East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
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Appendix H<br />
Press Conference Guidelines<br />
Hosting A Successful Press Conference<br />
Timing<br />
»»<br />
Pick a time that works <strong>for</strong> TV, newspapers and radio.<br />
»»<br />
If it’s too early in <strong>the</strong> day, reporters will have a hard time getting <strong>the</strong>re. Too late in <strong>the</strong> day and you’ll be pushing<br />
up against deadlines.<br />
»»<br />
Mid-morning to noon is good.<br />
»»<br />
Advanced notice is critical. You’d want to give people a day’s warning, if you can. TV and radio news directors<br />
map out where <strong>the</strong>ir cameras and reporters will be. Give <strong>the</strong>m time to plan.<br />
Location<br />
»»<br />
It should be close to <strong>the</strong> major media players, so <strong>the</strong>y’re not driving half-way across <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
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It should have good visuals, and be well-lit <strong>for</strong> TV. A dark <strong>the</strong>ater is <strong>the</strong> worst choice.<br />
»»<br />
Outdoor locations are sometimes OK, if <strong>the</strong> topic deals with <strong>the</strong> outdoors or <strong>the</strong> environment. But this is risk<br />
Reporters usually want power outlets <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cameras and lights and laptops. Inside is usually best.<br />
Length<br />
»»<br />
Putting toge<strong>the</strong>r a press conference is a huge production and a big pain, so <strong>the</strong>re’s a tendency to want to put on<br />
a big show. Try to avoid six speeches in a row and a PowerPoint slideshow.<br />
»»<br />
Reporters want to hear a little about <strong>the</strong> news, <strong>the</strong>n ask questions. You can skimp on some of <strong>the</strong> production<br />
values and make reporters happy if you get to questions quickly. That’s what reporters want to do: ask questions<br />
and get quotable answers.<br />
Extras<br />
»»<br />
Reporters will want documents, if you’re announcing or explaining anything. Get a rough headcount and make<br />
sure <strong>the</strong>re are enough copies to go around -- and post those documents online <strong>for</strong> reporters and bloggers who<br />
are interested in <strong>the</strong> press conference but couldn’t make <strong>the</strong> trip.<br />
»»<br />
Have somebody post updates during <strong>the</strong> press conference to your Twitter feed or Facebook page.<br />
»»<br />
Inviting <strong>the</strong> media to a press conference means <strong>the</strong>y’ll be shooting video and recording audio. Give <strong>the</strong>m good<br />
shots and good sound clips. Is <strong>the</strong>re a person, an image or a single sentence that sums up what you’re trying to<br />
say Put that to use.<br />
Practice<br />
»»<br />
Make a list of likely questions. What will your answers be<br />
»»<br />
Also, do a rough walk-through of <strong>the</strong> press conference. Who talks first What happens next Who’s going to<br />
MC And who’s <strong>the</strong> best person to tackle certain issues or questions<br />
Adapted from Bergstrom, Guy. “Preparing For A Successful Press Conference.” Marketing – In<strong>for</strong>mation and Advice on Marketing Strategy, Marketing Plans,<br />
and Marketing Careers and Jobs. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013. .<br />
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