COMM 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Relate, Media Queries, Five Ws
Document Summary
70% of us adults follow local news. More effectively reach the public and get them involved. You should know the relevant media/contacts in your area. Read everything: part of your daily environmental scanning. Journalists wear multiple hats: write stories, blog, tweet, monitor online comments. Not many have a beat anymore, they must be generalists. Must follow more channels to get story ideas and information. More channels means they get pitched more often. Get to know your most important publics and what media they read/listen/pay attention to. Know the reach and frequency of local and national media in your area. Talk to them at professional gatherings, get to know them. When you have an important story, send a news release or media alert and follow up with a phone call. Understand what the print or broadcast media audience expects: are they older/younger, liberal/conservative, etc, learn the specifications each media outlet has for content (length, style, content, form)