Setting up alerts for your brand, competitors and industry keywords is an efficient way to keep your fingers on the pulse of conversations about your business. It can also be a source of publicity when it captures the attention of journalists. However, it’s important to prioritize verified information over sensationalism and take the sensitivity of tragic incidents into account.
Mastering the art of crafting impactful news alerts is an essential skill for broadcast news organizations to elevate their media presence and captivate audiences. This article explores the definition, purpose and types of alerts to help you craft impactful media advisories that will resonate with your audience and increase viewer engagement.
Media alerts (also known as media/news advisories) are an announcement of an upcoming event intended specially for journalists. They’re a quick and easy way to get your news in front of reporters, and can include everything from a captivating headline that grabs the reporter’s attention to a full description of what and who will be attending your event. They can take many forms, from one-page announcements sent to local reporters to press releases distributed via wire services. Check out this sample media advisory from a local Lights On Afterschool event for some inspiration.
The key to writing a successful media alert is informing the reporter of all the relevant facts in an engaging and succinct format. Stick to AP style guidelines, and avoid opinionated language in favor of direct quotes from credible sources. Clearly outline who is hosting your event, so the reporter can easily contact them for more information. If there are any photo opportunities, make sure to highlight that as well – reporters are always looking for compelling visuals to accompany their stories.