhood].

Use your coverage

Add it to your website's press page, share it, quote it in radio ads and on billboards ("As seen on…"), and send it to leads. Each story also earns links and trust (digital PR).