The media always want a good local story, or a local angle on a national story.

1. Identify Local Media Outlets and Contacts

• Newspapers - depending on the size of your newspaper, they may have reporters that cover religious or environmental stories (probably not the same person). A staff person dedicated to either of these two areas would be a great place to start.
  
• Radio
  
• Television

2. "Pitch" Your Story

• Best time to call is early in the day
  
• Respect the journalists' time crunch and pitch your story as succinctly as possible
  
• Practice your pitch before picking up the phone. Click here to see an example of a news pitch
  
• Consider writing a news release so that you have some written information to send a reporter that is interested in your story
  
• Follow up with anyone who shows interest in your story. Oftentimes you will have to repeat information or send your news release a second time - if this is the case call again immediately to confirm that it was received.
  
• Don't get discouraged by rejection! Just keep trying!

3. Be Prepared to Give an Interview

• Practice answering questions in advance
  
• Keep it simple and interesting
  
• Stick to one or two central points
  
• Speak slowly and give brief answers
  
• Refer to concrete examples, personal experience, and clear images
  
• Realize that it's OK to be nervous
  
• If you don't have an answer for a question, just say so and try to track one down later

4. Maintain a Relationship with the Reporter

• Thank her for covering your event
  
• Let her know the next time your congregation is doing something newsworthy
  
• Encourage members of your congregation to write Letters to the Editor in response to the story

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The Poverty Initiative is part of the Justice and Advocacy Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
Your comments and suggestions are welcomed: info@nccendpoverty.org / Phone 202-544-2350 ext. 27/ Fax: 202-488-5639

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