| Ways to develop relationships with education reporters |
6/7/04 9:24 AM |
Author:
Lisa O'Brien
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Michelle raises an important question. There are some general guidelines, but I'd also strongly suggest talking with a media relations professional in your community to get targeted advice.
Ideally, charter schools have an individual identified as the spokesperson or public information contact. That person should regularly issue news releases and invite the media to school events. Newspapers usually assign a "beat" reporter, but you'll find that television and radio reporters are most often generalists with a lot less knowledge about charter schools.
Keeping the message simple is important, obviously. You may also find it beneficial to have some background conversations with the reporters to make sure they have enough of an understanding of what you're all about.
When doing an interview, prepare (and practice) your key messages ahead of time (keeping them simple). And remember that reporters can only report on what you say -- so say what you want to read in the paper or see on television. There are a number of guidelines that we'll be sharing on each of the mediums at the conference next week, but I'd recommend a media training session for the individual(s) responsible for communicating with reporters. Is there a chance that someone on your charter school board has that experience?
Posted as a reply to:
Cultivating Relationships with Education Reporters by Michelle Godard Terrell 
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