Hooking the Media All Year Long

What is public relations?

• Free coverage in:– Newspapers– Magazines– Television– Radio– Blogs

Library Media Reporters

• Local feature reporters = NLLD coverage, policymaker library visits

• Education reporters = Schools and early literacy support

• Technology journalists = Innovative services, ebooks, privacy issues

• Government/politics = Protecting library funding

This week: May 5-9, 2014

• Logo• Contact person/Date• Headline• Statement Lead• Link to more

information• Boilerplate

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do’s:• Do select a spokesperson for your group before you release

a statement.• Do read the newspaper, magazine, TV show that you want

to pitch. Know the publication's target audience and their interests.

• Do pitch your story to the appropriate reporter• Do understand that everything is not newsworthy.• Simplifying your language and avoiding the use of complex

or vague industry jargon.• Do respond quickly to media inquiries and emails—their

time is of the essence.

Don’ts

• Don’ts• Don’t SPAM! Don’t call a journalist 20 minutes later to see if

they received your email. Send the release once, then follow up when necessary. Never harass a reporter.

• Don’t sent paragraphs upon paragraphs of text-keep it concise.• Don’t tell a media reporter that you need to review a copy of

the story before it runs—everything is on the record!• Don’t go on live TV if you have never practiced in front of a

camera.• Don’t do a media interview if you are not prepared for

negative questions. Make the time to develop talking points before every interview.

How to Pitch

“If the pitch is relevant to me, it works 100 percent of the time.” – Mitch Joel, digital marketing guru

Pitch Email Sample

August 2014

Three Summer Ideas

• Getting leaders through your library doors:1. Invite them to an event that provides public

exposure2. Invite them for a private library tour3. Invite them to speak on a panel or forum

October/November 2014

Steps to Getting an Editorial Meeting

• Conduct media research and find out the editorial meeting guidelines.

• Set objectives for your editorial meeting supporting your cause.

• Bring background materials fact sheets, statements, past releases, names and numbers for contacts. Make the case in a 2-3 minute opening statement, supported by facts. Address opposition’s criticisms on the issue summarize your position.

• Following the meeting send a thank you note to each in attendance.

January 2015

February 2015

Resources

• Media templates available online

• My contact information: Jazzy Wright, press officer, ALA Washington Office. Email: jwright@alawash.org.

Questions?