Research the kind of news that your local news stations run before calling to pitch them story ideas. If you notice that some of the networks stick to very conservative news stories, and seem to only run information that speaks well of public officials, law enforcement officers, and public policy, they would not be the place to call with a story about corruption at city hall. However, if you notice a network runs a lot of very controversial stories about politics, human rights, and things of that nature, then they would probably be interested in at least hearing your story pitch.
Act professionally when talking to news people. You may be very upset and even angry about something that is going on, and you may think it needs to be told to the world, but if you start off by screaming and yelling at the news people you are trying to pitch your story to, they will not want to deal with you. And if the first or even third news department you call cannot take on your story, remain reasonable and courteous with them. There can be many reasons they feel it is not a news story they can handle, and screaming at them or treating them rudely won't make them change their minds.
Call to set up an appointment to speak to someone from the newsroom. Do not go into the news station without an appointment to talk to a specific person at a specific time. Most news stations are secure buildings where visitors must have appointments to speak with employees.
The phone numbers for TV stations are listed in the local phone book, usually under the call letters (such as KHQ or KXLY) of the station. If you call their direct line they will either have an automated system that can lead you directly to the newsroom phone, or a receptionist who will transfer your call appropriately.
Speak with a producer or assignment editor. Do not ask to speak with an anchor or reporter first thing, as often they are the last people a story idea will be passed onto. In many newsrooms it is a news producer, executive producer, assignment editor, or newsroom coordinator who initially handles information regarding stories. They will speak with you, get your information, decide if it is a story that the news department can handle, and then make sure it is taken care of by the proper reporter or anchor.
Stick to the facts of your story. Do not try to pitch a story idea using information you have gotten secondhand, or are not sure of, or only think might be true. It is important for the integrity of the news station to report things that are known to be true, and so they won't want to do a story based on assumptions and rumors.
Keep your story pitch factual and concise. News people do not have a lot of time to listen to a long list of details on the phone. If your story interests them after your initial pitch, when you meet with them in person, you can give them more details.