Checklist: Working with the Media

• Determine if your story has news value
• Craft simple, memorable messages
• Develop an effective media list. Always keep it updated
• Issue a press release or hold an event to introduce coalition to media
• Become a reliable, quotable source by developing strong media relationships
• Understand media "do’s" and "don’t’s"
• Newspapers/Wire Services
  • Know the key reporters, editors and photographers
  • Schedule and editorial board meeting
  • Submit an op-ed
  • Respond to transportation stories with letters-to-the-editor
  • Pitch a feature story or column
• Television
  • Know the assignment editor and key reporters
  • Use a picture to tell your story
  • Place a guest on local talk and public affairs shows
  • Know and respect tight TV deadlines
• Radio
  • Know local radio reporters, hosts and assignment editors
  • Target drive-time radio
  • Translate your message into sound-bites
  • Place guests and callers on popular local shows
• Internet
  • Look for traditional media online
  • Learn a Web site’s target audience
  • Know how to find and get information to popular community sites  
• Plan A Media Event
  • Wisely pick the day, time and location
  • Take time to advance the location
  • Determine the program and speaker order ahead of time
  • Give the media a heads up
  • Issue a press release on the event