If you don't know the answer to a question, say so. Offer to get back to the reporter with the information at a later time, then do so as quickly as possible. Offer assistance - for example, suggest other credible sources on a story, such as state volunteering commission members or corporate partners. Be realistic - you can't control the news. You can't determine whether a story runs, where or when it will be placed, or what the headline, content, or tone will be.
Reporters receive many story ideas each day.
Make sure your media advisories and press releases are as compelling as possible. When notifying media about an upcoming event, be sure to contact them well in advance. Begin sending press releases and media advisories about two weeks before the event. Follow up with telephone calls - first to make sure they received your press release or media advisory, then again a day or two before the event to remind them about it and to confirm their attendance. Communicating Through Public Service Announcements Public service announcements, or PSAs, are short messages that radio and television stations broadcast free of charge, on behalf of the public interest.