Municipal Clerk Treasurers Institute March 18, 2015 Reba Hull - - PDF document

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Municipal Clerk Treasurers Institute

March 18, 2015

Reba Hull Campbell Deputy Executive Director Municipal Association of SC

Getting an A in media coverage

• Ability to recognize a good story

– Local angles to national stories – Third party endorsement

• Acquaintance with area media

– Contact when you don’t need something – Familiarity with reporters and their interests

• Anticipate needs

– Understand deadlines – Visual appeal of events

• Attention to detail

– Keep style simple – Write like a reporter

• Accuracy counts

– Double check spelling, phone #s, email addresses, websites

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• Appearance counts

– Consistent style – Easy to read font

• Availability

– Contact name, cell #, email address – Voice mail contact info

• Attribution source

– Identify spokesperson in advance

• Assume nothing

– Nothing is “off the record” – Competition for news stories

• Appreciate efforts

– Thank you note

Tools for the Media Relations Jungle

• Relationships
• Letters to the

editor/editorials

• Social Media
• Broadcast

interviews

• Press

releases/media advisories

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Tips for Surviving in the Media Jungle

• Making a good

case

• Clear writing
• Crisis planning
• Strategy

Questions?

Reba Hull Campbell Deputy Executive Director Municipal Association of SC 803.933.1245 rcampbell@masc.sc @MuniAssnSC