How to contact the media
Media outreach is a powerful way to amplify your message, raise awareness about recovery issues, and promote YPR events or campaigns. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively contact local and regional media outlets.
1. Identify Your Media Targets
Before contacting the media, decide who you want to reach and which media outlets are best for your story.
– Local Newspapers: Perfect for community-based stories like recovery events or local advocacy efforts.
– Local TV & Radio Stations: Great for interviews, event coverage, or broader public interest stories.
– Online News Outlets: Blogs or local online publications often look for community stories.
– Specialized Outlets: Recovery-focused websites, health publications, or advocacy platforms may want to cover your work.
– Look for Journalists who cover health, recovery, social issues, or community events.
– Facebook: Many local newspapers have active Facebook pages. Try searching for “[City/State] news” or “[City] newspaper” in Facebook’s search bar.
– Twitter: Journalists and newspapers often have Twitter profiles where they share breaking news and engage with local audiences. Search for your city or state plus the word “news” or “paper.”
– Ask other local nonprofits: advocacy groups, or community organizations which newspapers they contact for media coverage. They may have existing relationships with local outlets that you can use as a reference.
– Chambers of Commerce or Local Business Organizations Many Chambers of Commerce keep lists of media outlets that serve the community. They may have a media directory available for members or the public.
– Contact Nearby Universities or Colleges Student Newspapers: Many colleges and universities publish their own newspapers, which often cover local events and issues. These publications can be a good way to reach younger audiences or people connected to recovery work on campus.
2. What to Do Once You’ve Found Local Newspapers
Look for the “Contact Us” or “Newsroom” page. It usually contains email addresses or phone numbers for editors and journalists.
Find the right journalist to pitch your story to. Many websites will have sections like “Health” or “Community,” where you can find relevant reporters.
If you can’t find a specific journalist, send your media pitch to the general newsroom email.
3. Don’t just reach out to the media when you need something
Build a relationship. Share updates on your chapter’s work, thank them for their coverage, and engage with them on social media. The stronger the relationship, the more likely they are to cover future YPR stories.
4. Leverage Social Media
While reaching out to traditional media is important, social media can be an effective way to catch the attention of journalists and local news outlets.
When sharing updates about your event or initiative on Twitter or Facebook, tag local reporters and media outlets.
Incorporate popular hashtags like #RecoveryMonth, #MentalHealthMatters, or #YPR to boost your visibility.
Post photos or videos related to your event or initiative to make your posts more engaging.
Final tips
– Always customize your media outreach to the outlet and journalist by editing the email template provided on the team portal.
– Be clear and concise. Journalists are busy and often on tight deadlines.
– Stay persistent but polite. Follow up, but don’t bombard reporters with multiple emails or calls.