What are some typical lead times for media?
Lead times vary depending upon the type of publication and frequency of publication. For example, the lead time could be from one to five days for most stories being prepared for online publications and daily newspapers. Even in those media, however, some stories may be planned weeks in advance, perhaps in conjunction with a trade show or other special event. Broadcast media such as radio and television rarely commit to coverage of a story much before the day of the news. The airing could either be live, airing that day, or could be taped for airing at a future date. Lead times for magazines can be up to six months. This means that if your story relates to the holiday season and you want to be included in a Good Housekeeping gift giving article, for example, the story would be developed in the first half of the year.
