Make a name address list of all the media in your area: newspaper, radio, television. If you live in a rural area with one local paper, chances are you will know the newspaper's editor by name. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, there may be dozens of newspapers, dailies, weeklies, etc.

Do you know the editor, section editor, manager, or any employees of the media? If so, make special note. These people can help you get your information published or aired. If not, call and find out all the particulars:

• Do they publish or air notices of upcoming sports events?
• To whom should the information be forwarded? (Sports, Lifestyle, or Feature editor)
• What is the deadline?
• What format is preferred? (Press release, phone call, etc.)

Coming from a very small town, all we had to do to have something published was handwrite it on a piece of paper and leave it in a box at the local grocery store. If that works in your neck of the woods, great! However, many of you will have to pick up the phone and make that call. Do it! Obtain the information you need to ensure you information is printed or aired.

Smaller communities with radio or television stations located nearby have a much better chance of obtaining coverage of an event than those in a larger area. The competition for the "news hole" is not as great in areas of smaller population. When your club is planning an event that may have local interest, by all means call the station and let them know of your plans.

If you live in an urban area, your event will have to have a more "newsworthy" angle, i.e., is a noted public figure involve in your event, is the Mayor pitching the first shoe, did you raise $10,000, just realize that the angle is everything.