Want media coverage of your event? We hear this request all the time from clients—so we thought, let’s make a tipsheet and share it here.
This simple, practical Media Alerts tipsheet will help you get journalists to show up when and where they need to be to cover your story.Â
If you’re planning a press conference, rally, protest, town hall, or community event, a media alert is one of the most useful tools you can deploy.
A media alert is decidedly NOT a press release. It’s faster, tighter, and built for one thing: helping reporters quickly decide, Is this worth covering?
If a journalist can open your alert and immediately see the who, what, when, where, and why, you’re already ahead of most of what’s landing in their inbox.
A strong media alert won’t guarantee coverage, but it does make it much easier for a reporter to say yes.
In a hurry? Make sure your media alert includes these essentials:
- Keep your media alert to ONE page
- Send it 2–3 days ahead and follow up the morning of
- Include clear, easy-to-find media contact information
- Highlight any key spokespeople, strong visuals, and/or moments of action
For more guidance, check out the full tipsheet below.
MEDIA ALERTS
A Quick-Action Tool for Advocacy & Organizing
A media alert is a short, punchy invitation that tells journalists the who, what, when, where, and why of an upcoming event or press opportunity. Think of it as a calendar notice or event pitch—not a full press release.
When to Use a Media Alert
- Inviting Media to Attend or Cover:
- Press conferences
- Rallies, protests, or public demonstrations
- Community events or town halls
- Direct actions or civil disobedience
- Cultural or commemorative events tied to a campaign
- Situations Requiring Visual Coverage:
- If the event will be visually compelling (marches, signs, art, performance), media alerts help attract photojournalists and videographers.
- Short-Notice Events:
- For rapid response or breaking news moments, when timing is tight and you need to get the word out fast.
What Media Alerts are Good For
- Securing On-Site Media Coverage: They help get reporters, photographers, and camera crews to show up in person.
- Getting Listed in Community or Political Calendars: Many outlets track events via alerts.
- Providing Essential Event Logistics: Ensures media know where to go, who to ask for, and what time to show up.
- Generating Pre-Event Interest: Some reporters may reach out in advance for interviews or background.
What Media Alerts are NOT
- They are NOT press releases. Media alerts are not for storytelling or providing full context—just the essentials to entice coverage.
- They are NOT post-event recaps. Use a press release or statement for summarizing what happened afterward.
Bonus Tips
- Send 2-3 days ahead of the event, then follow up the morning of.
- Keep it to 1 page.
- Start with this handy template (with thanks to National Women’s Law Center).Â
- Peep this sample media alert (with thanks to the Afterschool Alliance).Â
- Include contact information for your organization’s media relations point of contact or event contact.
- Highlight key spokespeople and noteworthy visuals that will be available.
- If it’s a protest or direct action, consider noting photo ops or moments of peak action.
- Submit it to the local bureau of the Associated Press, all relevant AP Daybooks, assignment desk or assignment editors at local TV and radio stations, and print reporters covering your issues.Â
Bottom Line
A media alert is your tool to get press in the room—or on the street—when it matters most. Use it to drive visibility and amplify your message at the moment of action.
Want a copy you can save or share? Download our Media Alerts Tipsheet.