Media Advisories are one-page announcements of an upcoming event. They are designed not for the public, but for journalists. Their purpose is to inform reporters of upcoming events, and convince them that these events are genuine news stories that are worthy of coverage. For a sample media advisory click here.

Some tips about media advisories:

• Media Advisories are excellent tools to use to attract media to your afterschool events - such as an Open House or your participation in Lights On Afterschool! The more news value of your event, the better the chances media will attend. For example, if a newsmaker like your mayor or Congressional representative is attending, make sure this is emphasized in your Media Advisory.
  
  
• Advisories can be written in narrative form, like the example that follows. Or they can be written in bullet form, answering the questions: What, When, Where, Who and Why. Regardless of the format, an advisory must announce an upcoming event or press availability.
  
  
• An Advisory should say when an event is, where it is, and what and whom reporters will find there. It should also offer a compelling reason for media to attend.
  
  
• Don't forget to include at the top of the document a name and phone number of someone the media can contact to follow up. Be sure to date the document.

Sample Media Advisory: [Top]

MEDIA ALERT September 1, 2005 Contact: Jill Smith 513/555-1234 MAYOR TO OPEN NEWEST AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & MEET THE NEEDS OF WORKING FAMILIES The Mayor of Rivertowne will join the principal and faculty members of Stevens Middle School, AmeriCorps volunteers and local families for the grand opening of Stevens Middle School's afterschool program, Just For Kids. The mayor will officially "turn on the lights for afterschool" at: 3 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2005 Stevens Middle School 104 First Street WITH Rivertowne Mayor Stephanie Millstone Michael Koss, Principal of Stevens Middle School Just For Kids is the tenth afterschool program Rivertowne Student Success has opened in the past two years. Rivertowne Student Success program is a collaborative effort of the Mayor's office and the Rivertowne School District with the goal of making afterschool programs available to every public elementary and middle school student in the city. Just For Kids will be staffed by Stevens Middle School faculty as well as five members of AmeriCorps.