The media can be very helpful in building awareness about your Unit's Joining Night efforts.

Building Media Coverage

Here are some tips and ideas to get the word out through media coverage.

  • Target your audience by making a list of the best media outlets to help you reach the parents of Cub Scout aged youth in your community.
  • Develop a media contact list, always sending your media releases to a specific person if possible. Develop a list of reporters and/or editors who cover events like yours or who work in the community- related area of that media source. Be sure to include name, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address when compiling your list.
Develop a Press Release

  • Keep it simple. A one-page announcement ensures that the reporter/editor will not have to do much editing.  (We have provided a template here.)
  • Choose a catchy, easy-to-read headline for your press release.
  • Be sure to include all pertinent details about your event: who, what, when, where, why, how
  • Provide the reporter a name and contact information in case any follow up is needed.
  • If possible, include a photo to tell your story. Choose a fun action shot that best depicts Scouting in your community.


Some Newspapers and Contacts in Our Council Community

Aledo Times Record        jpulliam@aledotimesrecord.com
         John Pulliam
Bellevue Herald
   dnamanny@bellevueheraldleader.com
   David Namanny
Bettendorf News   jhill@qctimes.com
   Janet Hill
Blue Grass Bugle   kristyseamer@gmail.com
   Kristy Seamer
Catholic Messenger   amacher@davenportdiocese.org
   Ann Marie Amacher
Clinton Herald   cbielema@clintonherald.com
   Charlene Bielema
Daily Dispatch/Rock Island Argus   press@qconline.com
    
Galesburg Register-Mail   news@register-mail.com
    
Geneseo Republic   www.geneseorepublic.com    
Maquoketa Sentinel   newsdept@mspress.net
   Vickie Earles
McDonough Voice   jdubach@mcdonoughvoice.com
    
Muscatine Journal   news@muscatinejournal.com
    
Preston Times   editor@prestontimesonline.com
    
Quad City Times   lresnick@qctimes.com
   Lucinda Resnick
West Liberty News   INDEXNEWS@Lcom.net
   Jacob Lane
Wilton Advocate   adnews@netwtc.net    

Radio

Contact local AM and FM radio stations to find out if they have a 'spot' for local guests or callers to discuss upcoming events. Or ask the station to make a public service announcement on behalf of your unit.

Thank You

Be sure to send a thank-you note to the reporter once your press release is published.