Here are 8 tips for getting television, radio and newspaper attention.
By Julie Saetre
You can do a lot to promote your club online, but don’t neglect traditional media such as television, radio and newspapers (both print and digital versions). These longstanding outlets offer powerful ways to communicate what your club is doing — and why others should join. These tips can help get your message out there:
- Choose the right stories. A speaker at one of your meetings probably won’t catch the media’s attention. But a fundraiser for children or a service project where club members will be giving items to children in need has a better chance of getting airtime or publication.
- Pick three key messages about a club event. It’s enough information to support why the event will make a good media story, but not enough to overwhelm the reporters you are contacting.
- Write a media release. For a service project or other club activity, the document should include who you are, what you will be doing, why you will be doing it and where and when it will be. We provide a free media template in our online PR Tips & Tools Guide. When your release is finished, ask another club member, friend or colleague to review it for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Focus on the beneficiary. When writing your release, your club’s name doesn’t need to be in the first sentence. Who you’ll be helping should be up front.
- Identify a spokesperson. Choose someone who is comfortable delivering messages to be your club’s media contact and representing your club in media interviews.
- Identify contacts. Look for reporters who cover children’s issues, philanthropy, education or service. Media websites usually include information about each reporter and what areas they cover.
- Send your media release via email. Reporters’ email addresses are usually included with their online information. If not, call the outlet and ask for the news desk (for print publications) or assignment editor (for television and radio). Copy the media release into the body of your email. Don’t send it as an attachment.
- Provide your club’s links. Include your club’s website and social media pages and make sure those links are up to date.
These are just a few of the ways Kiwanis International can help your club communicate with the community. For more tips and resources you can use at any time, check in at our branding and marketing webpage on our website.