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Community Organisations

Getting to know your local media

Building up a good relationship with your local media is important if you want ongoing coverage for your campaign.

To get started, you should think about the range of local media organisations that are available. Make a list of the prominent newspapers, magazines, radio and local TV channels in your area. Put together a media profile to help you decide which media source to contact, and when, for a particular story or event. This profile should cover:

  • Name of publication or programme
  • Name of news editor
  • The deadline for news stories
  • How they treat news
  • Names of reporters or producers who might be interested in your issue

Once you have identified the appropriate reporters, producers or editors, try to meet them so that you can explain what your organisation is about and tell them what events you have planned. Find out what they are interested in. The naturally requires investment for the long-term benefit of your organisation.

You might even be able to persuade your local newspaper to adopt your campaign. They may run regular stories on the campaign if they feel that local opinion is strongly behind you.