writing to the news station...

leighi123 · Mar 24, 2008

our local news station does a lot of stories bases on ideas that people have emailed to them, so I thought I would write and see if they would do a story on extended rear facing. Many people here ff even before 20lbs/1yr, but most people Ive talked to have been receptive to the idea of ERF when I explain it to them, so I was thinking maybe a news story would help.

Any ideas as to what I should write in my proposal letter? I want to get my point across without rambling on and on....Im not very good at writing such things so any ideas would be appriciated -
TIA!

Heather98012 · Mar 24, 2008

Well, I'm not an expert, but I have had successful contact with the media on numerous accts & gotten my story ideas on tv. It isn't that hard to do. But you need to make it seem worthwhile to the STATION, not to your cause.

How do you do that? Make them think they are "breaking" a new story (even if it isn't). Most people don't know about ERF, so they should be receptive to the idea.

Put a few short, concise bullet points into your email. Give stats on why ERF saves lives. Give stats on why FF too early is harmful to children. Explain how poor, worried mothers think they are doing the right thing for their kids when in essence, they simply don't have the info to make a decision.

Perhaps suggest they interview a local ER dr or pediatrician on the benefits of ERF, or a CPS tech. Experts always give more legitamacy to a story.

News stations have a LOT of time to fill & anything noteworthy or warm & fuzzy (say, how a child was saved by ERF) will make good air time.

Good luck & let us know what happens!

wendytthomas · Mar 24, 2008

I'd also bring up the brand new study that came out a few months ago, and mention the article in this month Pediatrics journal. With that just coming out it's current and out there and exceedingly relevant.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/extract/121/3/619
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/398

Wendy

wendytthomas · Mar 25, 2008

Ok, now you guys have me thinking. I think this would be an awesome thing to get out there. But I don't know how to approach the media with a big "INTERVIEW ME!" on me. It seems inappropriate, kwim? I could probably have someone else email the news station, but that seems devious. Piper's pediatrician is actually really well up on carseats, so recommending her for an interview would be easy.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Wendy

leighi123 · Mar 28, 2008

Im still working on writing them... Im terrible at this! They do all sorts of compleatly dumb stories that people have written in though (NOTHING happens here) - but lately they have been running more 'buckle up' comercials along with 'dont smoke around kids' commercials so this should fit in...

Levi has never been to a pedi aside from one at the hospital when he was born so I dont know about getting more 'expert' input though. I think that would be more helpful than me, random mommy, just giving my :twocents:

Unregistered1 · Mar 29, 2008

If you need an expert, head over to the safekids website and look up techs in your area. Chances are even a tech that's a little far away would be willing to travel for the worthy cause of getting information about ERF out there.

writing to the news station...

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