Breaking News - Good luck to Rosamund...
Our Community Newswire editor is migrating to London to work for The Press Association as a news reporter. She has been a fabulous editor and has helped many of you with your news stories. Natalie Chalk is still our Press Association reporter and Jo Inskip, the Community Newswire Manager is happy to help you write your releases or assist in any way.
Please contact Jo on 020 7217 3769, or email: communitynewswire@mediatrust.org.
Photo competition - send us your winning photos
We're extending our photo competition until the end of May. This means there's still time to send in a photo of your charity in action which sums up the work you do, along with a caption (one-line descriptive sentence of approx 10-20 words).
Send all entries to communitynewswire@mediatrust.org and win a place on Media Trust’s ‘Pitching to news editors’ training seminar.
Marvellous May offer - 20% reduction on selected training for small charities
Community Newswire members working for organisations with an annual turnover of less than £1 million are eligible for a reduction on the following training:
Branding – 13 May
Podcasting – 20 May
Marketing and strategy – 22 May
Please note this offer is only available for phone bookings. To obtain your discount please call 020 7217 3780 and quote 'NEWSWIRE'.
This month’s PR tip - News stories
What makes a news story?
- Controversy - e.g. Man bites dog
- Story relevant to target audience and chosen media
- Topical and ‘new’ - already in the news or breaking news
- Human interest - your success stories
- Statistics - new research and findings
- A strong visual photo relevant to your story
- Breaks the ‘so what’ barrier - makes you want to find out more
How to approach a journalist:
- Know your story - especially what makes it interesting to the newspaper or radio station you are approaching
- Be prepared to sell your story to a journalist in just thirty seconds!
- Research the journal/station/channel before you call
- Know which journalist or news desk you want to talk to
- Ensure your interviewees are briefed and available if required
Free support with PR and marketing
Media Matching can help you find free volunteer support with PR, marketing, web, communications and more. As part of Media Trust's free matching service we help voluntary organisations and charities of all sizes get in touch with media advisers who can help you get your key messages heard.
To find out more about Media Matching, please email mediamatching@mediatrust.org, or call 020 7217 3771.
Have your say
Please email any suggestions, comments or requests you might have about the Community Newswire service, or this newsletter to Jo Inskip at communitynewswire@mediatrust.org.
Community Newswire is a joint initiative between The Press Association Group and Media Trust, funded by the Cabinet Office. Stories go out to many regional and local newspapers and radio stations as well as the national press through the Press Association newswire.
