• Remember that news is purely subjective. It's whatever a reporter or editor decides it is. In general, news media look for issues or stories that are local, timely or unusual.
• Try to "think like a reporter." Why should the community be interested in this story? You can help shape a story by providing background, facts and ideas about an issue or story. But, don't expect to be able to review a news piece prior to its publication.
• When you contact a reporter or editor, know ahead of time what your story angle is. A good approach is to introduce yourself (including your title and position with the organization), and tell the reporter that you have a story that they might be interested in. Then, explain what you think the story is and why it should be of interest to your community. Look for ways to localize national or statewide stories, editors are always looking to see how ________ issue impacts his or her market.
• Learn the general writing styles of newspaper reporters and the beats they cover.
• Remember that you are a resource to media.
• In press releases - get to the point quickly. You should answer who, what, when, where and why in the beginning.
• Reporters and editors operate under strict deadlines. Always ask the reporter or editor what their deadline is so that you know when they'll need your material and/or pictures. Always return their phone calls and provide information as quickly as possible.
  • Daily newspaper reporters are usually writing for the next day, so their deadline is typically 5 or 6 p.m. for morning papers and early morning for afternoon papers.
  • Weekly papers generally have deadlines on Wednesday morning.
  • TV reporters usually try to videotape stories in late morning or early afternoon for editing in the mid-afternoon.

Materials used with permission from: North Carolina Partnership for Children 1100 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27604 ph: 919.821.7999 www.ncsmartstart.org