Television stations are besieged with requests to promote special interest topics. Be sure your request is received by the station in a clear and concise format. Remember, bite prevention will be competing with a multitude of other newsworthy topics such as crimes and international crises, not to mention the old standbys of sports and weather. If you handle your initial news story with professionalism, chances are good that the station will be responsive to future stories involving your agency and its mission.
To give the television station ample lead time for Bite Prevention Week (insert date) the initial contact should be made a month ahead.
First, telephone a local reporter to pitch your message over the phone. They are busy people, so do not keep them on the phone too long. Offer to put the request in writing.
Be sure to mail the letter the same day. Limit your letter to a single page using your agency's letterhead stationery. Use the sample provided as a starting point.
Give the television station 3 to 4 days to respond. If the reporter does not telephone you, call him or her to make certain the letter has been received.