PRESS RELEASES
How to Approach Your Local Radio Station
If you are seeking a simple mention of your activities, then you will be successful, more times than not, in the 'What's On?' slot. Clear, typed, full information - not too long - will be welcomed. But if you aspire to greater coverage - an interview about your 'news', a feature, a reading of your play, poem, story perhaps - then it's more difficult. Your submission will be one of many, most of which will end up being 'spiked'. So ......
Don't be humble: but don't overstate. You may think that what you are doing is the greatest thing since ..... but you may not be the most impartial judge. Whatever the strength of your case, presentation will matter. The eye must be caught: interest aroused. The station must feel that there are questions to be asked, that they want to air them - and that they prefer your 'story' to others. Whether it's a press release or a phone-call, you must lead with the 'nub' of your story - a topical 'peg', too, if possible. But don't overwhelm with detail. Build up a relationship of trust with the station, cultivate a personal contact. The best first contact is the Programme Organiser and (where there is one) the Education Producer. For real news try the News Editor. These people are dying to hear from you - if you can persuade them that you have something that they want and that they would be doing the community a favour by talking to you. They're not Gods, nor particularly glamorous, despite what some people think - but they do need persuading.
Cliff Kitney
Education Advisor - BBC Local Radio
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