Using the media
Achieving changes to the way a system or policy works relies on getting a message across – whether to policy makers, politicians, members of the public, other families, or to other campaigning groups and organisations. People now have greater access to creating their own media outlets than ever before.
Preparing to use the media
The most accessible source of media coverage tends to be newspapers, especially local papers. There is a chance that your local press may have covered the death, the circumstances of the death and may even carry information regarding the inquest.
Press release contents
Always date your media release and provide an embargo date (which requires them to not publish information until the date specified) if required, and gives journalists time to research a story. You need an attention-grabbing headline that will give a concise summary of the story.
Radio and Television
Large campaign groups and lobbying organisations spend a lot of money employing people to take care of their media strategy and public relations. This is how they develop a big enough public profile to feature regularly on radio and TV. This is not an option for family campaigns, and it is very difficult to force your way onto the national media.
Social media
Social media, like websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, has changed the way people use the media. Over half the UK population has a Facebook account. You can use Facebook to talk about your campaign, contact supporters and get people talking about what matters to you.
What to do if you are receiving unwanted attention from the press
This section has concentrated so far on families using the media for their benefit and trying to set the news agenda. Sadly there are also cases where families have found the press and media to be intrusive, threatening and produced stories that show the families of those who have died, and / or their relative, in a bad light.
Tips for using the media
Be clear about what you want your message to be before you engage with the media. What do you want to say and why? Make up a list of media outlets, with names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Update it regularly. Every media organisation works to a deadline. Find out what they are.