Communicating with the Media

Part 1:  Communicating with the Media

Every season, leisure facilities from around the world have promotions, incidents, announcements and events that are reported by the media. With such a great deal of information out there - how do you get noticed? How do you insure that the information circulating about your facility is accurate? How do you respond to the media after an incident?

These questions remind those of us in the leisure industry how absolutely necessary it is to have a solid communication plan ready and how important it is to work with the media in the event of some type of business issue which needs immediate attention.

Over the next several weeks in the ITPS Amusement INdustry News, I will be providing you with information which you should find helpful in working with media. The articles will include the following:

  • “Understanding the Media”
  • “Keys to Success for Working with the Media”
  • “Reporter Rapport”
  • “Getting the Media’s Attention”
  • “Editorial Briefings”
  • “Working with Television”
  • “Appearing on Television”
  • “Working with Radio”
  • “Online Media”
  • “Final Tips”

Who is the media? Traditionally, media includes, newspapers, television and magazines - but today, the media includes all of these, plus, Facebookers, Twitterers, bloggers, amateur photographers your guests and the general public.

Starting next week, we’ll cover “Understanding the Media” which includes helpful information about the types of media and the importance of building solid relationships with those different media outlets.

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Dennis L. Speigel, President of International Theme Park Services, Inc. (“ITPS”) is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the theme park / leisure industry with over 47 years experience. ITPS has worked on over 450 projects located in 45 countries and can assist in the development, redevelopment and implementation of Crisis Management Plans and Media Communication Plans. Contact Dennis at 513-381-6131 or dennisspeigel@interthemepark.com for further information.