Let’s make some NOISE Laura Smith, Media and Campaign Manager Welcome and thanks Laura Smith, Media and Campaign Manager

We will cover: Role of regional media. Importance of making noise plus potential concerns or barriers you may feel. Promoting Hello locally plus top tips. Avoiding pitfalls. How Hello can help you and useful resources.

Life is local We are avid ‘consumers’ of local and regional media. Regional media is powerful – not to be underestimated. Regional media are experiencing budget cuts and tough times. Trend towards local authorities producing own publications.

Noise ‘barriers’ Takes too much time I’m not a expert I don’t know where to start My hands are tied.. Don’t want to say wrong thing

Why make noise? People listen more to local people and media Campaign won’t work without you It’s free advertising for your work / services Don’t underestimate the importance of word of mouth When done well, you’ll get thanked

What can I promote? Your support of Hello and why communication important. The Hello monthly themes in relation to your local plans. This could be big or small – it will all make a difference. Events – Chatterbox Challenge, MP visit, roadshow in shopping centre etc. A local angle on national Hello activity i.e. local strategy to support communication, sessions for parents, communication friendly settings. Your expertise – spokespeople, top tips, resources for parents. Stories of those affected or helped (if they want to be).

Compelling story? Received award? How do I make noise? Interesting and relevant story / angle agreed by key people. Unique? Why now? First time? New evidence? Compelling story? Received award? Written up in compelling way – press release, photo-call notice or email. - Press release – needs the 5 W’s in first paragraph Who, What, Where, Why and When - Photo-call notice – box under heading with Date / Time/ Venue/ Address / Photo Opportunity / Contact No

How do I make noise? With compelling regional / local facts and statistics. With compelling human interest stories. With spokespeople who are ready and briefed to talk to media. By knowing your media contacts – who to approach and when. Let the Hello team know your plans – we can add your story to the Hello website, feature you in our newsletter, include write ups in our publications and press releases.

Pitfalls to avoid... 1. Rushing media work 4. Getting swayed by or not being prepared. media’s agenda. 2. Over saturating 5. Thinking one size media. fits all media. 3. Not telling others 6. Not considering tone / your plans. messaging enough.

North East media Online websites Internal staff websites / intranets Newsletters (staff, parents, governors, teams) Recommend ‘auditing’ the communication channels that exist in your networks

Useful resources Hello Frequently Asked Questions.   Hello Frequently Asked Questions. Hello messaging by audience. All Together Now toolkit– how to get involved in Hello and plan local activity. Template Hello Presentation. Press release ‘template’. General facts and statistics plus North East statistics. Guide to securing publicity. Available from www.hello.org.uk or www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/hello List of regional media. Available by emailing lsmith@thecommunicationtrust.org.uk

Thank you for listening Any Questions?