1. Working with the Media Building relationships with local media

2. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Take Advantage of Local Media “The world is all gates, all opportunities, strings of tension waiting to be struck.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson NAHU tools on the web Building a media list Become a spokesperson

3. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org NAHU Tools on the Web Make your life a little easier

4. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Training Tools Visit the Media & Communications: For Chapters webpage Tips and Tricks Media Moment Writing Pointers Sound Bytes Webinars Working with the Media Award Criteria The Art of a Media Interview Guidebooks “How To” Media Guide for Members And much more!

5. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Media Templates Localize and forward materials already available Press releases Media advisories Opinion editorials Letters to the editor Video clips Radio PSAs Advertisements Event plans Brochures

6. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Legislative Information Have the most updated information at your fingertips Read the “Washington Update” Keep in touch with NAHU’s legislative staff: Brooke Bell Know your local legislative committee members Establish a relationship with state and national legislative representatives and their staff

7. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Build a Media List We can help! Upon request, we will search a national media database to find reporters and editors in your area. We will send you: Print media list Broadcast media list Sample letter of introduction Tips on how to keep list updated

8. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org First Contact Make the best first impression Contact a reporter by: Sending an email Making a phone call Introducing yourself at an event Networking through a friend Have a specific purpose Don’t: Send snail-mail or fax Just “drop by” Let a month go by without contact

9. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Update Information If it’s more than six months old… Newspapers have always had a high turnover rate, and it’s only getting worse. Pay attention to bylines: Who is writing about insurance/health care reform? Look out for local blogs, newsletters and forums.

10. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Become a Media Spokesperson Establish yourself as an expert

11. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Find Your Hook What do you know that everyone else should too? When pitching a story idea, make sure your proposal is: Local Timely Unique Personal/Relatable

12. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Know What to Say Plan ahead: “Knowing is half the battle”

13. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Sample Questions Ready to give it a try? Turn to your neighbor and ask one of the following questions. Then let them take a turn. What is the value of using a health insurance agent? Why do health care premiums continue to rise even after health care reform was passed? What is a health insurance "navigator” and what will their role be in our state? What resource are available to help consumers find the health care coverage they need?

14. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Media Spokesperson Database Get on the list

15. © 2011, National Association of Health Underwriters www.nahu.org Questions? What I’m an expert in: Newspapers (Want to know about being a reporter?) Social Media (Thinking about starting a blog?) Layout and Design (Any questions about the new logo?) Literacy (Need a good book recommendation?)