Media

Using Local Media

Media stories are driven by conflict and your local media is likely to be interested in any national issue with potential for local impact. This is especially true of the impact on the average human ‘person on the street’ is clearly identifiable. When dealing with local media, being able to identify the local angle and impact is critical, which is why highlighting case studies is a good place to start.

Getting media coverage

Preparation

• Identify a media spokesperson for your Centre – someone who is confident and willing to be available for media interviews
• Tailor press release for the local media – include comments from your spokesperson and/or any notable supporters you can gather such as a local councillor or other well known local personalities
• Make sure there is a ‘human’ angle to the story
• Highlight how this will impact on the local community
• Photo opportunities are always a good idea, either have a photo to send or offer an opportunity to take a photo (some papers can only use their footage)
• Pick a day to send your release – find out when your local paper has its deadline and try to send it well in advance.  Also make sure your spokesperson is available on the day.

On the day

• Send your release as early as possible in the day, this will help ensure it is picked up by the radio/and or any daily papers and television
• Follow up with a phone call and offer an interview with your spokesperson and some additional background information

Other ways to get media coverage

• Write letters to the editors about the issue
• Phone into the local radio
• Organise an event to highlight a specific issue