Jeff Reinhardt AA6JR

1
How to be a Media Relations Superstar!

• Public Relations for the
• Ham Radio Volunteer

2
Why PR is important...

• Community Outreach
• Protects Operating Privileges
• Recruitment

3
Youre Not Out There Alone!
4
The Basics...

• Establish media contacts.
• Know your subject matter!
• Have a GOOD story to tell.

5
Media contacts...

• You must cultivate a relationship.
• Shop your story around.
• Be aware of audience segmentation.
• Work with your reporter to.
• Get the story right!
• Have names, titles, call signs, spellings.
• Let the reporter do his/her job.

6
Your Media Toolbox

• Established contact with reporter.
• Line up resources that support the story!
• People who are experts in their area.
• Equipment that works!!
• The facts at your fingertips.
• A printed fact sheet.
• Prompt follow-up.

7
The News Release...

• The 5 Ws
• Shorter is better.
• Bait the hook with a good headline/angle.
• Tailor your release to the appropriate media.
• Print Details
• TV Visual elements
• Radio Sound bites!

8
The Media Interview...

• Shorter is better!
• Factoids
• Keep It Simple!
• Clarify when necessary
• Spread the credits
• We are bigger than the sum of our parts!

• Damage Control
• Dont lose it!
• Keep on point
• Dont comment on other organizations
• Positive disposition
• You represent 650,000 licensees (no pressure)

9
Breaking News...

• Is it here or somewhere else?
• If here, whos available, whats involved, do you
  need help?
• If elsewhere, whats the local angle?

10
TV Cable...

• VISUAL Medium!!!
• Have dynamic elements
• Weekend is a good time for feature stories
• Public access cable TV shows are fun!
• Tell a good story.

11
Talk Shows...

• Theyre looking for guests.
• Prepare your host.
• Assemble a press kit.
• Prepare for offbeat questions.
• Dont stray far off topic.

12
Magazines...

• Get an authors kit.
• Tailor your story to the publication.
• Good quality photos are a must.
• Drawings schematics where needed.
• Good place for detail but dont go too far.
• Attributions and resources.
• Youre still telling a story!

13
Other PR Activities...

• Letters to Editor
• Ham Radio Awareness Day
• Club Fact sheet
• Operating Activities get a plug for your club!
• Create an event

• Invite celebs to your club meetings
• Get a city proclamation
• Honor a local personality
• Speakers Bureau
• Blood drive, etc...

14
Putting it all together...

• 2 weeks Get contacts, phone/fax numbers,
  deadlines, follow up by sending your info.
• 4 weeks send out meeting notice w/date, time
  speaker, follow up release if something cool
  happens at meeting
• 6 weeks pitch member activities or operating
  events
• Follow up!!!

15
Your Support Team...

• www.arrl.org/pio/

16
Now Youre a SUPERSTAR!

• Go to it and be sure to share your success
  stories!