This afternoon we were visited by a very friendly freelance journalist doing a piece on the village for the local newspaper. Nothing we had arranged, he just popped in out of the blue. A very friendly and interesting chap, we had a good chat about our village, the kind of place it is too live, how warm and welcoming it had been, what goes on etc etc.
During our conversation, which I hope helped him with his article, a number of things came up in conversation which prompted his remark “that is a story in itself” and which got me thinking.
Many people have perceptions of journalists that I believe are unfounded. Many people being so worried in their belief that if they speak to someone from the press they will “twist what I have said”. However we have to remember that many journalists are our friends and neighbours and need to have a constant feed of interesting stories to do thier job. Just as we need supplies and customers on a regular basis to survive in ours.
So what has this got to do with our shop our other rural businesses? I bet that in most villages and rural communities there is much going on that would be make a good story for a local journalist to report on. But beacuse of many factors, we as business owners do not think to mention to our local media.
- Have you recently started a local delivery service?
- Have you started to stock any unusual products or more local products?
- Is there a local event that you are provided support, products or services to?
- Have you started a blog or a new website?
These are all things that could potentially be the basis for a short piece in your local newspaper. And all you need to do is make a call to them and ask if it would be of interest to them. As simple as that.
Overtime I would recommend building up a list of local press contacts and even begin to write out the basis of articles to consider.
Another area to consider – does your local press have a “villages” or “community” section where you can provide input as the local reporter as to what is happening week to week or month to month in your village. If not why not suggest it to them.
Providing imput like this will not only gain you some free local publicty it will also provide vital support to your local newspaper.
I would love to hear of any more suggestions for the type of things that you beleive would make an interesting story for your local newspaper (or TV/radio). Please post your comments.
