Tips for Using the Media
When having an anti-veal event, it is important to get your message to the media in order to communicate with people all over your city, county, state, or even nation. There are many different kinds of media one can use: print media such as newspaper and magazine stories, and letters to the editor. There is also broadcast media such as television and radio news stories and public service announcements (PSAs), etc.
Calendar of events
• Local print and broadcast media list upcoming events. To get your event published, contact the calendar editor of your local paper(s) and stations(s) and give them the information: time, place, date, etc. two weeks before event.
Send the media a press release (see sample)
• Send 1-2 days before the event and the morning of your event
• Hand deliver, fax, or e-mail to local papers, radio, and tv stations. Call ahead to get the names of appropriate editors and/or reporters.
Letter to the editor (see sample)
• Write and send either in conjunction with the event, or at another time. Linking to local or timely events will increase likelihood of publishing.
• Mail, fax or e-mail to the editor
• Format: Typed and double spaced. Typically a 300 word maximum. The shorter the better. Also, e-mail letters are being accepted with increasing frequency.
• If published, please send a copy to Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Follow-up calls
• All media communications should be confirmed by a follow-up call. Ask the reporter if they received your fax or email and if they will be covering the event. Sell them on the event (make it sound like a good story) If the event gets coverage, thank the reporter. Obtain a copy of the article, and please send one to Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
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