"Joining us in our studio to help us make sense out of this situation is our local expert, ...."

Who are these people who are called upon (at a moment's notice) to provide a layman's explanation and insight on how an event will affect the local, national or international community? They are people just like you who have made a connection with the media. You can build your connection to the media and become the local expert in your field by introducing yourself to area reporters both in person and via email. However, don't discount any media employee who is available to meet with you. It may cost you a few lunch meals but when the producers or editors are frantic for more information, you want your name to pop into their heads as the perfect solution. Even with investigative stories the big name reporters rely on others to provide research information and names of people to contact for expert opinions.

The key to becoming an expert is to stay on top of your industry's news, the news in general, and to have at least the basic credentials of your field. The higher your credentials, the more flexible, knowledgeable, and more at ease you are in providing pertinent information, as well as the quality of your voice and perhaps even your appearance, all increase your chances of being "the expert".

If you are a writer consider writing articles for publication. There are many on-line magazines that need content as well as a host of traditional papers and magazines. You can even submit similar articles to various publications. Pair up your hobbies and interests with your area of service or your product and write about how the together they provide a solution or a new area of interest for readers.