Presentation at OEC's Legislative Summit 2012. By Melissa Harrison. Have you ever spent hours working on the perfect earned media event only to be disappointed because you didn’t get any coverage out of it? Are you wondering what it even takes to hold an earned media event? Then join, “Relationships Matter: How to Get Covered by the Media.” This session will include basic info for beginners and in-depth conversation for the more experienced communicators. Lengthy Q&A will be offered.

1. Relationships Matter:
How to Get Covered
by the Media

2. What you will take away:
 How to set up earned media events, press advisories, press releases and
make pitch calls.
 Why lasting relationships with reporters are important to getting your
stories told.
 How to use social media to extend the reach of your stories.

3. Where Do I Even Begin?
 Who, what, where, when, why and how.
 Writing a press advisory.
 Writing a press release.
 Earned media event check list.
 How to make a pitch call.

4. The 5 W’s and the H
 Who
 What
 Where
 When
 Why
 How

5. Press Advisory

6. Press Release

7. Be Like Santa-Check Your List Twice
 Location needs
 Speaker needs
 Backdrop/graphics/podium sign
 Duct tape, tide to go pen, floss

8. Ummm….Will You Please Cover My Event?
 Know your reporters.
 Know your subject.
 Know your angle.
 Offer follow-up.

9. Why Relationships Matter
 How do I get to know reporters?
 Can I trust the media?
 What if I get bad press?
 How do I expand my story beyond traditional media?

10. Twitterface?
 Social media is our friend.
 We must engage now or be left behind.
 Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Text Messaging, Websites.