Media Training
For DDAs and Downtown Partnerships
One of the most important goals for Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) and Downtown Partnerships is driving customer foot traffic to its restaurants and retailers. Public relations, marketing, advertising, social media and events all work together to generate results.
Organizations benefit from having a prepared media relations strategy–including practiced spokespeople– to support the businesses in their districts when the news media comes calling. Sharing businesses’ stories, events and specials with the local news media keeps your shopping district top of mind for potential customers and builds excitement.
Media training is a critical aspect of any successful media relations strategy. When it comes to harnessing an opportunity to speak with a member of the news media, a little preparation goes a long way.
Knowing what makes something newsworthy and how to draw the attention of local reporters and journalists, involves preparing your businesses’ spokespeople, executives and employees to deliver key messages effectively, handle difficult questions and represent their businesses in a positive light during media interviews or appearances.
Catalyst Media Factory provides a media training tailored specifically to DDAs and Downtown Partnerships and the businesses in their districts. Our experienced media executives work closely with their organizations and businesses to understand their communication goals, target audience and key messages. We then design customized media training scenarios to help them achieve their objectives.​
Media training for your DDA or Downtown Partnership:
PHASE 1 FOR ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP
1. Message development: Our team will work with your leadership to develop overarching key messages that are clear, concise and aligned with their communication goals.
2. Interview Techniques: We ‘ll share effective interview techniques with your leadership, including how to handle difficult questions and bridge back to key messages.
3. Media relations: Your leadership will gain an understanding of the media landscape and how journalists work, giving them the tools they need to build relationships with the media and gain positive media coverage.
4. Crisis management: We’ll work with your leadership to prepare for potential crises and provide them the skills they need to effectively communicate during a crisis situation.
5. Mock interviews: Using prepared scenarios relevant to your organization, we’ll conduct on-camera mock interviews with your leadership, giving them the opportunity to practice their interview skills in a safe and supportive environment.
PHASE 2 FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND OTHER DISTRICT SPOKESPEOPLE
We’ll host a workshop for your Executive Director or CEO, business’ leaders/owners and other spokespeople to teach them:
1. How to identify and/or create a newsworthy story for their business
2. How to build relationships with targeted local reporters / journalists
3. How to pitch said local reporters / journalists
4. How to create a visual and engaging segment or interview when the opportunity arises
5. How to prepare a potential spokesperson
Contact
Ask us about creating a customized media training to meet the distinct needs of your organization.
313.462.0808