Making Friends with the Media
Two things to help your story reach the public: Build a good relationship with the media Pitch your stories as news that sells
Why make friends with the media? Increase awareness Recruit members Inform Good publicity
How to make friends with the media? Be informed Study news sources Analyze content Be prepared for anything Assemble press kits Send out information Follow-up call
What makes a story important? Factual nature Interest Overall importance
Ways to get attention: News media PSA Press release Newsletter Press conference Paid advertisement
Pros of news media Free Credible Large audience
Cons of News Media Hard to form relationships Hard to maintain Short attention span Competition
Pros of PSAs Free air time Name recognition
Cons of PSAs Less exciting Hard to react No control
Pros of Press Releases Produced quickly Frame issue Easily distributed
Cons of Press Releases Requires skill
Pros of Newsletters Keeps people current Broad audience
Cons of Newsletters Requires time, money, and skill Lacking in breaking news
Pros of Press Conferences Widespread exposure Drama Visibility
Cons of Press Conferences Requires organization Can backfire Reacts fast
Pros of Paid Advertisement Control Quick response Wide and remote audience
Cons of Paid Advertisement Expensive Requires time and thought