using the media. direct strategy, not a “media strategy” media is not a method for winning media...
TRANSCRIPT
Using the Media
Using the Media
Direct strategy, not a “media strategy” Media is not a method for winning Media alone will not determine outcome
Who Controls the Media?
Two Primary Goals: Make money, promote a political climate
Media caters to corporate sponsors- Media is not neutral
Secondary Goal: Increase audience
When to Use Media?
Beginning of campaign: Garner support and prove the campaign can get media coverage
Middle of campaign: Embarrass a target
Options for Using the Media Events: Media hits, demands Press Conference: “Talking heads”
Reporters should absorb the informationSpeakers stick to three points at mostFamous personalities in background if neededCharts
*EVENTS AND CONFERENCES: STAGED FOR MEDIA* Press Release: Report an issue, monthly releases Interviews/Talk Shows: Provide guests
Get to know producers Letters to the Editor: Most widely read other than front page
Short Respond to previously printed articles
Options for Using the Media Op-Ed: Write for general interest
Longer piece Not a personal complaint
Meeting with Editorial Boards: Strength of your argument is of utmost importance Bring research and scholars Bring person with national regard if possible Speak as to why their readers will be interested Send press release
Bulletin Boards: Post your message, let name be heard in media building
Video Press Release: For Big stories, use your resources Radio Actualities: Provide pre-packaged interviews to stations
Media Tips Write a headline: What will the event be titled? Write a media advisory: Who, what, where, when, why, photo op
Don’t give too much information Hard news event: Not just important to you
New information, new activity People gathering National news link New twist on old story Celebrity speaks on your behalf
Think pictures: We write to visuals! Signs, banners with slogans Ensure signs can be seen Buttons
Media Tips
Be quotable: Speakers should use the same quote
Help reporters: Write factual, well-written releases
Know the staff: Get to know reportersOnly use them when you have news
Human interest: Always looking for real people!
Luck: “Barring breaking news”
Media Tips
Control the EventPress table, press greeterMedia kitsContact and speaker informationPack a “ media box” including extension cords, bulbs,
brochures, flyers, markers, easel
Writing Skills vs. Communication Skills Press-friendly web site: Press releases,
contact information
Media List E-mail blasts Fax blasts Mailing labels Contacts
City desks Reporters Student newspapers Religious news outlets Daily papers, radio stations, TV stations, wires
Send info 3 to 4 days before the event Follow-up phone calls
Preparing Spokespeople
Speaker should be a volunteer leader, someone is doing actual work
If director is speaking, use leader quotes in news releases
Practice questions Use quotable quotes, scripts Use name of organization in answers
Writing Press Releases Letterhead: News or News From, logo Heading
Name, address, date For Immediate Release or Hold Until For more information contact
Write headline Double spaced, no more than 2 pages Lead paragraph should be strong, include dateline Second paragraph should use quotes Third paragraph documents evidence Last paragraph should include contact information For an event or announcement: Media Advisory or News
Advisory and include a Photo Opportunity
Examples:
Good press release and site
http://pspca.org/ Great site, press release needs work
http://www.curecvsnow.com/blog/2009/02/what-do-we-want-condom-access.html
City paper video- protest example