Pick a topic, event or activity that you want the media to cover.

Determine the media outlets you would like to have covering your event. Local newspaper Print magazines Local Radio stations Local T.V. stations Web pages

Once you have identified the media outlets you want to make contact with determine the most appropriate person to contact them. Does someone know someone at the radio station? Does someone know someone at the T.V. station? Does anyone know someone at the local paper?

Think about what you want to pitch to the media. How do you want to pitch it to the media?

Here is what should be considered: Content – What do you want to say? Audience – Who are you trying to reach? Format – What delivery will make your message well received? Messenger – Who will be your spokesperson?

Before the interview: Ask yourself what information you are going to share? Will the reporter be talking to someone else other than you? Ask the reporter what information he/she wants from you?

Before the interview: Gather your information, simplify it and think of positive ways to relate it. Anticipate questions your answers may generate. Prepare for the toughest questions the reporter might ask. Develop one or two key points you want to make short positive statement, which define or describe your event or issue. Avoid defensive statements.

The interview: Your gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice say more about you than your words. Maintain eye contact with the reporter and remember to smile whenever possible. Say the most important thing you have to say and say it best. Don’t build on your conclusion.

The interview continued: Avoid jargon, and for the most part acronyms and technical terms. Simplify complex numbers. Never say “No comment”. If you can’t answer for legal or other reasons, explain why. Refer the reporter to an Adult Partner or another youth spokesperson if there is one. Or just say I will have to find out and get back with you.

The interview continued: Don’t guess about a question and don’t offer your personal opinion and don’t speak for others. Avoid off the record statements. Always tell the truth. If there is a problem say you will look into it and shift to what you are doing now to correct the situation.

The interview continued: When you have answered the question, stop talking. Stay calm Be yourself

Television Interviews Television interviews are different from interviews done in print or even on the radio. Here your appearance can be just as important as your words. Next are some general tips.

Television Interview Again ask the reporter what he/she plans to ask you. this will give you a chance to think of what you want to say before the camera starts rolling. Think of where you are being interviewed – the location of your interview could reflect on the story, so if you are given a choice, suggest a location you are comfortable with.

Television Interview Avoid wearing anything that could distract the audience from hearing what you have to say. Always maintain eye contact with the reporter. Speak in sentences that are clear and concise. By giving reporters short, clear answers, reporters are less likely to edit your statements and cut out important points.

Television Interview Sit still or stand still. Try not to fidget in front of the camera; little things like nail – biting or foot tapping are magnified on –screen. Sit with your hands folded in your lap and both feet on the ground.

Working with the Newspaper When working with the news paper especially if you are sending in an article, make sure you know when their cut off date is for each issue of the paper. If you turn in a picture try to make it an action shot something that will catch someone’s eye. Make sure you put your most important parts in the first few lines of you article as they may edit it.

Practice doing your interviews