Begin your goal for media coverage by compiling a list of people that you would like to invite to your event, besides Red Hatters. Look up local media and write down their addresses, names, and phone numbers. This will help you specify which media companies will have the option to cover the event. Contact the local media and let them know you will be hosting a Red Hat Society event. Send a formal invitation to the local media at least two weeks before the event. This is a nice gesture and will help give more credibility to your media event.
Fax a secondary press release with event information to the primary press targets. You don't need to re-send the invitation to the editors this second time. Faxing a secondary press release with more specific information about the events and Red Hat Society information can help the beat reporter with their story if they plan on reporting the event. You also have the option of calling the local press directly. Call and explain who you are and what event you are planning, and ask if they would like to cover the event. This option allows you to know directly whether they are interested or not.
If they are willing, have more than one news agency cover the event. You can have the event covered by the newspaper and the television stations with out conflict. Contact local TV or radio stations, even if the local newspaper has already agreed to cover the event. Get your Supporting Members to help you. They can help you call, fax, or email information to the press. Even if the press won't personally be attending the event, they may still want to write a story.
If you do get coverage, remember to treat all reporters with respect. Greet media guests as they arrive, and be sure that they have the proper name badges. Enlist a specific Supporting member in your chapter to direct reporters to their designated area. If a meal is involved, cover the cost. They are there as a guest. Always follow up after the event by sending thank you notes to all media reporters to covered the event so they are more inclined to cover Red Hat Society events in the future.
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