News Media
There are many ways to access the media that do not involve spending money on advertising. Here are a few examples:
Find out when candidates will be on call-in shows and have supporters ready to call in with questions.
If you get through, use the preamble to your question to educate listeners about your issue. For example:
Years ago the government promised to get rid of all portable classrooms and yet today, my child spends her school day in a portable. What will you do to provide all children with an appropriate classroom?
Issue a media release with candidate responses to your questionnaire.
A media release is a written document that provides details about the story you think is newsworthy. Media releases usually follow a specific format and are sent to media early in the day – and never on a Friday! See the resource section for links to examples.
Respond to news stories with letters to editor.
Don’t underestimate the value of a letter to the editor. Organizing your supporters to write letters to the editor can be an effective way to get your message out. It also demonstrates that the public cares about your issue and may lead the newspaper or other media to cover your issue in greater detail.
Remember to keep your letter within the paper’s maximum word count.
Place an opinion editorial about public education in your area.
The term “op ed” is short for ‘opposite the editorial’ or ‘opinion editorial’. It is an opinion or commentary article that is published opposite the editorial page in most newspapers. Anyone can submit an op ed to a newspaper.
Use electronic strategies
Seek out networks and bloggers and encourage them to post and distribute your information.
If you or someone you know has a blog or contributes to blog posts, encourage them to post links and discussion points about public education. Use the talking points at the end of this kit and add your own.
Use your e-mail signature to link to networks and blogs. For example:
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
I support public education. Visit www.xyz.ca to find out why.
Use your facebook page to post comments and links to articles and resources.
Have you read a good letter to the editor, article or op ed about public education? Share it with your friends and colleagues. Link to it by pasting the URL into your Facebook link field or send a link out through regular e-mail.
