If you have planned a faith event or vigil, we encourage you to reach out and invite members of the media. Look online at the local publications or outlets you would like in attendance and search for past articles on immigration or refugees, then consider inviting those reporters, as well as those who cover religion, community news, and federal government. Also look for the email addresses of the news desks for your local papers, radio, and TV stations. (Tip: search the name of the the outlet and “news desk”).
To invite multiple members of the press, email a “media advisory” at least two full business days ahead of the event. Ideally, email the media advisory three days before the event and again the day before your event.
After sending this group email, send individual emails to reporters to make sure they received the advisory and ask if they will attend the event. Call the radio and TV news desks the night before (for a morning event) or first thing in the morning (for an afternoon event) and do the same. Radio and TV channels often do not decide whether they will cover something until the last minute, because they need to leave space for breaking news, but if you follow up before they make their final decisions you may be able to get their attention.
It is also effective to direct message individual reporters on Twitter, to cut through the email traffic.
Draft Media Advisory
DATE OF EVENT
For Immediate Release
Contact: NAME, PHONE NUMBER
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Date of Event, Time, Location
NAME OF GROUP Hosts EVENT TYPE To Do XXXXX
Your City Name, State Abbreviation – Explain what you are doing, who is involved, and why. Include the location and time/date here as well as below.
WHAT: Event type/name
WHERE: Address of event, or information needed to join virtual event
WHEN: Date and time of the event
SPEAKERS: List of all speakers and their affiliations
More Information: Add event details such as security (if applicable), special visuals (religious symbols, art pieces, etc.), or any other important information.
If there is a hashtag or Twitter handles/Facebook groups to follow for event updates and posts, include that here.
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Draft Pitch Email for Media
Hello,
I hope you are well! I wanted to let you know of a potential story opportunity about TOPIC, in CITY/STATE. On DATE, ORGANIZATION will host an XXXX. Community leaders including LIST will join XXXXX and other faith leaders to EXPLAIN PURPOSE OF EVENT.
I have attached the invitation flyer to this email with a full list of participants, but please let me know if you can attend and if you have any questions! IF THERE IS REGISTRATION OR LIVE-STREAM INFORMATION, INCLUDE THAT.
Sincerely,
NAME AND CONTACT INFO