How to Get the Media to Cover Your Loved One's Cold Case

Reporters cover cold cases when there is a reason to run the story now: an anniversary, a new reward, a vigil, new information from police or a new photo. Give them that reason, plus a short press release, a good photo and a family member willing to talk, and your loved one's case has a real chance of coverage.

Updated November 15, 2026 · Crime Solvers Central, an independent, volunteer-run cold case site

The Press Release Builder writes a news release from the case file and lists the local TV, newspaper and radio newsrooms near where it happened. The Social Post Generator makes ready-to-post images for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Write a press release for the case

Start with the investigators

Tell the investigating agency you plan to contact the media and ask what they want kept private. Coverage that accidentally reveals a detail only the killer or kidnapper would know can hurt the case.
Confirm the tip line and case number you'll give out, and ask whether a detective is willing to be interviewed too. Stories with an investigator in them run more often.

Give reporters a reason to run it now

A case that's been open for years isn't news by itself. These are:

An anniversary of the disappearance or death, especially 1, 5, 10, 20 or more years.
A new or larger reward, and who is offering it.
A vigil, walk, search or memorial event reporters can attend and film.
New information police are willing to release: a new photo, a sketch, a vehicle, a person of interest, DNA testing.
An age-progression image showing what a missing person may look like today.
A law, policy or funding change connected to the case, or a related case in the news.

What to send

A one-page press release with the who, what, when and where in the first paragraph, a short family quote and the tip line. See how to write a press release for a missing person.
One or two good photos as separate JPG files.
A named family spokesperson with a phone number, available for interviews.
A link to a page about the case where people can read more and share it.

Who to contact

Local TV assignment desks, newspaper news tip lines and local radio newsrooms where the case happened, and where the person or family lives now if that's somewhere else.
Reporters who have covered the case before. Search the person's name in local news and contact those reporters directly; they already know the story.
True crime podcasts and YouTube channels that cover cases from your region. Many accept case submissions from families.
Community groups and pages: neighborhood groups, churches and local organizations that will share it.

Keep the case in the public eye

Plan a yearly event on the anniversary and invite media every year.
Post regularly with a fresh photo or memory, the tip line, and a request to share.
Keep a simple media list of every reporter who responds, and send them updates first.
Thank reporters after a story runs and share it widely; it makes the next story easier.

The Press Release Builder writes a news release from the case file and lists the local TV, newspaper and radio newsrooms near where it happened. The Social Post Generator makes ready-to-post images for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. See membership options.

Write a press release for the case

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the news to cover a cold case?

Give reporters a reason to run it now, such as an anniversary, a new reward, a vigil, new information from police or an age-progression photo, and send a short press release with a photo, a family quote and the police tip line.

Who should I contact to get a missing person on the news?

Local TV assignment desks, newspaper news tip lines and local radio newsrooms where the case happened, plus reporters who have covered the case before and true crime podcasts that accept case submissions.

Should I talk to police before contacting the media?

Yes. Ask the investigating agency which details to keep private and which tip line and case number to share, and whether a detective will do an interview.

Do true crime podcasts take cases from families?

Many do. Look for podcasts and YouTube channels that cover cases from your region and check their websites for a case submission form or contact email.

More help for families

Crime Solvers Central is an independent, volunteer-run case research and advocacy site, not a law enforcement agency. In an emergency call 911. Questions? Contact us.