Nature of Events
 

I swear, this is the last time I'm going to contribute to this thread hijack! :D

GPhiB, I was just looking at the kinds of events you're hoping to publicize versus the kinds of NPHC events that usually get publicity in the paper. While the events you're trying to get noticed are definitely worthwhile, they're not really "newsworthy" events in a city like Atlanta. Generally speaking, it's been my experience that unless a significant amount of money is raised, or the event is a "society" event (like the Ebony Fashion Fair fashion show, or the AKA/ALTA tennis tournament), it won't make it into the AJC.

Maybe a thing to think about is where you're casting your net, and the kinds of response you hope to garner from publicity. I bet if Gamma Phi sponsored a 5K/10K run/walk for charity that would get in the paper more than the teddy bear program. Again, it sucks -- but it's just something to think about.

I'm sure things will turn around for the Atlanta Gamma Phis in no time at all! After all, us Triad Sisters have to stick together. ;)

GPhiBLtColonel,
I agree with Sigmadiva and Steeltrap. I also serve in PR for my chapter and it can be tough at times. I'm wondering if you tried other papers in the Atlanta area since you are not getting the response you are looking for from AJC. A weekly or monthly might better accommodate your chapter's activities. Use your TV stations too especially if you have a 24 hour TV station---they might need other stories. It also helps if you build a relationship with your local media and maybe meet with them (if possible) so you can have an understanding of the otherside. I know I had to do this for radio and television (I work for a newspaper) since I didn't understand that medium as well as newspaper. Keep at it---it'll come!



And to GPhiBLtColonel, I agree with Steeltrap on this one. My chapter just celebrated our 75th Anniversary and I was the Public Relations/Media Chair for the event. The way I publicized our event was to call first then fax a press release to each media outlet: radio, t.v., newspapers, and community newspapers. And as far as I know, we don't have an 'insider' working for us and it was well publicized and attended. [/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks again...
 

...for everyone's great comments...I really appreciate it! But just to set the record straight, the group I am talking about trying to get better Publicity for is a PANHELLENIC alum association, not my Gamma Phi group...we are in an area called the Southern Crescent which comprises 5 counties that form a crescent around the city of Atlanta...the things we do here in suburbia are not really on a par with the things done in metro Atlanta...and there are not any other papers like the AJC here -- we do get adequate coverage in the local papers but the BIG kahuna -- the AJC -- seesm quite unreachable...as for a 24-hour TV stations, well there IS CNN ;)...I'd just be happy at this point with AJC publicity!

As another point from someone who has served as a publicity point person for various groups....
"Informational" press releases from community organizations are a dime a dozen. I would put the "look at what we did" type of press releases you mentioned in this catagory.

Papers seem to look more favorably on articles that are going to benefit the general public a little more (i.e. blood drive, free health check, etc.) or ask for some participation from the public (i.e. coat drive in front of the Piggley Wiggley, carnival for underpriviledged kids, local celebraty golf tourney etc) or the huge events that someone else mentioned.