Tips on Working with Media
As summer approaches and events and festivals come in to bloom with the warm weather, the importance of timely media coverage is at its peak. Take these tips into consideration as you plan your summer and as you promote the coverage of your upcoming events.
“So you want to get your event covered or have your story told to the public. But how do you go about it? What will make the media want to cover you or your event? It's all in the marketing.
The media will cover just about any event if there's a good hook to it. Hooks are the things that attract the media to cover a story. News media look for interesting hooks, such as famous or important people, an odd or colorful occasion or a timely event. If the story involves certain people, places or things, it can be newsworthy. Even if your story doesn't directly seem to have that newsworthy quality, you can try to pitch the story in a way so that it seems more newsworthy.”
This article emphasizes the importance of the “five W's” – who, what, where, when, and why.
“Who - Make sure you tell the media who will be at your event; who is sponsoring your event and who your event benefits” The ‘who’ is important as it is so intertwined with the ‘why’. The ‘who’ promotes the purpose and provides the interest that will get people to participate.
“What - Tell the media all what they can expect if they choose to cover your story...And what would the media miss-out on if they don’t cover it? Make sure they are aware of what will be happening” Details are what draw the public in. If people can visualize something and anticipate it being a fun or exciting thing to do, they won’t forget it and they won’t want to miss out on it.
“Where - Be as specific as possible”, and “When—Include details of what time and what place your event/story will happen” Obviously, giving correct directions to an event and promoting the correct time that an event will take place is important. If you advertise the correct place and time, people will probably come to the right place and at the right time! It’s so easy!
“Why - What is the purpose of your story?” In many cases, the purpose of your event will simply be to have the public come out and enjoy the summer and to promote your product in a special environment. However, an event may be in aid of something bigger like a grand opening, a reveal of a new product, or a celebration of an anniversary. In these cases, make it clear that it is a special event. People love to celebrate!”
Source: Publicity Tips: How to get media coverage. Written by Kristen Sullivan
http://www.essortment.com/all/howtogetmedia_rmuw.htm. 2002.
PacMedia is pleased to announce that Chris Wood has been appointed to the position of Director, Media Sales. Chris replaces Kelly Phillips, who held the position since 2006 and has left to pursue other opportunities. PacMedia is a division of West 2 Design and is responsible for advertising sales in all Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism and British Columbia Lodging & Campground Association publications. In his new role, Chris will look to create new representation agreements with other publications. His first project? The highly anticipated, redesigned, and completely renewed VCM Travel Guide – stay tuned for the media kit to land in your inboxes next week!