1
RAISON
DÕETRE
Be
certain you have an announcement that is newsworthy and let the media
know why
it is.
2
The Announcements
Write
a press release with as much detailed information in it as possible:
time,
location, speakers, and why this event is important in the life of the
community.
Follow
up the sending of the release by phone
and/or e-mail to the invited media.
Make
reminder contacts the day of the press conference or, if the event will
be
first thing in the morning, by mid-afternoon the day before.
3
LOGISTICS
If
you've got the space, or the actual news is happening at your site,
hold the
conference there.
Details:
Make
certain there is:
enough
space for cameras and reporters.
enough
chairs or standing room.
adequate
lighting.
adequate
electrical hook-up.
Most
press conferences take place in the morning. That way, reporters have
time to prepare
and file their stories. Additionally, that timeframe opens the door for
coverage on noon and evening news broadcasts. Avoid holding your
conference at
a time of day or on a date when other things are going on.
Determine who speaks and encourage them to be concise and precise; the
media
will only allow a certain amount of time for this. Rehearsing the event
is not
a bad idea.
Determine
the best place to position speakers, props, banners, etc. to take
advantage of
the light and best possible backgrounds for photography.
Set
up an audio system with adequate broadcast range so that everyone can
hear the
speakers. Make certain extension cords are taped down to prevent people
stumbling on them. Use the correct type of microphone and, if outside
especially, use foam covers on the microphones to cut down on ambient
wind
noise.
It
is really helpful to have a prepared statement or additional
information in
print form, with all names, titles, contact information, and pertinent
information. Assign someone to distribute this to the media when they
arrive so
they have something concrete for details. Also include a copy of your
original
press release. And put a media kit from your congregation in all of
this, as
well. It should contain information on your congregation, Unitarian
Universalism, and the whys and wherefores of the role of your
congregation in
spearheading this event.
Keep
track of which media show up and who they send. Ask for their cards, or
get
their name, title, and the media they represent.
4
Follow-up
Be
certain to write thank you notes to the media who turned out for the
event.
CMI/CAUUC 1-08