Spreading your MessagePress Skills 101

By: Amani Channel

Media Matters

24hrs

Feed the Beast

A Day in the Life….• Scan the headlines• Make beat calls• Morning meeting 8:30am• Assigned Story• Set up shoot/head to location/ENG (electronic news

gathering)• News at Noon• Continue ENG• Write/Voice/Edit• 5pm/6pm news

What Makes News?

• New information/Good stories• Proximity• Visuals• Unusual• Celebrity• Political Significance• Crime/Violence/War• Controversy/Scandal• Good Will/Service

Get Covered

• Expert interview• Eye witness/MOS• Involved with the story• Media covers your pitch

Pitching the Media

• Research outlets• Build relationships• Have a well thought out pitch or story• Build a pitch list • Craft a press release/media alert• Pitch: Phone, email, in person

Journalists vs PR

• Journos want the story• PR wants the messaging/mention• Journos ask the questions• PR keeps to talking points• Journos want the truth• PR wants their truth

When the Media Calls

• Be available• Look/Dress professional• Expect to be asked anything• Speak in sound bites (broadcast)

When Controversy Strikes

• Don’t duck the media• Don’t say no comment• Consult with legal counsel/written statement• Self produce statement/YouTube

How to Connect

• Atlanta Press Club• Atlanta Association of Black Journalists• Society of Professional Journalists• Public Relations Society of America (GA Chapter)

Remember

• Reporters are always looking for good stories• Be helpful• Understand the game• Visual/Compelling/Interesting stories get covered• Relationships are key

Thanks NLC Atlanta!!

Amani Channel

www.visualeyemedia.com

www.webvideochefs.com

(404) 213-2121