How to Attract the Kind of Media Attention You Really Want! 9 Info Packed Posts!

Attracting Traditional and
Social Media Coverage

Written by Robyn T. Braley

Attracting media coverage for your Rotary club's story requires ... well ... errr ... ummm ... a great story! I can't be any more direct than that.

Once you have the story, you must know how to package and pitch it.

Following are 9 posts that will help you attract mainstream and social media coverage. More than that, these practices, protocols and insider secrets may even help you increase the media coverage of your story or event. 

If you are experienced working with media, you may want to cherry pick posts according to interest. However, if you are a media newby, reading the posts in the order they are listed will help you create a successful media plan for your story. 
  

Pitching a News Story Requires a Well Crafted Media Release. Why? Tips!

The purpose of a release is to capture the attention of media editors, producers, journalists and bloggers. You have seconds to do it. But, there is more! It must also accommodate online distribution. More

Identify More Than One Story Angle and Increase Media Coverage

Written by Robyn T. Braley

It’s about the angle. It doesn't matter how comprehensive and accurate your media contact list is if you don't have the basics of your story pitch down pat.  

Every day the Media is inundated by story possibilities. You need unique, unusual and creative ideas to cut through the clutter. 

An editor, producer, reporter or show host will take 4-5 seconds to decide whether to consider your pitch or to trash it. If you don’t have a strong angle, or hook, the decision will be easy for them. With a quick click your story will be deleted as they move on to the next story idea. 

Combine 'Social' with 'Media' for Greater Impact Around Your Big Event

Written by Robyn T. Braley

This is the last post in our series about how to build a media campaign for Rotary Clubs and other community organizations. In this final article, I wrap up the series with ideas for integrating your own social media campaign into your strategy. This will be a natural transition to our next series about developing a custom social media program for your club.

As a quick review, throughout this series I have used the term media convergence. Social media (SM) is totally integrated with mainstream media.

The Big Day; What You Need to Know to Make Your Media Event the Best it can Be

A media scrum may be part of your event.

Written by Robyn T. Braley

We began our media series by suggesting ideas for story angles that would attract the media. In review, one media draw may be a high profile speaker. Another could be the presentation of a large cheque to a community not-for-profit agency. 

Media might be interested in a story about the  a team from your club that just returned from a developing nation where they personally delivered a small fleet of refurbished ambulances.

Presenting a Citizen of the Year Award to a community leader is a natural. Or, the Rotary clubs in your area may be the host club for your District Conference that has a myriad of interesting keynotes and breakout sessions.

A Play by Play Account

This post shares details of an event produced by the Calgary West Rotary Club. All photos were shot at a Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta leadership forum we hosted. At the time, the club had 80 active members.

Tribute to Dr. Marmie Hess; Rotarian, Humanitarian and Philanthropist

Guest Post Written by Steve Allan*   

Forward

Marmie Hess was a Rotarian. She was  also an Officer of the Order of Canada and a proud Albertan. She received Honorary Doctorates from three Alberta Universities. Most of all, Marmie was a great humanitarian and philanthropist who cared deeply about her community. 

She received many accolades that many close to her weren't even aware of because Marmie didn't talk about them. She was a humble person who thousands simply called friend.

Dr. Marmie Hess

It may seem out of place to find a personal tribute on a blogsite about branding. But Rotary is all about people working together to make a difference. That, in a nutshell, is the heart of the Rotary brand.

This is the story about a lady who lived her life guided by a clear set of values and principles. That was the heart of her personal brand.

She recently died at the age of 100. Steve Allan, the Past District Governor of Rotary District 5360 gave a moving tribute at the celebration of Marmie’s life.

How an Attitude of Service can Impact Your Rotary Media Event

How you treat the media will impact your story

Written by Robyn T. Braley

Part 1 An Attitude of Gratitude 

You have organized a great media event to announce an exciting new program that will benefit the entire community. 

You crafted a killer news release and carefully assembled a media kit packed full of relevant information. 

You’ve contacted the media by email, social media and telephone. You dropped off or mailed media kits that answered all the questions. Spokes-people are on stand-by. 

Now you wait on pins and needles hoping - even praying - journalists will come through the door to cover your event.

Tips for Building a Quality Media List for Your Service Club

Just a few of the stories we've placed

Written by Robyn T. Braley

There are different names for it. Pitching the story. Selling the story. Placing the story or getting media coverage!

Whatever you call it, your goal is to generate media coverage for your cause, event, notable speaker or any other story related to the work of serving your community.