Community Media Training A quick guide by Bob Dow Bob Dow Media

TODAY’S CLASS  How to write a press release  Writing for websites  It’s not rocket science!  Follow some simple, basic rules Bob Dow Media

Press releases – The basics  Make sure it’s newsworthy  What’s the angle? Hook and hold  Is it relevant?  Timeliness – don’t be too late  Keep it simple Bob Dow Media

The “W” Factor  WHO – are you?  WHAT – are you doing?  WHERE – is it taking place?  WHEN – is it happening?  WHY – are you doing it? Bob Dow Media

The Professional Touch  Headline and one page only if possible  200 words limit  Short and to the point sentences  Always use ‘Ends’ when release finishes  Always have contact details  Contact details should be home/work/mobile  Check, check and then check again  Mistakes matter  Unprofessional work gets binned Bob Dow Media

Who do I send it to? Target publications and check deadlines BBC – STV – P&J – and Evening Express - and Deeside Piper – Donside Piper – Leopard Magazine – Northsound Radio – North-east Community Radio – Original 106FM – Also remember community websites such as: Bob Dow Media

Writing for the web  Totally different from writing for newspapers  Web pages are scanned – not read  You need an instant ‘Hook and Hold’  Less is more – better impact Bob Dow Media

The Inverted Pyramid  Straight to the point  Conclusion at start  Expand on it  Highlight key words  No bull, no boasts Bob Dow Media

Web writing style  Use short paragraphs  Keep sentences short  Always simple language  Sub-headings to keep attention Bob Dow Media

Bite the Bullet!  Bullet points – highly effective  Lists have more impact  Keep list items to 7-10 words  Use action words – keep the flow  Check, check and then check again Bob Dow Media

Web writing – good and bad Bob Dow Media Anytown Community Council was formed many years ago and does sterling work for the area. The councillors go to lots of meetings and discuss many interesting local issues that effect the community. The council gets involved in planning matters and tells the local authority what the community thinks about applications. It also speaks to organisations such as the police and raises matters of concern. The community council has a very important role to play in village life and needs your support to function properly in the best interests of the community.  Anytown Community Council  Represents your views and concerns  A bridge to local government  Speaks to public and private agencies  Monitors planning issues  Seeks funding for local projects  Open to all  Come and see us!