University of Michigan - Flint

The University Relations staff has extensive news and public relations experience across many mediums. We recognize that in today's world, traditional and mainstreamnews and media outletswill not reach every market, especially if that market includes high school and college students.

Our staff utilizes the very latest communications resources. From social-networking websites to text messaging, Second Life dance contests to viral word-of-mouth, we will make sure no avenue for delivering your message to its rightful audience has been overlooked.

Which is why it is important not to overlook the important role traditional and mainstreamnews and media outlets continue to play in the ever-growing mass communication landscape.

Here are some questions to ask yourself, and University Relations, when seeking media coverage:

1. Is it 'newsworthy?'

A story or event may be very important to its sponsors, but whether it will receive press coverage depends on many factors, including the nature and significance of the news or event, the timing, and even what other news is happening that day.

Every media outlet, including University Relations, makes its own decisions about what it will and will not cover on a daily basis. Generally, a story must have some unusual aspect to warrant wide attention — breakthrough research, an particularly large or significant donation, the appointment of new campus leaders, a timely event like homecoming,or a new development like student housing.

University Relations asks that UM-Flint faculty, staff and students coordinate requests for media coverage through the UREL office. Not only can we help youbetter format and pitch your story for maximum impact, we can also ensure that the campus avoids bombarding news outlets withmultiple requests which, though different and equally important to individuals involved, could be seen as too many requests from one entity: The University of Michigan-Flint. News outlets have been known to decline coverage of all potential stories if they receive too many requests too close together from a single institution.

2. What if I don't receive any mainstream news coverage?

Mainstream media coverage can never be guaranteed. However, today's digital cameras, digital video cameras and digital voice recorders allow individuals and groups to document their own stories and publish them online in various formats, including podcasts, vodcats, blogs and photo galleries.

University Relations is also much more likely to give your story attention on the university's website, in university newsletters, the alumni magazine, and other internal sources.UREL is also happy to assist you in your efforts to get the word out via the web or other alternative means of communication.

3. What do I do ifa reporter asks me a question about UM-Flint?

Be honest. If you don't know the answer or don't have a strong opinion, tell them so. Still, it never hurts to familiarize yourself with current issues facing fellow students, the entire campus, the city of Flint, even the state of Michigan. One why to stay up to speed is to ask questions yourself. You can also find out the latest by visiting UM-Flint News, the Flint Journal and other community news sources.