Dealing with the Media/Press

Why is it (still) important

• Despite the near death of Print Media it is still one of the last remaining form of credible mass media

• Television news remains the only true local source for electronic news.

Why it is important to Amateur Sport

• Always looking to increase interest• Always looking to increase credibility• Always looking to increase ROI to Sponsors• Always looking to give benefit to members• Need to create and maintain relationship with

those who can help you get the word out about your sport

Commandments to Live By

• Be consistent in your approach to the Media/Press

• Be prepared to comment or deal with the bad news along with the good.

• Keep them at arms length but treat them politely and fairly

• Feed the beast!

Promoting an Event

Step #1 – Get Organized!• Investigate and get contacts/emails for all

relevant media/press in the area.• Create a distribution list• Either:

a) send out information in advance b) invite them to a Press Conference

Promoting an Event

Step 1a – Sending out InformationIf all you are planning to do is just send out information then make sure:• You send it out at least five days in advance• You keep it brief• You have all releavant information and list of

contacts you could possibly have (aka. idiot proofing)

Promoting an Event

Step 1b – Invite them to a Press ConferenceIf you’re going to take this step then:• Book a nice place and plan to feed them• Send out the invitation to the Press Conference at

least five days in advance and remind them twice before the big day

• Don’t promote anyone in attendance unless you can guarantee it.

• Do NOT ask for RSVP’s

Promoting an Event

Step 2 – Running a Press Conference• Make sure you have relevant people there• Check the Pro Teams Schedules• Try to go around 11:00 a.m. and run no longer than

45 minutes. Start at 11:05 a.m.• Have places to sit but an open area in front of the

presentation area for TV Cameras• Have written handouts• Be prepared for Mosh Pit afterwards.

Promoting an Event

Step #3 – Get your crap together pre-event• Who is in charge of hosting media/press at the

event? Will there need to be food?• Who is in charge of results dissemination?• How will that be done? (MUST BE TIMELY!)• Does that person have the right lists?• Will there need to be access to the

participants by the media/press post-event?

At the Event

• Media/Press should get preferential seating• Media/Press should get food• Media/Press should get handouts (Media

Guides?, Releases?)• Media/Press area should have internet access• Media/Press area should have security and be

open for a least two hours post-event

Post-Event

Even if you think you had all the outlets you wanted at an event you should:• Send out a Press Release regarding the event

withing 30 minutes of its concusion• Have someone stay and supervise the

media/press area until the last person leaves• Thank them very much for their attendance.

VERBOTTEN BEHAVIOR!

Forgetting about the Little Guy

VERBOTTEN BEHAVIOR!

Being Rude or Insulting

VERBOTTEN BEHAVIOR!

Not showing up to comment on bad result

VERBOTTEN BEHAVIOR!

Embellishment

VERBOTTEN BEHAVIOR!

Inconsistencies

Cautionary Tales

• Be prepared to put the same effort in next time or suffer the consequences

• Know your place on the Totem Pole• Remember they are not your friend….but they

are not your enemy either.• Roll with the punches