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Working with the media.

Ten Handy Tips For Better Press Releases:

1. Date your press release.

2. Be sure to include the name and phone number (email address, too) of the individual from whom the media can obtain information on the subject of the release. Be consistent - a name that becomes recognized as an individual upon whom the reporter can relay is a valuable asset and boots the chances of your release getting in the papers.

3. Title your release. Use headlines! Newspapermen call this a slug.  A slug captures the thrust of your release. Everything that follows should tie in directly.

4. Expand your slug in the first paragraph (or, better yet, first sentence) by quickly answering the questions: Who? Why? How? and When?  Be concise and to the point, avoid unnecessary verbiage.

5. Continue your release with a body and conclusion that are tightly constructed and in a logical order. Remember this handy rule: "Never use a descriptive or flowery adjective unless it is in a quote."

6. Re. quotes: Do not be afraid to use them.  At the same time, be wary of comments that do not pertain, which wander from the subject.

7. Double space the text of your press release.  Media people will not read something that is unreadable.  That also means to type all releases if possible.

8. Do not play favorites with releases. Give one to every outlet; print, TV station, radio, cable, public radio and public access TV station in your local area.  Even if they are circulated outside your district, people outside your district do influence people inside your district.

9. Aim for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday release time!  Issue the release as promptly as possible. Remember that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays are relatively slow news days. If your release is in before the deadline on these days you stand a much better chance of getting it before the public.

10. Clip and save all your newspaper articles.  If possible, record radio and TV news reports.

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 Dedicated to helping you build a better precinct!