1. Getting Publicity For Your Astronomy Club Dave Finley Public Information Officer National Radio Astronomy Observatory Socorro, NM

2. Outline ● Why Publicity? ● What to Publicize ● Media to Target ● Press Releases ● Talking to Reporters ● Becoming a Media Resource

3. Who Am I? ~15 Years Journalism Media Relations For: PIO For NRAO Since 1992 Miami Herald Science Section Southern Cross Astro Society Albuquerque Astro Society Press Releases, Press Conferences, Telescope Dedications, etc. Photo: M. Hanson, NSF

4. Why Publicity? ● Build Membership ● Gain Support in Community ● Expand Educational Audience ● Promote Scientific Literacy

5. What to Publicize ● Star Parties ● Astronomy Day ● Meeting Lectures ● What's in the Sky ● Science Fair Prizes, Judging ● Anything You Want the Public to Know!

6. News Media to Target ● Newspapers ● TV ● Radio ● Tourist Guides ● Campus Publications ● Other Clubs' Newsletters ● Web Sites ● Targets of Opportunity

7. Press Releases ● Tell Your Story ● Journalistic Style ● No Jargon ● Use Quotes ● Timing: Know Deadlines ● Email: Plain Text (ASCII) No Attachments ● Hardcopies at Event ● Images: Put on Web

8. Elements of a Release Podunk Astronomical Society 100 Main Street, City State ZIP www.podunkastro.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2005 CONTACT: Joe Scribe, Secretary (800) 555-1212 Podunk Astronomers Hosting “Star Party” The Podunk Astronomical Society invites the public to enjoy spectacular telescopic views of Mars, Jupiter, star clusters, galaxies and other celestial wonders at City Park on Friday, November 4, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. More detail, quote from club president, etc.... ### Letterhead Release Date Contact Info Headline Lede (Very Important) Rest of Body End Marker

9. The Important Stuff (Who What When Where Why How) Less Important Stuff (Background) Expendable Stuff Inverted Pyramid Syle How a News Story Should Be Written

10. Talking to Reporters Presume No Background In Astronomy/Science There Is No Such Thing As 'Off the Record'

11. Talking to Reporters ● Keep it Simple ● Spell for Print Media ● Answer Question You Wanted ● For TV/Radio: Sound Bites ● Make Your Quotes Punchy, Interesting

12. Becoming a Media Resource You have members who know more about astronomy than anyone in your local news media Your club can provide: Advice on sky viewing for public Local Angle for National stories This Keeps Your Club Visible to Public

13. Summary You're doing newsworthy things Publicity can benefit your club Media people often hungry for news Write interesting press releases You can become local expert for media