or, How Come They Always Get the Good Press?
Ever wonder why some organizations in your community seem to get all of the media attention?
You know what we mean — stories in the paper, spots on the evening news, radio interviews. Is it because they’re lucky? No — it’s because they have a connection to the media. And guess what? Your chapter can have one, too!
A press release is a one-page document that fills reporters in on what’s going on with local organizations. Press releases should always contain the following: chapter contact person, headline, city of event and all relevant details. A release may also contain a quote from your chapter president or an invitation to the media to attend your event. The idea is to pique the media’s interest enough to run a story, so be sure to include the “why” — why would readers/viewers/listeners care?
You can send press releases via e-mail to a reporter (this is often the preferred method) or by fax. We don’t recommend sending press releases by snail mail, because information that arrives that way may be viewed as less timely. Be sure to find out what the publication deadlines are for the newspapers in your area so that you send press releases with enough advance notice.