Getting a local newspaper, radio, or TV station to talk about your advocacy issue or cover your events is a great way to raise awareness. The three best ways to spread the word about what you’re doing and generate news coverage are pitching a local human interest story, writing opinion editorials, and sending letters to the editor.

Local papers often need more than a notice of an event to garner their interest. However, many love to highlight local human-interest stories, including actions taken by community members to address a larger issue. To pick up this kind of coverage, reporters in your area need to know what the personal story is and how it relates to the issue and event you are holding. You may want them to cover your event, and the best way to get that coverage is to find a local, personal angle.

First, familiarize yourself with the local outlets to which you’re interested in pitching the story. Many local stations have shows other than their standard news programs that may be a better fit for your story. In addition, explore the various sections of your local newspaper. For example, your story may fit better into the religious or business section, rather than the metro section. Try visiting your newspaper or television station’s Web site and find a link to submit a story. This option is often featured prominently on their home page.

When submitting a story, it is helpful to include the following information:

• A brief summary of the local, personal angle related to the event and issue
• Type of event
• Sponsoring organization(s)
• The name and contact number for the person or organization that readers should call for information before, during and after the event
• Day, date, and time of event
• Event location
• Estimated number of participants
• Why readers will be interested in the event