Connecting with Radio and TV

Your public health issues and messages offer you a great opportunity to partner with local radio and TV outlets. Local broadcasters are searching for ways to add rich, local content to the news stories and programs they produce. Often, the best place to start is by contacting the news director. She or he may refer you to a producer. The news director or producer, and not the program host, typically makes program decisions. Here are a few ways to work with them.

Special Events – Approach a local TV and/or radio station about partnering to produce special events and programming around your public health issues and messages. You and your partner stations might consider creating news stories on public health issues in your community, while simultaneously sponsoring town hall forums, health fairs and other outreach events. The goal of partnering with broadcasters is to extend the value of your outreach efforts and their programming.

Editorials – Many radio stations, especially public radio stations, will reserve spots in their news schedules for community comments on pressing issues. Call the news directors of stations that reach your audiences and request an opportunity to provide editorial comment. Focus on your local issues around public health.

PSAs – All of us have seen or heard public service announcements (PSAs) on our local radio and TV stations. They often raise awareness of topics important to viewers and listeners through funny, emotional or compelling 30- to 90-second productions. Contact your local TV and radio stations about producing a PSA for your campaign. In some cases, stations will actually help you produce the pieces.  (See template PSAs).

Expert Guests – Make eloquent members of your LHD available to appear on radio and TV news programs. Drive-time radio broadcasters and morning and evening TV news programs are always in need of local experts who can speak to important local issues. As you know, public health impacts everyone, and that broad appeal is attractive to news producers and hosts. Contact program producers and reporters and let them know that you have experts who are ready to contribute.