Bad press?

[PhoenixAzul]

< journalist >

If something in the story was outright WRONG or inaccurate, please write the editor of that section a (polite) letter explaining the mistake, editors DO print corrections. If it is a style error (example, calling certain sororities a sorority rather than women's fraternities), they keep those things on file for future notice.

However, if the story was just not favourable (example: reporting on hazing)...you're sorta stuck. If it is accurate, it is not really the paper that is at fault, it is the GLO.

Now if this was an opinion piece, you have every right to go ahead and fire off a letter to the editor, and you probably should. Again, if it is well thought out, well written, and makes a point, it will have great impact. Name calling and what have you will only reinforce the stereotype.

Now, on the larger scale of things, to combat bad media image, you've got to stop looking at the media as the enemy. They can be a great tool for your chapter. If you've got a PR chair (or whatever you call it), have them send the local weekly and daily publication press releases on a regular basis about your events. Papers get a TON of stories just from the press releases sent by PR reps, and they are always looking for community stories. Plus, it might bring in more people to your events! If all they see is a PR report about XYZ chairity events coming across their desk every couple of weeks, their opinion is likely to be changed to the better.

Just some thoughts.

[Tom Earp]

Excellent points!