hooking the media all year long
DESCRIPTION
Continue your library advocacy, long after National Library Legislative Day ends.TRANSCRIPT
Hooking the Media All Year Long
What is public relations?
• Free coverage in:– Newspapers– Magazines– Television– Radio– Blogs
Library Media Reporters
• Local feature reporters = NLLD coverage, policymaker library visits
• Education reporters = Schools and early literacy support
• Technology journalists = Innovative services, ebooks, privacy issues
• Government/politics = Protecting library funding
This week: May 5-9, 2014
• Logo• Contact person/Date• Headline• Statement Lead• Link to more
information• Boilerplate
Do’s and Don’ts
• Do’s:• Do select a spokesperson for your group before you release
a statement.• Do read the newspaper, magazine, TV show that you want
to pitch. Know the publication's target audience and their interests.
• Do pitch your story to the appropriate reporter• Do understand that everything is not newsworthy.• Simplifying your language and avoiding the use of complex
or vague industry jargon.• Do respond quickly to media inquiries and emails—their
time is of the essence.
Don’ts
• Don’ts• Don’t SPAM! Don’t call a journalist 20 minutes later to see if
they received your email. Send the release once, then follow up when necessary. Never harass a reporter.
• Don’t sent paragraphs upon paragraphs of text-keep it concise.• Don’t tell a media reporter that you need to review a copy of
the story before it runs—everything is on the record!• Don’t go on live TV if you have never practiced in front of a
camera.• Don’t do a media interview if you are not prepared for
negative questions. Make the time to develop talking points before every interview.
How to Pitch
“If the pitch is relevant to me, it works 100 percent of the time.” – Mitch Joel, digital marketing guru
Pitch Email Sample
August 2014
Three Summer Ideas
• Getting leaders through your library doors:1. Invite them to an event that provides public
exposure2. Invite them for a private library tour3. Invite them to speak on a panel or forum
October/November 2014
Steps to Getting an Editorial Meeting
• Conduct media research and find out the editorial meeting guidelines.
• Set objectives for your editorial meeting supporting your cause.
• Bring background materials fact sheets, statements, past releases, names and numbers for contacts. Make the case in a 2-3 minute opening statement, supported by facts. Address opposition’s criticisms on the issue summarize your position.
• Following the meeting send a thank you note to each in attendance.
January 2015
February 2015
Resources
• Media templates available online
• My contact information: Jazzy Wright, press officer, ALA Washington Office. Email: [email protected].
Questions?