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Key media messages
Thread started on 29/2/2008 11:45 Private

david

david

media

There are several key messages I feel we’re not getting across to the media:

  • globally equitable carbon rights (nicely highlighted by Blackout Britain, although I’m not sure any more that equitable necessarily means equal)
  • the flexibility of the CRAG (or PCA) framework to allow individuals and communities to meet their energy needs, whilst guaranteeing a certain level of carbon emissions (with the emphasis on energy needs: we need to knowledge that everyone does need energy, in some form, to go about their daily lives, again put across nicely by Blackout Britain)

But now, looking about the website, I do see that neither of these points are put across clearly here (there is “globally equitable” on the front page, but not implicitly associated with CRAGs) – so we can’t lay all the blame at the media’s door (I have proposed an alteration to the front page at Front page: what are CRAGs?).

Should we have a shared list or agenda which everyone can refer to when talking to the media. If so, what should be on it?

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Shannon's comment: Press packet, talking points, press releases

written on 1/3/2008 12:07

david

david

I noticed Shannon’s perceptive comment on this in the Carbon rationing and the media thread

I think we need a press packet (something to have on hand at all times to give to any media outlet, solicited or unsolicited). It does not have to be complicated but it should be available in an electronic form to mail any media person who wants to write a story on the CRAGs- that way if they claim we are all sweater-wearing extremists that is their own call but not an impression we gave (I think it is hilarious but it does not suit our purposes, maybe only a few of us wear sweaters). We also need talking points for our members (to have ready access to at all times- for us, not to show to the media) so that if members are not good at riffing or if they might otherwise misrepresent the group by mistake that they will know what the party line is. This sounds a little evil but trust me talking points work. Since each group or member is the face of the organization to the press that contacts them, we need to be able to clarify what our positions are versus what may be a particular group or individual’s philosophy.

In talking points: *Promote our message in the form of a brief script. (keep in mind at all times when speaking to the media what we want to promote so that when we have the opportunity we send our message clearly)

In the press package: *Who whe are. *What we do. *Why we do what we do. *Who to contact for more info. *Promote our message in the form of a written paragraph or pithy quote *Give sample visuals of things like carbon rationing pie charts (excellent Islington- looked brilliant) images of meetings where people are having fun at a coffee shop, pub, or home, etc. that give an impression of the group. Think about how inclusive you want to be and try to work that into your images. *Any logos we have that are print or web-ready

In the press releases: *A copy of the press packet *A copy of the release for the event or initiative what, where, when and why with who to contact and their contact info. Quotes from relevant parties are good.

 
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