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  1. Contact CUPE Communications.

  2. Use news conferences for important news only (e.g., launch of a major campaign).

  3. Schedule it to best attract your local news media (e.g. Monday mornings are often busy, Friday afternoons or weekends get poor reporter attendance. Usually 10-10:30 is the best starting time).

  4. Avoid other major news events that compete for reporters attention.

  5. Notify media in advance (beginning of week, sending a reminder the day before).

  6. Include contact name and phone numbers where you can be reached.

  7. Pick a convenient location, one that relates to the story.

  8. Make sure the room is big enough. Cameras need space.

  9. Ensure there are electrical outlets for media.

  10. Use visual material as props and backdrops for speakers.

  11. Provide reporters with a copy of the release, fact sheet, short biographies of speakers, etc.

  12. Have someone chair, introduce speakers.

  13. Refreshments (coffee, tea, juices) are nice but not essential.

  14. Keep it short, no more than 30 minutes. Leave lots of room for questions.

  15. Be prepared. Practise and coach your speakers beforehand. Identify potential questions and answers.

  16. Use members or service users who have been directly affected.

Media contacts

News conferences arent the only way to reach the media directly.You can try:

  • Background briefings

  • Media scrums

  • Photo opportunity

  • One-on-one interviews

  • Guest or caller on talk shows

  • Meetings with editorial board

  • Letters to the editor

  • Commentaries

  • Phone in to listener talk-back lines

  • E-mail or web-based news chat lines