This is your additional chance to try to persuade a reporter that your event will make an interesting story. Be ready if they decide to ask for additional information when you ring. For pickets and demos you want a reporter to attend to cover the event. Send releases just a few days before hand. Remember to have a few spare copies of the press release at the event itself for any reporters that turn up, as they often will not have received a copy.
Deadlines are important.
The best times to approach journalists are when their papers have gone to press. Contact morning papers first thing in the morning and evening papers in the late afternoon. Radio or TV should be contacted early in the day if the programme is going out that evening. Layout Use A4 size headed paper with your group's name and address. If it looks professional, the release is more likely to be used.