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Community Media Training
A quick guide by Bob Dow
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
TODAY’S CLASS
How to write a press release
Writing for websites
It’s not rocket science!
Follow some simple, basic rules
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Press releases – The basics
Make sure it’s newsworthy
What’s the angle? Hook and hold
Is it relevant?
Timeliness – don’t be too late
Keep it simple
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
The “W” Factor WHO – are you?
WHAT – are you doing?
WHERE – is it taking place?
WHEN – is it happening?
WHY – are you doing it?
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
The Professional Touch
Headline and one page only if possible 200 words limit Short and to the point sentences Always use ‘Ends’ when release finishes Always have contact details Contact details should be home/work/mobile Check, check and then check again Mistakes matter Unprofessional work gets binned
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Who do I send it to?Target publications and check deadlines
BBC – [email protected]
STV – [email protected]
P&J – [email protected] and [email protected]
Evening Express - [email protected] and [email protected]
Deeside Piper – [email protected]
Donside Piper – [email protected]
Leopard Magazine – [email protected]
Northsound Radio – [email protected]
North-east Community Radio – [email protected]
Original 106FM – [email protected]
Also remember community websites such as:
www.alford.org.uk; www.tarland.org.uk; www.portrait-of-our-time.co.uk
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Writing for the web
Totally different from writing for newspapers
Web pages are scanned – not read
You need an instant ‘Hook and Hold’
Less is more – better impact
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
The Inverted Pyramid Straight to the point
Conclusion at start
Expand on it
Highlight key words
No bull, no boasts
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Web writing style
Use short paragraphs
Keep sentences short
Always simple language
Sub-headings to keep attention
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Bite the Bullet!
Bullet points – highly effective
Lists have more impact
Keep list items to 7-10 words
Use action words – keep the flow
Check, check and then check again
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Web writing – good and bad
Bob Dow Media - 013398-82029
Anytown Community Council was formed many years ago and does sterling work for the area.
The councillors go to lots of meetings and discuss many interesting local issues that effect the community.
The council gets involved in planning matters and tells the local authority what the community thinks about applications.
It also speaks to organisations such as the police and raises matters of concern. The community council has a very important role to play in village life and needs your support to function properly in the best interests of the community.
Anytown Community Council
Represents your views and concerns
A bridge to local government
Speaks to public and private agencies
Monitors planning issues Seeks funding for local
projects Open to all Come and see us!
