Tell the media what you’re doing and why. Go to them with news about achievements, not plans. You won’t get very far if you try to approach the media with nonessential news without a creative or unique angle.
Stick with the basics, spelling out the who, what, when, where, and why of what you have done. The media deal with unbelievable quantities of information daily, only a small portion of which appears in print or on the air. Don’t add to their burden. If an editor or reporter wants more information, he or she will ask for it.
Be open with the media. You want to be discreet, but give editors, reporters, and others the information they need to tell a complete story. They want to give their audience good information, for that is their chief obligation as members of the press.
Be responsive. When the media ask for information or interviews with you or your management, respond as quickly as you can. Don’t delay unless you have a good reason.
If you don’t get back to an editor or reporter with an answer to a request – usually within several hours – they will probably move on to another source to round out their story.
Worse, they might decide to kill the story, in which case you’ve forfeited an opportunity for coverage. Still worse, your failure to respond might be mentioned in an unfavourable light in any story which they do run. The media move quickly against rigorous deadlines.
Respect that pressure, and most editors and reporters will respond more openly to your inquiries.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
