B A S I C   P U B L I C I T Y 
            Promoting scheduled events, exams, classes, meetings etc.
 
                                                                     
 With   few   exceptions,   local   radio/TV/newspapers/cable  TV,  offer  free 
 announcements.   These  may  be  in  the  form of Public Service Announcements 
 (PSAs),  community  calendar or other notices.  To take advantage of this FREE 
 PUBLICITY,   SEND  the  information to the media well in advance of the event. 
 In  some instances you may wish to call the outlet to find out their preferred 
 method  and  form for submitting this information (particularly cable TV). The 
 Telephone Book Yellow Pages is a good source of addresses and phone numbers. 
 
 The  media  should  receive  the  information 2 or 3 weeks prior to the event. 
 There are certain guidelines: (also see the KS1A-PR article)
 
            Always provide  clear  (typewritten, usually double spaced) copy.
            Always include  basic information, Who, What, When, Where (why).
            Always include a contact name and phone number in case the media
                 wants more information or wishes to further cover the event
            Don't expect free advertising from one place if you buy it from
                  another source, for the same event.
 
 As  a  general  rule,  the  smaller  (more  local)  the media outlet, the more 
 time/space  they  will provide.  The larger media outlets have more demand for 
 their  time/space  and  therefore  donate  less to individual groups - however 
 their penetration is much greater per announcement.
 
 Most  local  Newspapers  are  also interested in News Releases about local HAM 
 involved  activities.   Such items as club election results, field day events, 
 public   service   work,   simulated  emergency  drills  and  regular  meeting 
 announcements  all  get  the name of our hobby and your local club in front of 
 the public.
 
 If  your  club  is planning a particularly interesting (to the general public) 
 meeting  demonstration  or  well  known  or extraordinary speaker, invite your 
 local  cable TV company to the event.  Let them know several weeks in advance. 
 
 In  addition  to  the  media,  local supermarkets and electronics stores often 
 provide  space  for  announcement  signs.   Look  around your area and ask the 
 clerks  about  the rules for putting up signs in their store (size, type of ad 
 etc.).
 
 
 Basic Publicity
 Page 2
 
 
 Promote  your  activities  and our hobby on Cable TV:  Call your area cable TV 
 companies  to  ask  them  about  their guidelines and the format for community 
 announcements and special interest programs.
 
 Promote  Ham  Radio  in SCHOOLS: Special events, demonstrations, exhibits, HAM 
 classes,  examinations,  club  stations,  open  club meetings of interest etc. 
 should  be  advertised  in  area  schools.    Junior  and Senior High schools, 
 Colleges,  Jr.  Colleges,  trade  schools,  look in your area YELLOW PAGES for 
 addresses  and  phone  numbers.   Depending  on the situation send notices for 
 posting  on  bulletin  boards  and/or  for  math/science  teachers  to read in 
 class.   Imagine  how many youngsters would be lured to the magic of HAM radio 
 if  they  were  INVITED  to  do  so?   We want to make it EASY for them, using 
 language they understand, without intimidating them.
 
 Attract   SCOUTS:   Boy  and  Girl  Scout  Councils  in  your  area  send  out 
 newsletters,   too,  usually  quarterly.   So  get  your  announcement or news 
 release  in  early.    EMASS  PIO  has sample copy, news releases etc. to help 
 you.   Did  you  know  that at one time Boy Scouts had to learn Morse Code for 
 certain levels of scouting?.
 
 Look  around  you  community.   Wherever  you  see "promotion" of other clubs, 
 groups or activities, think Ham Radio should be promoted THERE!
 
 
 
 rev 3/90 K1HLZ ARRL EMA PIC (617) 437-0111