FRAMING YOUR EVENT

Questions To Ask Before Contacting The Media

What is the single most important reason for holding this event?
Be brief. This is your hook. Work on how you phrase this. The wider the appeal, the greater your chance of media coverage.

Who will benefit? How will they benefit?
Again, be specific. The more people who benefit, in very concrete ways, the greater your chance of media coverage.

How many people are involved? (i.e., kids, parents, Sertoma members, other volunteers, etc.)
Large numbers of people involved translates into greater interest in the event. Make sure you know numbers.

What are they doing? Why are they doing it?
Think about what makes your Sertoma event different from any other events occurring in your community. Thinking this through helps you focus on what the media is looking for and helps you focus your media pitch.

Where is the event being held? Is this the same location it always has been held? Is there any special significance to where it is being held?
Sometimes the location is almost as important as the event. Regardless, the media needs to know the location.

When is it being held?
Be sure to share that your event is part of a larger effort or is being held in conjunction with some significant event. This gives the media an additional angle.

What are the visual opportunities for television - as well as newspaper photographs?
Try to picture each and every aspect of what will happen at the event. Then describe the more visual aspects of the event to the media. This "sells" them on covering the event.

What opportunities will the media have to interview participants?
Set aside some time and/or locations for media interaction.

Is there a central location where the media might find you on the day of the event?
If so, what time would be best to meet you?

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