Meet the Press – and Make the Most of it A primer for getting great publicity for your program – without spending a dime

Today’s media landscape

How today’s media landscape can benefit your organization Fewer reporters trying to fill the same space More ways to get your message across Cheaper technology

How to build relationships with the media Meet as many reporters, editors etc. as possible Make editorial visits if appropriate Become a local expert

Give the media what they want & what they need Think like a reporter Find the hook/angle Understand the difference between reporters and editors Pay attention to the local, state and national news agenda around hunger

Differing needs of different media Newspapers Television Radio Online

Steps for presenting your story Find the hook Consider opposing views Discuss with partners Choose direct approach/general press release Write out clearly with salient facts Send to media Follow-up call

Prepping for an interview Ask for time to think but be aware of deadlines Consider the audience, opponents’ views Sum up your message in a sentence Have 3 or 4 supporting points

Tips for appearing on radio Remove noisy jewelry Energy! Smile! Speak at a normal, conversational pace Speak in full sentences Keep answers to seconds Don’t use phrases such as “as I said earlier” Make sure you interact with other guests

Tips for appearing on television: dress Avoid clashing with the set Top-half clothing is more important Avoid small repetitive prints Plain, matte fabrics (in bright or jewel colors) Jackets look professional and give a clean outline Avoid noisy jewelry

Tips for appearing on television Don’t sway or move about constantly Sit up straight Try to sit or stand at an angle to the camera Keep hair off your face Gesture a little Make eye contact with whomever/whatever you’re told to look at

Questions to be ready for Some tricky questions you may be faced with – here’s how to answer them well…

Criticisms of ASMSPs & Summer Food ???

Other Tricky Questions Questions you don’t know the answer to Questions asking you to speculate Questions asking you to express a personal opinion Questions with an obvious, but uncomfortable, answer Questions designed to provoke conflict The same question, repeated

Where else can publicity be obtained? Your own social media Local social media pages Local blogs Corporate newsletters Public Service Announcements/Local listings Media partnerships Google AdWords