Media alert

What is a media alert and why do I need to use it? The purpose of the media alert is to inform the media of a specific upcoming event in their area that they may be interested in covering.

Who gets the media alert? Media alerts can be sent out to your local daily and community newspapers, radio and television stations. They can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the sports, community or events editor (depending on the event). Please note as stated on top of the media alert on the next page that they are strictly for coverage and not for publication. This is a key difference from press releases and calendar listings that are for publication. The media alert strictly serves to inform the media of the event and encourage coverage of the event. If you are not familiar with the local newspapers in your area, you can find most contacts online or by calling your local daily newspaper.

What should a media alert look like? Following is a sample media alert. For the purposes of this sample, announcing a Lessons for Life event is the topic, but as mentioned before, it can be used for a variety of upcoming events. It is wise to put the media alert on professional letterhead whether it is your own or your club's.

USPTA teaching professionals hold Lessons for Life™ clinic and auction

For coverage only, not for publication

WHO: / Local USPTA tennis-teaching professionals from Temecula Tennis Center host clinic and auction for members and local community.
(PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT WHO IS HOSTING THE EVENT AND WHO THE EVENT IS OPEN TO HERE.)
WHAT: / As part of the USPTA's Lesson for Life program, local tennis-teaching professionals are coming together to hold a tennis clinic and auction to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Temecula. The clinic is open to the public and club members followed by a live auction featuring several autographed tennis items and other sports memorabilia. Lessons for Life, the USPTA's national charitable program since 1999, encourages its members to use tennis as a vehicle to help others through fund-raisers and other activities in their communities.
(ALWAYS STATE AND DESCRIBE THE EVENT IN THIS SECTION)
WHEN: / Saturday, November 11, 2006
4 - 7 p.m.
Photo ops available during entire event
(PROVIDE SPECIFICS ABOUT EVENT DATE AND TIME AND ANY SPECIFIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES HERE.)
WHERE: / Temecula Tennis Center
11111 Green Circle Drive
Temecula, Calif. 92589
(PROVIDE LOCATION, SPECIFIC ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS HERE.)
CONTACT: / John Smith
Temecula Tennis Center
951-555-5555
(PROVIDE NAME AND PHONE NUMBER OF EVENTCONTACT HERE.)