Turn worthy into newsworthy. The first of three presentations at the 8th annual media relations summer camp presented by The Hamilton Spectator and Mohawk College. The camp is offered free of charge to nonprofits and community groups.

1. Turn worthy into newsworthy
Media relations summer camp
2015

2. Seven pitches from last year’s media camp
were published in The Hamilton Spectator.
Live Different
(2014) and The
Hamilton Youth
Steel Orchestra
(2013) landed on
the front page of
the GO section with
online videos
posted at
thespec.com.

3. Stand out with donors and funders.

5. Grow your trust and
forgiveness account.

6. Good housekeeping
seal of approval.

7. Reach a larger audience online & off.

8. Pitch and miss. The stories we tell.

9. Ribbon cuttings with fake scissors

10. Grip and grins with fake cheques.

11. Groundbreakings with fake holes.

12. Fake indoor groundbreakings with fake holes.

13. Fundraisers with C-list celebrities and retired athletes.

14. Rubber chicken galas. With dancing & awards.

15. Anniversaries with slab cakes.

16. Worthy? Yes.
Newsworthy? Not so much.

17. And does anyone else care?

18. Bad stories to pitch #1.
Help! We’re broke.

19. Bad stories to pitch #2.
Help! No one’s coming to our party.

20. News Worthy

23. #2 First, best or most.

24. #3 Add to the conversation

25. Localize the story. What does it mean for our community?

26. Offer informed opinion
and analysis.

27. #4 Build your pitch around a person.
Someone ordinary doing something
extraordinary. Give us a hero.

28. Make a connection. Play matchmaker.

29. You have a great story
you want told.
Reporters want to tell
great stories.

30. News Worthy
Why should we care?
First, best or most
Add to the conversation
Poster child