2016 Holiday Tool Kit

eporters covering city news, special events, business news, local
personalities, etc,
• Use tact. When you call an editor or reporter, the first thing you should
ask is if he / she is too busy to talk. If so, offer to call back at a more
convenient time.
• Get to the point. Introduce yourself and give them a quick run down on
your holiday program. Then ask if you can email or fax more information.
(Be sure to ask for the correct spelling of the person’s first and last name
and the email address or fax number he / she would like you to use.)
• Be careful about calling them back to see that they received your info.
This is a pet peeve of many reporters. Once they know about your story,
they’ll let you know if they’re interested in covering it. Oftentimes, they
don’t know until the day of the event whether or not they’ll cover it.
Breaking news always takes precedence. On the day of your event, it’s
okay to call to see if you’re on the list of things they plan to cover that day.
• Know what you’re talking about. Have all the information you need at
your fingertips. Editors/reporters will want to know who, what, where,
when, why and how.
• Be prepared. If media outlets come to cover your story, have some
information for them. There’s no guarantee that the editor or reporter you
spoke with is the one coming to cover your story; and there’s no
guarantee that the editor or reporter you spoke with passed the
information along.
• Thank them for their time. If they do come, take the time to send them a
quick thank you note.
4f. Media Etiquette