In the media: Furness Amateur Radio Society
During 2024 local media outlets shared a number of news articles about Furness Amateur Radio Society (FARS). We spoke with Graham Postlethwaite, M0POS, who manages publicity for FARS, to understand how he has built a successful relationship with the local media.
How did you build a relationship with the local media?
Our local media experience has been simple and fruitful. I already had a contact with the local media through my work with Rotary, and having spoken with them about my work with FARS, they were happy to receive further stories.
How did you communicate your news to them?
Having been asked by the FARS committee to help with Facebook posts, I started emailing my reporter contact with the content and asked if he could find some space for us in the paper, the Northwest Mail.
Happily, we saw our stories appearing both in print and online, even if just a short paragraph or so.
Any tips for getting club activity in the local press?
- Local reporters are often deskbound and don’t have photographers, so having good photos to share with them is a huge benefit and gives you the best chance of being published
- Get a name of the reporter so you can email them directly rather than the generic news desk email address. This will also help you build a relationship with them
- Make sure you include your name and telephone number if they wish to check its bona fide or to clarify anything with you
What have been the outcomes of your contact with the media?
During 2024 we had seven articles published, the majority including photos that we sent over. Articles have included our support at local charity events, as well as how FARS was inspired by the ARISS contact with HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh.
Category: Your stories
