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Developing a Media Contact List
Media contact lists contain essential information about reporters, editors and media outlets. They provide a quick reference that can be
used in making or receiving calls, emails or letters.
- Include all types of news outlets: newspapers, magazines, radio, newsletters, wire services, web sites, TV, etc.
- Each entry should include:
- Contact information
- How individuals and organizations prefer to be contacted (if known)
- Interests and previous work related to elder abuse
- Audience
- Language
- Deadlines
- Additional information, including whether the outlet uses public service announcements
- Contact local press associations to see if they maintain lists they can give you. Other sources of information are reference sections of libraries, the Internet and the phone book. You can also call news outlets directly.
- Find out who reports on elder abuse, aging or related topics. You can read back issues of publications or check on-line archives.
- If there is no specific reporter covering abuse or aging, include contact information for news editors, health editors, etc.
- Track incoming press calls and add to (or double-check against) your media contact list. Keep track of how various requests were followed up on.
More Tips
- Getting lists is relatively easy. The hard part is keeping them updated as journalists change jobs frequently. Review your list often.
- While important, lists don't take the place of personal contacts. Once you've compiled the media list, build relationships with those who are most likely to help. Provide them with updates, information and story ideas.
- Join local press clubs that accept non-journalists as members.
- Become a media consumer. Read, watch and listen!
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