Below are a few tips to help create interest from your local media.

Use the resources already available to your organisation

You could prepare a short report explaining what your Compact has done over the past year and what this has this meant to your organisation. Identify a knowledgeable spokesperson within your organisation to speak on Compact matters.

Make sure it is relevant and exciting

Local media want to know about local issues. Talk about local people and the effect that the Compact has on the local community. The golden rule for dealing with all media is that it must be newsworthy. If possible, it must be unusual, surprising, or impressive, or if at all possible, all three together.

For example:

• Launch of a new Local Compact Code
• An important service for the local community has been developed in partnership
• Public sector and voluntary groups work together to consult local residents

Key messages

Agree on a maximum of three key messages you want to highlight and make sure you include them in your press release / interview / phone call.

For example:

• The Compact makes a difference, producing improved outcomes for both individuals and communities.
• This is what the Compact means and how it relates to your job.
• What are the benefits of the Compact?
• What’s in it for you?
• Use the Compact.
• Here are some practical, tangible steps you can take.
• The Compact is a valuable tool and has credibility.

Collaboration

If you have worked with your local public body to resolve a case or developed positive relationships, why not work with their media team on a joint press release?

Use case studies

Do you have any stories about how you, or another organisation, have managed to overcome obstacles by using your Compact? If so, tell your local media about it. You could invite them to come down to your organisation to see the valuable work that is going on for themselves.

Events

Publicise your event by sending out a press release detailing its purpose and aims. Ensure it is featured in any events’ diaries on local news websites. Invite local media to attend in person but make sure you let all parties know that media will be present, and you make clear to the journalist what topics will be discussed and who will be available for interview.

Photographs

These can make all the difference to gaining coverage. A story is more likely to be printed if it is accompanied by a good picture. If you have an interesting picture that demonstrates what your organisation does, or tells the story of how you have been using your Compact, make sure you send it to your local paper.

Get to know journalists

You will probably know your local media, just by living in the area. If you don’t, please contact the communications team at the Commission who will be able to send you a list of contacts.

Find out deadlines

There’s no point contacting the media after their deadline has passed. Contact your local media well in advance of Compact Week and find out what their deadlines are. Send them information, press releases and / or photographs in line with their copy deadlines.

You don’t have to send a press release

Although in the past, press releases were the method for dealing with the media, this is not the case anymore. It is always a good idea to pick up the phone and speak to journalists. Make sure you have a clear idea of what your story is (ideally in one sentence). You should also be able to provide some follow up information, which could be in the form of a document, or e-mail, or by allowing them to attend an event.

Online media

It’s easy to focus on traditional print media but there are a multitude of opportunities to generate coverage online. Use blogs, forums and Twitter to publicise your events and activities. Submit press releases to Community Newswire (www.communitynewswire.press.net/ - a free online service to help charities and voluntary organisations gain valuable news coverage).

Remember to let the editorial team at insight know about your events and activities.

This quarterly newsletter, produced by the Commission for the Compact, contains news and views about the Compact and is distributed nationally.