Having a press list will make your communications quick and easy. Remember to select only media outlets that attract the audiences you want to reach. It should contain a list of the newspapers, radio stations, television stations, magazines, bloggers and other news outlets in your community. Your list of media outlets should include names of reporters and editors, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
Once you identify your key media contacts, make an effort to familiarize yourself with the publication or broadcast. It is wise to note deadlines for each outlet. Call up and ask if you don’t know.
Keep it current. Many media outlets have high employee turnover and are constantly shuffling reporters, editors and key contacts around. Since it is very important to send information to the correct people, update your records every three to four months to avoid sending your message to incorrect names or addresses.
Make it easy to use, so that you can send specific messages to a relevant portion of the list or a general message to the entire list. Don’t bombard your contacts as this could annoy them or switch them off to your key messages.
Take a close look at the interests or points of view of columnists, writers and on-air personalities. Match your needs with their interests. With this knowledge, you can create a win-win situation.
Links to local media contacts
Press
Radio
TV
Tourism Agencies
