Have you got a story to tell?

Contacting your local press is a great way to get publicity for your fundraising efforts while raising awareness of meningitis and the work Meningitis UK does.

How to approach your local newspapers | How to approach a local radio station | Who else can I contact? | Press release template

Appearing in your local paper or on your local radio station can help you maximise the number of people who attend your event or, if you are doing a sponsored challenge, the number of people who offer you sponsorship. To help you with this, we have put together some tips on how to contact the press and how to put together a press release.

How to approach your local newspapers

Rolled up newspaper The first point of call should be the news desk, which you should telephone and explain what you are doing. They will often put you straight through to a reporter or ask you to email some details. Sometimes it’s enough to explain what you’re doing over the phone but you could also draft a press release to send. Try to get the name of a reporter so you have a direct point of contact.

It’s best to take the human interest angle and explain why you’re fundraising. If it’s in memory of someone, or you know someone who has been affected, then it’s important to highlight this link as it will make the story stronger and more appealing to the paper.

At the bottom of the page is a sample press release that you can use as a guideline. If you’re sending the press release after the event make sure you have taken a range of good quality, high-resolution photographs that you can also send – this will help ensure the article is published.

You should try to call your contact within a few days to confirm they received your information and ask if they are interested in writing about your event.

Should you obtain local press coverage, please send us a copy if you can, as we are always interested to see such stories.

How to approach a local radio station

Mircrophone Local radio stations are a great medium for publicising your event. Again, give them a call and ask for the news desk and then send them your press release inviting them to contact you.

If you know the name of a programme host whose show features this sort of news, address your release to them. Again, try to call your contact within a few days to confirm they received your information and ask if they are interested in covering your event.

You may be nervous about appearing on radio, try not to be, you will find that the station staff will put you at ease.

Who else can I contact?

Local TV stations. If you do this, make sure you detail what would be visually interesting for them to film.
Local websites, such as the BBC.
What's on guides or the listings pages in local magazines.

Please contact Meningitis UK in advance if you wish to approach national media. If you have any queries or need any help, please contact Philippa on 0117 302 6195 or email philippawalker@meningitisUK.org

Useful downloads

Take a look at our sample press release for guidance on how to create your own: