Working with the News Media

(Series Introduction)

The news media play an important role in shaping people's views of both the world and the local community. What they say can and does affect the public's attitude toward individuals with disabilities. Their words and pictures can present a positive image by showing individuals' capabilities and contributions or the images can reinforce prejudices, discrimination and negative stereotypes. Positive stories alone, however, are not enough. The stories need to show people with disabilities as typical individuals, and they need to help the public recognize disability issues as human issues that concern us all. When the media understand and address disability issues well, the public accepts people with disabilities as valuable members of the community.

While routine exposure increases public awareness, news time and space are limited. You have a wealth of information you can share with the media. But how do you get the media to publicize your issue? Can you come up with a new angle on a topic that reporters cover regularly, in order to catch their interest? (This is one of the best ways to get media attention.) And how do you ensure that your side of the story/your position is communicated accurately?

To help you become more familiar with the news media and develop the skills you need to obtain media coverage, the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities has created a series of information sheets on "Working with the News Media." Topics which are covered are listed in the left column.

Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5415 voice; 1-800-262-0334 (Texas only).

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Resources/Overview FYI Newsletter Annual Reports Biennial Reports Videos Acronyms People First Language College Resources Working with the News Media Introduction & Resources Letter to the Editor Interview Preparation Using Photos Conveying Desired Values, Attitudes & Perspectives Preparing News Releases Hurricane & Disaster Resources Links Internet Resources Grantee Products State Plan Join Mailing List Order Form	Working with the News Media (Series Introduction) The news media play an important role in shaping people's views of both the world and the local community. What they say can and does affect the public's attitude toward individuals with disabilities. Their words and pictures can present a positive image by showing individuals' capabilities and contributions or the images can reinforce prejudices, discrimination and negative stereotypes. Positive stories alone, however, are not enough. The stories need to show people with disabilities as typical individuals, and they need to help the public recognize disability issues as human issues that concern us all. When the media understand and address disability issues well, the public accepts people with disabilities as valuable members of the community. While routine exposure increases public awareness, news time and space are limited. You have a wealth of information you can share with the media. But how do you get the media to publicize your issue? Can you come up with a new angle on a topic that reporters cover regularly, in order to catch their interest? (This is one of the best ways to get media attention.) And how do you ensure that your side of the story/your position is communicated accurately? To help you become more familiar with the news media and develop the skills you need to obtain media coverage, the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities has created a series of information sheets on "Working with the News Media." Topics which are covered are listed in the left column. Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5415 voice; 1-800-262-0334 (Texas only).
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, TX 78741-7509 Phone: (512) 437-5432 Toll-Free: 1-800-262-0334 Accessibility \| Site Policies Copyright 2005-2012 - Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Links from TCDD to other Internet sites are provided as a convenience for informational purposes. No official endorsement should be inferred.