Dealing with the news media can be intimidating, but responding to journalists is an important responsibility of school board members and administrators. Knowing how to work with the media can mean the difference between positive and negative news coverage.

Unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable dealing with reporters and editors from TV, radio and newspapers. That's why the Ohio School Boards Association regularly offers media relations training workshops and consultations with school leaders to help districts proactively engage the media and control the message that is sent to the public via the media.

Click here to download the Mastering Media Relations workshop presentation which provides advice for writing effective press releases, tips for ghostwriting and pitching stories to the media, along with proactive ways to promote your district's success stories. Additionally, the following tip sheets are available for download:

• What is News?
• Working with the News Media
• Media Interviewee Bill of Rights
• Neutralize Difficult Questions with Bridging
• Responding to Different Reporter's Styles
• Flagging Ideas 
• Give Jargon the Boot
• Keys to Getting Your Message Out to the Media

OSBA recognizes that not all school board members and district officials know the best ways to deal with the media. Feel free to distribute the presentation among district officials who deal with reporters and editors. As always, feel free to contact Angela Penquite or Scott Gerfen at (614) 540-4000 at any time for assistance or with questions.