Writer Guidelines
Jul 12, 2006 8:00 AM
Broadcast Engineering magazine article submission guidelines
If you’d like to submit an article for consideration, here are some basic guidelines to help smooth the process:
To submit an article you can:
- Call the editorial director, Brad Dick at 913-967-1737 or e-mail him (preferred) at brad.dick@penton.com to pitch the idea. Talking to the editorial director before you start writing the article is the best method.
- Send the completed text and graphics to: brad.dick@penton.com. The subject line should read: Article submission.
What to write:
Broadcast Engineering publishes two types of articles: those scheduled on editorial calendar and those that are not scheduled on the editorial calendar. Priority will be given to article ideas that meet the topics scheduled on the editorial calendar.
Click here for a copy of the editorial calendar.
Articles submitted to fill topics on the editorial calendar should be submitted months in advance, as these spots fill up quickly. It is never too soon to contact the editorial director about proposing an article for a topic listed on the calendar.
Optional articles are published on a space-available basis. That’s why it’s best to tailor your submission to a topic already scheduled. It’s important to talk to the editorial director before you start writing a feature article so you don’t write an article that’s already filled.
Most monthly column topics have full-time writers. Be sure you call before you decide to pursue one of those topics. Current open columns include: Special Reports and HD Production Clips.
The rules:
Broadcast Engineering does not allow the promotion of companies or products in feature-length articles. However, there are three editorial vehicles that do allow the discussion (but not the promotion of) companies and products: Applied Technologies, Field Reports and New Products.
Applied Technology articles are mini-white papers. The goal is to explain new technology to readers. These articles are typically written by the technical staff of a manufacturer. They describe the need/problem and then the specific technical solution the company has created or invented and how it works. Again, this must be a technical presentation, not a sales piece. Applied Technology articles run about 1000 words. One photo or graphic must accompany the article. (Click here for more specific instructions and an example of an Applied Technology article.)
Field Reports are similar to the Applied Technology articles except the writer is a user of the product. These writers are typically the engineer, producer or operator of the device. The writer must describe the facility’s need for the solution, the product or technology selected and then how it works for them. The length is about 1000 words, and a small fee is paid to the writer. One photo or graphic must accompany the article. (Click here for more specific instructions and an example of a Field Report article.)
New Products are included in the magazine each month. These write ups are typically supplied by manufacturers and vendors.
Required materials for consideration should include a press release will full contact information. Photos are encouraged; minimum of 300dpi 2in x 2in jpg. Materials for New Products must be received 60 days prior to month of publication.
The editors receive hundreds of press releases each week. We cannot use them all. Therefore, we ask that companies carefully consider the relevance to technical or professional managers at TV and production facilities.
For our purposes, the best news releases are those that clearly state in the first paragraph what is new, what is important and the impact or benefit to the broadcaster.
New products should be sent to the New Products editor: Collin Lajoie at collin.lajoie@penton.com. Spring can also be contacted at 913-967-1644. Special issues of March, April and June have unique requirements. Call for information.
Click here for more information on feature articles.
Click here for additional information.
Click here for art and photo guidelines or contact the magazine’s art director, Robin Metheny, at robin.metheny@penton.com or 314-729-7183.
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