Working with the Media

Generating positive media coverage about your outreach efforts and programs will help spread your message to the people who need to hear it the most. Understanding how to work with the media will help you pitch stories, generate press coverage, promote the proper message and, most importantly, spread the word about low-cost and free health care coverage. From sample press releases and advisories to tips on interviewing, this section will help you learn the ins and outs of working with the media, and will show you what you can do to be your own best advocate.

Available Tutorials on Working with the Media

Engaging the Business Community, Step 9: Working with the Media
Media exposure helps your business partners gain positive press coverage.

AI/AN: Media Outreach and Promotional Materials
Tips on how to reach out to the media and create promotional materials from templates.

Pitching B-roll to Local Television Stations
B-roll, a package of prepared new clips, helps TV stations create better stories, and it also helps you control the images and words of the TV broadcast.

Getting Your Back-to-School Event on the Daybook
Reporters turn to the Associated Press (AP) Daybook to learn about upcoming events. Getting on the daybook can make or break your event. This section provides insight into getting listed.

How to Write a Letter to the Editor
How to work with prominent leaders in your community to write and place letters to the editor in your local newspapers.

How to Write an Opinion-Editorial
Easy-to-follow instructions on how to work with leaders in your community to write and place opinion pieces in your local papers.

How to Set Up Editorial Board Meetings
Explains why and how to set up meetings with local newspaper editorial boards.

Do’s and Don’ts of Media Pitching
Media pitching can be daunting, but it can also be rewarding. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls and make the most of your time with reporters.

Helpful Hints for Spokespersons
Advice that can enhance the images of even the most articulate and informed spokespersons.

Developing Media Lists and Newsroom Contacts
Explains how to identify the media contacts you want to reach.

Creating an Audio Bite Line for Local Radio Stations
Setting up an audio bite line on a designated phone line is a simple way to give radio reporters access to your story. Audio bite lines can be very helpful in rural areas.

Working with and Selecting Families to Speak with the Media
The right families can be powerful spokespersons in your Back-to-School effort.

Staging a Successful Back-to-School Media Event
Outlines what you should consider when planning a media event, what the event should look like and how to communicate your event's messages.

Timeline for Media Outreach
Explains when to reach out to different types of media outlets and how to contact them.

Message Strategy: What Is the Covering Kids Message Strategy?
The message strategy should include communications that are clear, concise, persuasive, and resonant with the target audience.

Message Strategy: Covering Kids Guiding Principles
Four guiding principles that every message should follow.