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Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned

Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned. Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007. The Illinois Poverty Summit: Big Vision, Bold Plans. Illinois Poverty Summit is designed to shine a spotlight on poverty and foster community and legislative leadership on poverty policy solutions

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Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned

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  1. Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007

  2. The Illinois Poverty Summit: Big Vision, Bold Plans • Illinois Poverty Summit is designed to shine a spotlight on poverty and foster community and legislative leadership on poverty policy solutions • Methods include: • Annual Poverty Report - Policy Analysis • Media Outreach - Steering Committee • Events - Partnerships • Legislative Agendas

  3. Annual Report and Project Principles • People who work full time should not live in poverty • All people who can work should be given the tools to work toward their fullest potential • A safety net should be provided for those who cannot work • Eliminating poverty is an investment in Illinois’ future

  4. Our Media Coverage Successes • We receive annual media coverage on poverty in every county of Illinois. • We have sustained coverage over the years: • 2005 – 99 instances of media coverage • 2006 – 172 instances of media coverage • 2007 – 142 instances of media coverage to date • We have seen in an increase in stories ‘above the fold’ and in series that run for multiple days.

  5. How De We Get So Much Coverage? • We use a report as the door-opener • We tailor press releases for each media outlet • We offer a local angle • We are credible and reliable • We add in quotes from leaders

  6. Are There Other Factors to Our Success? • We go back to the reporters annually. • We spend time writing and practicing our talking points. • We give reporters considerable lead time and support. • We use multiple mediums including radio, television, websites, blogs, and events.

  7. Why do We Invest in Media Communications? Impact! • Raise profile of poverty and hardship • Effect policy and systems change • Help local groups raise needed funds to expand services

  8. What is the Value of Media Coverage of Social Issues? • Media has a role andresponsibility to shine a spotlight on these critical, pervasive issues. • Media can educate people and open their eyes to hardship in their own communities. • Media coverage can spur meaningful community discussions on poverty and homelessness. • Media coverage is critical for building political will.

  9. What are the Challenges to Good Media Coverage of Poverty? • Poverty seems complicated. • Poverty is covered daily – just not in name. • Outlets rarely have reporters dedicated to social issues. • Sustaining coverage on an ‘old’ issue is a challenge. • Stories often revert to stereotypes or cookie cutter approaches.

  10. What Is the Role of Personal Stories? • Personal stories put a face to an issue. However: • Personal stories often evoke judgmental responses. • Focus on the person is often to the detriment of covering the causes and solutions. • Reader rarely considers how the issue is affecting more than one person.

  11. What Have We Learned? • With considerable investment of time, resources and effort you can get meaningful coverage on poverty. You can be proactive about stories instead of only reactive – but that is no small job. • Data and reports area great door opener to get the media to consider a story.

  12. What Else Have We Learned? The Press Release Really Matters • Very few stories go beyond the data or information in the press release. • Always offer a local angle. • Present solutions in tandem with the problem. • Quotes from leaders usually get covered.

  13. Anything Else We’ve Learned? • Make it easy for busy reporters to find what they need. • Use different types of media (print, news, web and radio) as different audiences are reached. • Know your stuff and be accurate and honest. • Reporters and editors need support for poverty coverage.

  14. Final Notes: 1. Jargon: We fall prey to it! Use of “inside baseball” language really affects ability to reach certain audiences • Case management • Comprehensive continuum of care • Endangered populations • Co-occurring disorders

  15. 2. Leverage, Leverage, Leverage the Coverage • Send to all the elected officials in the coverage area along with your materials. • Share with funders and board members. • Thank the reporters and editors and plan to seed future story ideas.

  16. Contact: Amy Rynell 773-336-6074 arynell@heartlandalliance.org And visit our website: http://www.heartlandalliance.org/maip For More Information

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