How to Invite the Media to a Picket

Picketing is one of the ways we exercise our freedom of speech. Whether or not that right is repressed, the reason for the picket can still be a story to which you can invite the media. While media representatives may not always jump on the chance to cover a picket, here are some ideas to help you get them interested.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the substance of the issue being protested, then determine how concentrated and substantial will be your response to that issue. The more concentrated your response, the more story there is for the media to work with.
2. Prepare a complete, concise way of articulating the position of those sponsoring the picket. The media representatives will ask you specific questions about your take on the issue, and you want to be able to respond with solid, bold, committed answers.
3. Compose a succinct invitation letter (sometimes called a "media release") which you will send to all the media outlets that you would like to invite to the picket. Be respectful and courteous, and focus your request for their participation around the substance of the issue being protested, so that the reporters involved will have a clear idea of how the event can be made into a story.
4. Make use of the blogging technology. If you don't have your own blog yet, start one by doing a browser search for "blogs," and signing up with a service that does what you need it to do. You can get the word out to a larger population through such online technology.
5. Call the editor-in-chief of the local newspaper and the managing director of the local news studio, if necessary. If you get no reply to your letter, it doesn't mean that the media won't cover the event; by using the phone, you demonstrate your sincerity and your drive to have this event covered.
6. Convince the print and electronic media outlets that the issue you represent is important to everyone in the community. If reporters and newscasters realize that the issue is truly affecting a majority of the community members, they will act to bring the story to the public.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any story of any kind, the more you "talk it up," the better your chances of getting the media--and the public--to take notice of what you are trying to say.