Abi Ismail
Fall 2024
Public Relations Plan
Two Media Exposure Ideas
1. Segment on a local news station
2. Article or column in the newspaper
One powerful method for promoting an emergency preparedness course is through a segment on a local television news station. Local TV news is widely trusted and reaches a large, diverse audience, including demographics that may be less engaged on social media or less familiar with online advertising. By working with local news stations to create a short, impactful segment, the course can gain substantial visibility, especially if the segment highlights real-life emergency scenarios, practical preparedness tips, and interviews with course instructors or attendees. This could be tied to recent news events, such as severe weather or local emergencies, creating urgency and relevance in viewers’ minds. A key reason why this approach is effective is its credibility. Television news carries an authority that can lend legitimacy to the emergency preparedness course, making viewers more likely to trust its value. Additionally, the visual element of television allows potential participants to see the course in action, giving them a glimpse into what they might learn.
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Another impactful strategy is to secure a feature article or recurring column in local community newspapers, including both print and online formats. Community newspapers often have a strong readership among older adults, families, and residents who may not be as active online. Such an article could outline the benefits of emergency preparedness, provide a summary of the course content, and include testimonials from previous attendees or quotes from the course organizers. Additionally, community newspapers often prioritize local stories and initiatives, so they are likely to welcome content that promotes public safety and community resilience.
The visual element of television allows potentila participants to see the course in action, giving them a glimpse into what they might learn.
Here, we see Jim getting ready for his interview segment with WTHR to advertise and teach about emergency preparedness to the local news station.
Here we see a unique newspaper article of an emergency class being needed after diaster striking. The journalist wrote the headline in a confusing manner, to make readers intrigued but also realize that emergencies can make you confused and stay off track.
In conclusion, these two media exposure ideas—local television news and a
community newspaper feature—are effective because they tap into trusted, familiar
channels that reach diverse, broad audiences. They both provide a level of depth and
credibility that other platforms may lack, and they reach individuals who may be less
likely to encounter the course through online or social media channels. By combining
both visual appeal and detailed information, these approaches help ensure that the
message of emergency preparedness resonates across different segments of the
community, ultimately encouraging greater enrollment and public awareness.