If a tree falls in a forest with no one to hear it, then does it make a sound? If you ask a candidate a question on Darfur but no one knows you asked, will it make a difference? Maybe. But it is sure to have a much bigger impact if it is picked up by the media - TV, print, radio, or a blog.
Here are six simple tips for working with the media to get your message heard:
- Contact local media to let them know about your efforts to make Darfur a priority for the presidential candidates before you even go to an event.
- If you are working with other local groups - faith-based groups, local community groups - emphasize this to reporters; it is a "fresh hook."
- Be familiar with your local media and which reporters cover which stories. Reach out to the reporters covering the presidential race, local community events, etc.
- Find out exactly to whom to send the press release and the reporter's preferred method of receiving the press release (e-mail, fax, mail).
- After you send a press release, do not be afraid to call and follow up.
- Bring questions that you plan to ask at an event written or typed out so that you can give them to a reporter; make their job easy.
Read more tips, including on how to write press releases, Letters to the Editor, and op-eds, here.
Print
