NASS MEDIA TRAINING SESSION IV:

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• NASS MEDIA TRAINING SESSION IV
• Editorial Board Meetings
• Meredith B. Imwalle, Director of Communications

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Journalists aren't supposed to praise things. 
It's a violation of work rules almost as serious
as buying drinks with our own money or absolving
the CIA of something. -Humorist and Political
Commentator P.J. ORourke
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Why?

• San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsoms successful
  campaign for office was due in part to the
  endorsement he earned from the San Francisco
  Chronicles Editorial Board.
• A suburban Texas hospital is widely recognized in
  its region thanks to a supportive editorial that
  highlighted their contributions to the community
• The American Lung Association says supportive
  editorials helped pass a city ordinance requiring
  gas detectors in homes with gas furnaces.

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Why?

• The top three factors that influence the
  decision-making process of elected officials most
  are
• Visits by constituents
• Individual correspondence from constituents
• Media coverage and support of issues

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How?

• Research the newspaper and the editors
• Contact the paper via phone some may require
  written requests
• Submit info (fact sheets, statements, etc.) in
  writing in advance
• Prepare opening remarks
• Select three people to attend

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The Meeting

• Keep opening remarks brief no more than 5-10
  minutes
• Remember everything you say is on the record
• Be prepared for tough questions
• Provide statistics and real-life examples
• Close the deal

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After the Meeting

• Send thank you letters to all attendees use the
  letters as an opportunity to restate key messages
• If you receive positive editorial support, send
  the piece to relevant parties and post it to your
  Web site (with permission from the paper)
• If the editorial board supports your opponents
  position, send a letter to the editor expressing
  your point of view. Restate statistics and
  include any new information.

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Consider Similar Meetings with Broadcast Media

• Ask to meet with the news director, program
  manager and possibly even the general manager
• Ask to participate in daily news meeting
• Some stations may want to do a taped interview
  with you on the spot

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Watch an Editorial Board Meeting

• Visit the following link to see San Fran Mayor
  Gavin Newsoms meeting with the San Francisco
  Chronicles editorial board
• http//www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f/g/arc
  hive/2003/11/25/newsomivu.DTLtypenewspagewide