Things You'll Need:
- Phone
- Computer
- An event of interest
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Step 1
Make a list of the media in your area that you wish to include. Gather their addresses, editors' names and phone numbers. Include area newspapers, radio stations and television stations. Don't forget about small weekly newspapers - they are often hungry for good human interest stories.
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Step 2
Spend some time thinking about your event, the ways it teaches children about the life of Martin Luther King, and the most important point of the event.
For example, if your organization is sponsoring an essay contest, what do you feel is more important: that 250 children entered the contest, the top three entries, or perhaps a touching human interest story by one of the essay writers? Maybe the most important point is that the winner will earn a scholarship. -
Step 3
Next, think in terms of visuals for television news crews. They need something that will be interesting to look at. A group of judges pouring over a stack of essays is not likely to be that interesting, but perhaps the top three essay writers will receive certificates at an awards luncheon. Involving a local celebrity or politician - possibly to hand out the awards - could be a way to increase media interest.
An event may seem a bit drab at first thought, but with a little creativity, you can find a way to spice it up and make it more interesting. -
Step 4
Develop your press releases. You need a headline that will grab attention.
Which of the following is more likely to interest you?
Local third graders take part in MLK Day essay contest
or
Students to mark MLK Day with contest and visit from (local celeb) -
Step 5
After you've come up with an interesting headline, write your press release. Remember to answer the questions: who, what, when, where and why. The style of a press release is less important than the content. You want to tell the media what's happening, when and where, why it's important and the people involved.
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Step 6
Put your contact information at the top of the press release, followed by your headline, then the body of the release. Mail these to media outlets one to two weeks in advance of the event.
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Step 7
Follow up with a phone call to the editor, asking if there is any additional information you can provide.
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Step 8
After the event, send a follow-up note to each reporter who attended and thank him/her for taking the time to cover your event. This will help you establish relationships with media for future events.
