Health care and rural media National Rural Health Association May 17, 2006
What are rural media?
Media in communities that are designated as non-metro by the Census Bureau
What are rural media? Media in communities that are designated as non-metro by the Census Bureau Newspapers with circulation under 30,000 (wide differences in these)
What are rural media? Media in communities that are designated as non-metro by the Census Bureau Newspapers with circulation under 30,000 (wide differences in these) Small radio stations, limited news
What are rural media? Media in communities that are designated as non-metro by the Census Bureau Newspapers with circulation under 30,000 (wide differences in these) Small radio stations, limited news Local blogs and Web sites
Trends in rural media Corporate ownership growing (60%)
Trends in rural media Corporate ownership growing (60%) -- less focused on community service, more on bottom line; editors and publishers imported
Trends in rural media Corporate ownership growing (60%) -- less focused on community service, more on bottom line; editors and publishers imported Independent papers squeezed too
Trends in rural media Corporate ownership growing (60%) -- less focused on community service, more on bottom line; editors and publishers imported Independent papers squeezed too -- Wal-Mart effect helps some towns but hurts others, eroding advertising base for local media
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories -- problem stories
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories -- problem stories New doctors in town
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories -- problem stories New doctors in town Civic contributions of health-care folks
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories -- problem stories New doctors in town Civic contributions of health-care folks
Types of coverage Hospitals as businesses, institutions -- promotional stories -- problem stories New doctors in town Civic contributions of health-care folks Health and the environment
Coverage in your own words Advertising
Coverage in your own words Advertising Earned media
Coverage in your own words Advertising Earned media: How to earn it --News releases, public service announcements (tied to events or specific initiatives)
Coverage in your own words Advertising Earned media: How to earn it --News releases, public service announcements (tied to events or specific initiatives) -- Op-ed columns from providers or extension agents
How to influence coverage Call attention to problems, solutions -- check out the data -- describe the problem clearly -- personalize your points (stories on cancer survivors spur screening) -- use photos, maps, images
Making the pitch for coverage First, write to editor or news director Follow up with phone call Encourage editor or reporter to act as community’s “trusted messenger” Show examples of similar stories in urban or other rural media
Making the pitch for coverage Check out corporate website for topics of interest, corporate approach to community involvement