HOW TO CREATE A MEDIA STORM
March 18, 2010

By: Malika Ladha - AYV!

HOW TO CREATE A MEDIA STORM

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! After hours of planning, recruiting youth volunteers, budgeting and working out every detail, it’s important to get the word our there about your amazing contribution and its impact. In order to place your story in the media, it takes a few, simple steps which need to be prepared in advance:

1.      Appoint well-spoken members of your group to be your spokespersons.

2.      Make a list of all the media outlets to target.  Keeping your target audience in mind, start with local news stations, newspapers and radio stations. Give each a call, introduce yourself /your organization and let them know about your event.

3.      Have an idea of your key messages – what do you want viewers to know about your organization or event? How can others become involved? It is recommended to have a maximum of three key messages.

4.      Develop a concise press release which outlines who, what, where, when and why and communicates your key messages. Provide unique angles for your story, think of a catchy title and submit the press release to local media.

5.       Prior to the event, ensure the spokespersons have rehearsed the key messages and are ready to give a great interview!

Also of important note is that news agendas change from second to second – who knows what just happened across the city or country just two minutes ago? Be ready for a shorter interview or less media exposure than expected. And on that note, don’t be surprised if more media than expected appears on site!