You can increase awareness of Girl
Scouts, which helps all of us, by asking your local newspaper to cover your
events. Here are some tips:
Be selective!
Although we are full of enthusiasm about our activities, to an editor not
everything we do would be considered “news-worthy.” Contact them only for your
best events — ones that truly demonstrate what Girl Scouting means to the girls
and the community.
For photo coverage,
choose events that show action and have human interest. Editors want something
that will appeal to all their readers and depict some type of action. If it’s a
good “visual” the paper may send a photographer out.
Timing is important!
Give the newspaper at least one week’s notice of your event. If you have an
event that you want included on a calendar in the paper, allow at least two
weeks.
Target the appropriate
editor. If your event is a photo
opportunity and you’re primarily interested in photo coverage, send it to the
photo editor. If you think you have a good story, send it to the community,
local or lifestyles editor. If he/she is not going to do a story but sees a
photo opportunity, he/she will pass it on to the photo editor.
Give all the information,
including the best time to take a photo at the event. Include your name and
number as contact in case they have questions.
Be prepared to respond
to media questions if someone does cover the event. Plan to briefly discuss how
the girls (and perhaps the community) are benefiting from the activity. Include
general information about the Girl Scout program relevant to your event, to give
the reporter background for her/his story.
There is no guarantee
that you will get media coverage when you request it. There are many things
going on at any given time, and editors must choose among many worthy news
items. They genuinely want good stories and photos, and appreciate your
contacting them, so just keep trying!