Pitching the Press

For your major events or key campaign moments, you can send a press release to generate some local media coverage. A press release is a short (less than 1 page) piece sent to news media that captures everything a media outlet would need to know in order to cover a particular event or issue.

Beyond the Bomb has a media team and can advise or take on this work for you if you’d like. Please email an organizer ([email protected]) if you’d be interested in assistance.

If you are sending the release yourself, start by considering what makes this event media worthy. Is there a current event or ‘hook’ in the news cycle that makes your event or action exceedingly relevant? Do you have a new or interesting take on the issue that hasn’t been covered before? Did you participate (or have you been selected to participate) in a unique opportunity that others would want to read about? Given the amount of news that has been happening around nukes, consider linking your action to timely current events.

Best Practices:

  1. Once you’ve found your ‘hook,’ target local media outlets. They’re interested in what people in their community are up to, so find a local angle to highlight.
  2. Write “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” on the top left of the page, and use an attention-grabbing headline.
  3. Begin with the ‘hook’ you identified, and how it connects to local affairs. Your first few lines should explain why your event or action is interesting to those who may know nothing about the issue.
  4. If you’re hosting an event, include the who, what, when, and where, and how to participate.
  5. Include key facts to support why this issue is important, and use quotes from local leaders or Beyond the Bomb staff if you have them.
  6. Mention that you are a Beyond the Bomb volunteer.
  7. Close with a brief description of Beyond the Bomb, your local work, and your contact information. Interested reporters will want to contact you directly.
  8. Include a high quality photo (if you have one) and caption to increase your chances of getting coverage.
  9. Follow-up by calling the outlet you sent your press release to. This is a common practice in the news world and acts as a reminder. Ask if they received your release and if they need any additional information.