PR - send to Editor or all reporters?

[keirms]

Afternoon everyone,

So it's been decided that we're going to offer the Editors of the two local newspapers, a free personal training programme for either them or one of their staff. No problems there.

So, do I send a letter just to the Editor? Or do I send one to the Editor and also one to each of his editorial staff (i.e. Deputy Editor, New Editor, Chief Reporter etc.) offering all of them training programmes? Or do I just cc them on the letter sent to the editor?!

Confusion reigns!!

I know this may seem simple but I really want to get off on the right foot with our PR campaign. Any help would be much appreciated. Tips on how to word the letter much appreciated too!!

Thanks,

Keir

PS Also posted on shell livewire

 

[10Yetis]

I would suggest sending a letter to the Editor first explaining that it is for them or one of their team.

On a wider approach, you should speak to the commercial team at the paper and se if they are inteested in using it as a prize for a competition?

Also, i take it you are doing this to get coverage and build a relationship with your local papers?

 

[keirms]

Yes absolutely. We'd love a relationship with them, it's just how to approach them...

Any advice?

 

[10Yetis]

if you are a new company looking to get coverage about your launch then write a release saying that and send it to the newspaper.

If possible, read through the papers in question to try and identify the specific journo's that write about subject similar to your services, i.e. if you are a leisure and fitness type organisation look for journo's who write about lifestyle stuff etc.

Once you have the name, ring the paper and ask to speak to the journo in question. Undoubtably the journo will be gruff at first (they always are on newsdesks), but try and talk it through and tell them you have a release to send through.

Hopefully your amazing personality and charm will shine through and you will get on well, in which case you could maybe ask to meet up over a coffee to try and get to know more aboutthe stypes of stories they are after and what are things you can help with.

It all sounds very straightforward but it can be hard work, you just have to persevere. If they say it will get in the paper and you have not heard anything in a week, ring again and ask if they need anything else to support the story etc.