Accessing the media is easier than most people realize. The most important thing is that you do something. If you haven’t worked with your local media now is the time to begin. The following is a list of suggestions on how to get the Declaration of Peace into your local media.
Write a Letter to the Editor - Call your local newspaper first; ask for the editor in charge of the letters to the editor section and inquire what the guidelines are for submitting a letter. If your letter does not appear in a few weeks it is appropriate to call to make sure they received it. At that time you can ask if they intend to run it. The editorial page is highly read.
Submit an Op-ed - Call your local newspaper and ask for the editor in charge of the op-ed section. Ask what the guidelines are and what they look for in an op-ed piece. It helps to have some expertise in the issue or first hand experience.
Arrange an Editorial Board Meeting - An editorial board meeting is simply a meeting with the editors who write editorials. Call up your paper and contact the person who is in charge of arranging editorial board meetings. If they agree to meet with you send them a brief packet of material in advance of the meeting and be prepared to present your position.
Radio & TV Talk Shows - Many stations have talk show programs. If you are not familiar with them call and ask what topics are covered. If you find a show that sounds like it might cover your issue you ultimately need to speak to the producer to make your “pitch.” Don’t be intimated. The producers are always looking for interesting material.
Send Out a Press Release - A press release is simply an announcement of some event or activity. It is designed to inform the media of something that is happening that is news worthy. Your participation in the Declaration of Peace are potential news stories.
Ideally, you send the release to a specific reporter. If you do not know the name of the reporter send it to Att. Assignment Editor for radio and TV stations, and Att. Metro Desk Editor for newspapers.
Depending how you cast your release you might also want to send it to a religion editor if there is a social justice angle or involvement with a local religious denomination. If there is a reporter who covers Iraq related news stories for your paper send a release to them.
If you are trying to get TV coverage or a photo think visually. Maybe you will kick off your Declaration of Peace activities with a ceremony at a church or a local community center where you can have a “send off” for people going to Washington, DC for the Week of Action.
It is absolutely necessary to follow up every release with a phone call to make sure they received it and see if they have any questions.
It is not under your control whether the media will cover your story. What you do control is whether you will make the effort to contact them. It is critical that you “pick up the phone.”
If you have questions or concerns please use us as a resource — we want you to succeed.