Just tried these new avenues and they seem to work - thought they could help others - please let me know.

Our cable television company has a public access channel that certain churches, scouting and school activities can use for programming. It has to be a not-for-profit organization, they run shows that are taped from local city/village councils, etc. and also have what is called a community bulletin board where printed items run for a couple of hours a couple times each day. Meeting notices can be put on there so I've started with our upcoming election information - date, time, place, etc. Also - our newspaper is running information under community service announcements - you write it, they'll print it. They verify it first, but our paper has one day a week that has a page or two on area/school news so it's there.

The main reason I started doing this is I didn't want anyone to be able to say that they weren't informed and that's why they aren't there - but hey, since it's free - why not.

Let me know how this works in your area.

Yes, we recently started this as well. Our local paper has agreed to put pictures of our "Star" kids and parents. They also have an area for meeting notices, etc. Its a great service.

Lisa @ Tx

Don't forget your local radio stations. They cover non'profit information for no charge as well.

we don't have a local tv station, but our local newspaper and radio station do this for the town. we also have a call in time for announcements everyday on our radio station. in addition, we send articles and pictures everytime we have an event. this works pretty great for us.
lisa

I didn't know how to write a press release, and didn't know that you can e-mail press releases to most newspapers.

A really informative website to get the "do's and don'ts" of publicity is:

Joan Stewart, the "Publicity Hound". Click on her "Free Articles" and sign up for her free e-zine (it's the best) and has great ideas on how to get (almost) free publicity.

Here is her website:
http://www.publicityhound.com/

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by &lt;MO2&gt;:
Don't forget your local radio stations. They cover non'profit information for no charge as well.<hr></blockquote>

As a former Public Service Announcement Director (PSA)at area radio stations....many stations do require proof of your organization being non-profit / not for profit by using form 501 (3)(c or by your state tax exempt form.

Also keep in mind stations require everything in writing, generally two to three weeks in advance. Keep the PSA's to the point - Who, What, Where, Why, and When. If it cannot be summed in up in 60 seconds then you have too much unnecessary information. Rule of thumb, if you have any questions about PSA's contact the station and ask for your PSA director.

In television, have a pre-recorded psa or arrange to record it at the station. Studio time may cost and can be expensive. Contact the general / program / Production Manager if they offer these services and if there is any cost.

Whether your PSA is recorded or not, ALWAYS send three versions: 15 seconds, 30 second and 60 second lengths. Always send written copy with your recorded PSA's. If your organization is indeed non-profit / not for profit you may also qualify for their community affairs programs. These are usually 30 to 60 minute programs run with no commercials. Usually these are run early mornings on Saturday or Sunday mornings.

Just thought I would give my two cents experience!