Making Media Contacts
One of the vital things you will need for your publicity event or plan is a current and accurate media list. This is a list of local newspapers and magazines, radio stations and television companies that you may want to approach with your press releases.
You'll probably only need a short list; you won't need to include every paper in the country as many national newspapers won't print stories about local projects; pick local publications, radio and television stations that reach your target audiences.
It isn't difficult to find information on media services; initial contact details can be collected from websites, telephone directories or even printed in papers. Some media services such as Media Trust* can provide a wealth of information to help you to promote your project.
Once you have got contact details:
- Phone each organisation and get the name, job title, phone, fax and e-mail of the person you want to talk to.
- Find out if there is a journalist who specialises in your area eg. Community stories
- Ring your key contact - find out the best time to call them, the best time to send them information and stories and the best format to send it in ie. Fax, post, e-mail, phone. Ask about deadlines, when they go to press and what sort of stories they'd be interested in.
- Store the contact details and information in an easily accessible and updateable form.
- Remember to work at keeping the contact fresh - you're trying to build a bond with the journalist. When you call again remind the journalist of what you spoke about the first time - don't be disheartened if they doesn't immediately remember you, there are a lot of stories vying for attention.
- Invite them to events or meetings so you can meet them face to face, it makes it easier for them to remember you.
* - External Link
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by the Lancashire County Council. Lancashire County Council accepts no responsibility
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