A complete booklet on how to work with the Media is also available as a PDF file.

Like it or hate it, respect it or scoff at it, one fact remains: the media exert enormous influence over the way Americans think about their common culture, their politics, their communities, and their world.

Admittedly, it is sometimes tempting to ignore the news media, or at least certain types of media. But to do so is to ignore opportunities to teach and to build understanding.

Engaging the news media is therfore vitally important for afterschool advocates. To be most effective, it's helpful to know some of the basics about the media, how reporters work, how best to communicate with them, how to plan a media campaign, and in general how best to use the media to communicate your story to the public. Here you will find:

The Newspaper Opinion Page & Writing A Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed

Asking Newspapers and TV and Radio Stations to Run Afterschool Ads/Public Service Announcements

Use our Action Center to access contact info for your local media or send and email or letter automatically

Tips for Working with the Media
How the News Media Works
How to Best Communicate With the Media
When to Communicate With the Media
How to Frame Your Message
Tips on Writing Fact Sheets
Tips on Writing Calendar Announcements
Tips on Writing Media Advisories
Tips on Writing News Releases
Tips on Writing Op-Eds
Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor
Tips on Writing Pitch Letters