10 Media Tips and Strategies

If I was running the House or Senate Communications in a state, here is a starting point:

Assign to a staffer:

1. Have a master list of key people: plan to send them a brief run down every week of what is happening - good, bad, the highlights. All emails are bcc’d - it becomes a place that you can give a firm delivery of what is happening. They are encouraged to share the info with others. I.e. you are a form of media and you are delivering what you want out.

2. In your communications (noted in point 1) make it clear WHERE you are publishing info through-out the week: FB, website, etc. Repeat, repeat, repeat, who and where to follow so they know where to look and so they know it will be consistent and something they can count on.

3. Have a list of friendly media contacts and a comprehensive list of media contacts; at least one press release should be going out weekly …

4. Have a list of suggested talking points that go out to the team (legislators every week).

5. Have someone responsible for pitching top leaders on radio interviews weekly.

6. Schedule a weekly LIVE update from some member of the caucus … always smiling, always excited, always talking about what they are doing for Michigan citizens.

7. Publish updates on website, make sure things are up to date, consistently.

8. Identify key grassroots leaders who have massive email lists. Include them on item 1 - and make sure they know you are grateful for them would they share the info. Always have a call to action.

9. Highlight the legislators that ARE communicating.

10. Pretend like we ARE in the majority as far as media goes. YOU call the press conference. YOU run with the story … “This week we want to draw the media’s attention to …” or “This week, we have a list of questions we want the media to ask the democrats …” or “This week we are going to do a round table briefing on the front lawn of the capitol and highlight everything NOT being discussed by Governor Whitmer to us…” or “this week we are going to celebrate law enforcement …” or “this week we are going to do a tour of the state to highlight some of the economic successes going on…”

And one bonus tip:  Once a month there should be Op Eds that are being run and pitched to publish.

I can hear conservatives say “we don’t have the media” … so then build relationships with the media so they WANT TO COME TO YOU … give them intriguing things to cover … build relationships with them.

Never assume they hear what you hear or see what you see or know what you know.

Communicate more - not less and let it be known that you are communicating.
I can also hear legislators saying “we don’t have a big email list” - then make one.

These are some of my initial suggestions. I will work to get more out soon. Please note I am still learning too; but I have been studying communications and working in the political arena for over 20 years. I have pitched info to media, been on media, and written content that has hit thousands of inboxes statewide. I have written Press Releases, Op Eds, and am currently studying how to be more effective with media. I want my side and our causes to win. 

Email me with your top "We want to see Leadership doing ____" suggestions. [email protected]. 

We have a nation to change! 

​- Amy