America's presidential debates, which started last night, are a super chance for you to find your way into print or on the air.
Joan Stewart provides these tips on how you can piggyback onto the historic debates:
- On the day after the debate poll employees at your company and ask who they think won the first debate, and why. Then let local newspapers and the TV stations know. The results will probably fall along party lines, but that's OK. Or, better yet, round up a dozen or so undecideds and let them choose the winner of each debate. Be sure to let the media know which employees would agree to be interviewed.
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- If you're a speech coach or a professional speaker offer to critique the candidates. Were they convincing? Any embarrassing flubs? What effect did the stricter rules have on the debates?
- If you're a humor writer or speaker offer to critique the candidates. Which of the two used humor most effectively? Was any of the humor inappropriate? What comments were most effective? What would you have said differently?
- If you live in a household that's split down the middle politically, let the media know. A TV reporter might want to take film footage of the family watching the debates--snide comments and all--while the candidates are speaking. Local TV stations will be looking for "the local angle" to this national story.
- Invite the media into your classroom the next day if you'll be discussing the debates with students.
- If you're interviewing with the media, offer specific suggestions on how the candidates can improve during the remainder of the debates. What do you think they did wrong?
- Don't forget letters to the editor and op-ed columns.
Need more help pitching this story to your local TV stations? TV reporter Shawne Duperon shows you how to track down the "Queen Bee," at your local TV station--the one who decides what stories the station will cover. She also gives valuable tips on when to call, what to say and how to give the news staff everything it needs for a great story. Read more about what you'll learn on "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow"
Posted October 01, 2004
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