MEET THE PRESS

• How to establish a media contact network
• Five types of story the media loves
• Effective communications with the media
• Emphasize your event's visual appeal
• Tips on public service announcements
• Media interview how-to's

HOW TO ESTABLISH A MEDIA CONTACT NETWORK.

1. Make a list of contacts. Start a list of every media source you know who might be interested in covering NGL events. Then call everyone you know and ask if they personally know any reporters who may be interested. Because media personnel often change jobs, you will need to update your contact list about once a month.
2. Add listings from published lists. Check the web or go to your local library's reference section and ask for a copy of Editor & Publisher, a media resource guide. Inside of Editor & Publisher, you should find a detailed listing of media sources in your area and their contact information that you can copy. Before you add any to your list, call to make sure both the contact person and the contact information are current. If your library does not have this resource, check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
3. Pinpoint potential contacts. Contact each potential media source's receptionist or operator to get the names of education, business and editorial writers and radio personalities. Don't ask the receptionist who is interested in NGL material. Chances are, media personnel and even editors don't have enough knowledge of the program to make that determination. Instead, get a direct phone number or extension line for each person who deals with media coverage of industry, education, community news or young people.
4. Send out a "courtesy packet." Even if you don't have an upcoming event or news story in mind, email, mail or fax NGL material to potential sources. The Electronic Media Kit can be very useful in these cases.
5. Follow-up to find out who is interested. Contact each reporter and ask that person if s/he has read the material provided. Is the person interested in reporting on NGL or upcoming events? Then update your list. You might also ask reporters what angles they wish to explore, and note their interests on your contact list. Then, ask if they know of any other contacts who might be interested in publishing or airing NGL-related stories.
6. Schedule an informal meeting. Have lunch or coffee with a key media source long before you actually need coverage of your event. An important part of building contacts is to make face-to-face contact with reporters and decision-makers. It's harder to say "no" to a real person than it is to a voice over the phone.
7. Inform and check back. Notify your contacts about scheduled events. Don't be shy about contacting them. Most will be glad to hear from you because you are likely an important source for them. Give them your phone number and let them know you will make yourself available for whatever questions they might have about your region's event or efforts. You may also want to check back a couple of days prior to the event to make sure reporters haven't forgotten.
8. Be courteous. Because reporters are busy, so remember to always thank them for their time and let them know that you and other partnership members appreciate their efforts.

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