Creating a Successful Media Relations Strategy

• Overview

Be comfortable with the media.

Learn practical and proven media relation strategies and methods to protect your community. In an age of social media and a 24-hour news cycle, failing to pay attention to media relations can be a costly error. Even small town communities and the public officials that lead those communities must be prepared for potential high profile crisis situations and challenges, and the barrage of media coverage that will often ensue. The only way to survive is through strategic communications planning and preparation. This topic will help you understand the social media and never off media context in which we live and how media relations can tie directly in with legal and even government relations challenges. You will learn the essential elements to being prepared, including: developing key messages for your organization, creating core media materials, understanding the role of new media in your preparations, the value of developing media relationships, and the many forms of media outreach available.

Authors

Agenda

The Importance of Understanding the Media

• The 24-Hour News Cycle

• Telling Your Side of the Story

• Protecting Your Community/Agency/Public Official's Reputation

• Practice Makes Perfect

The Policy - Communications Nexus

• Explaining Complex Issues

• Driving Your Story

• Supporting Your Key Policy Allies

Mechanics of the Game

• Having a Plan to Build on

• Creating Winning Messages

• Materials That Can Deliver With Impact

• Relationship Building With the Media

• The Increasing Power of Social Media

• Avoiding the Common Pitfalls