There are a number of ways that the media might get involved with
a local branch. While the information you provide will likely be
similar, it's best to be as prepared as possible for whatever the
media might throw at you and how you are approached will generally
affect how you handle the situation. Below are procedures you can
follow for each situation.
P.S. The seneschal is the
only person authorized to speak on behalf of the SCA for a local
group unless the seneschal designates another. If you have been
approached by the media and are not the seneschal or designee,
you must notify your local branch seneschal of the situation and
provide him/her with the media contact information. This can be as simple as commenting to the media "We
have an SCA member who has all the information you need on the organization.
Let me give you his/her contact information."
Here are some of the most common media interactions
that you will have to deal with. |
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| Click the link above that best describes the type of situation that
you have an interest in researching. We encourage you to visit all
of the links over time to give you a better idea of how the Office
of Media Relations can help your local group. |
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| You approach the Media for coverage |
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Determine what you want to
achieve with media coverage. Most likely you want to generate
community interest and get new members, if so, you want the information
you provide to the media to be fairly general to show all aspects
of the SCA. If not, what you are trying to accomplish may affect
the information you provide the media. Example, if you are focusing
on the educational aspects or historical research, arts and sciences
should be emphasized over armoured combat. |
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Determine how are you enticing the media or what will they be
seeing. Are you putting on
a demo for the girl scouts, etc., inviting the media
to an event, fighter practice, or other local activity, or are
you pre-advertising a demo that will be open to the public or a
really special event? |
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Prepare yourself! Get all your information together including
press releases, information on your local branch (including when
and where all recurring activities are held), and information
on the activity you are presenting if it is a special demo or
event. Think about all the information you want to present verbally
to the media, what information is important about the SCA, your
group, and the event/activity.
If there are materials you want created specifically for this event, remember to
contact the Deputy Seneschal for Media Relations
with a request for those materials several weeks in advance of when you need them.
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Contact the media. If you do not already have a relationship with your local media outlets, feel free to contact the
Deputy Seneschal for Media Relations for assistance.
Be sure to discuss with the media representative any requirements for attending the stated activity.
If an Event, offer to supply clothing so that they do not feel "out of place" while at the event.
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Prepare your group! Make sure that everybody that might possibly attend is prepared to talk with the media -
and let them know that if they don't feel comfortable talking that they can tell the media that they don't want to answer questions -
that's ok! Make sure everyone is aware of the things not to say. Make sure everyone knows who the primary media contact will be to
minimize confusion when the media arrives. |
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| The Media approaches you for information or an interview |
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| The Media makes a surprise visit to a demo or event |
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| An unfortunate event warrants reporting to the Media Relations Deputy |
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