 Generating Media Interest
There are several easy steps you can take to generate media interest
in your American Pharmacist Month celebration. Start be reading the
publications you would like to cover your story and by watching and
listening to radio and TV newscasts. Become familiar with the
different types of stories they cover and their target audiences. Don't
limit your investigation or contacts to the health reporter. For
example, you might discover that your story would be more appropriate
for the metro, business, or style sections of a newspaper.
For more detailed information on how to publicize your APhM
celebration, read Public
Relations for Pharmicists by Tina Pugliese, available in the
APhA Bookstore.
Checklist for Success
Advise the media of your event well in advance. Send a pitch
letter to the most appropriate contacts on your media list about 45 days
before the event. Prepare and send a media advisory by fax or email the day
before or the morning of the event. Include the who, what, when, where,
how and why. A follow-up phone call can help increase interest and
attendance. Prepare a press release featuring greater detail- especially
the why. The release should provide enough information to help reporters
write their stories. Assemble media kits to distribute at the event and be sure to
include the press release and information about your practice site and
the services it provides, along with photos and other
graphics. Immediately after the event distribute the release to members
of the media who were unable to attend. Monitor the media for stories about your event. Send a
thank-you note (or make a thank-you call) to reporters who covered
it. Keep copies of the press clippings to include in future media
kits.
Sample Public Relations Templates
News Release - A news release
is used to introduce yourself to an editor or producer, to suggest
ideas for feature stories or editorials or to obtain coverage for
special events and news conferences. Media Advisory - A media
advisory or alert is use to draw attention to an event that you want the
media to attend. Unlike news releases, media advisories should not
provide all of the details about the event- only enough information to
entice reporters to attend. Media Pitch Letter - A pitch
letter is used to introduce yourself to an editor or producer, to
suggest ideas for feature stories or editorials or to obtain coverage
for special events and news conferences.
|
