The Syracuse Peace Council in collaboration with RiseUp for Social Action created a series of workshops in April 2024. The aim of these workshops was to give local movement builders and organizers the opportunity to practice presswork. We offered training and education to the next generation of social justice organizers and leaders.
Media is crucial in social justice movements, serving as a vital tool for raising awareness, amplifying voices, and catalyzing change. As movement builders and organizers, we use diverse platforms like print, broadcast, and social media to mobilize support and hold institutions accountable. By spotlighting injustices and empowering marginalized communities to share their stories, the press fosters dialogue and advocacy for a more equitable society.
Basics to Understanding Media
Letter to the Editor
A letter to the editor (LTE) is a written communication sent to a newspaper, magazine, or other publication by a reader.
An LTE typically comments or responds to a previously published article, editorial, or opinion pieces. They offer commentary or an alternative perspectives on a particular topic. LTE’s provide readers with a platform to voice their opinions and engage in public discourse.
Op-Ed
An Op-Ed, is short for “opposite of the editorial page”, it is a written article that expresses the opinion, viewpoint, or perspective of the author. Op-Eds are explicitly subjective and often reflect personal or institutional stance of the writer.
Unlike LTE’s, Op-Eds are typically longer and offer a reasoned argument and analysis on a particular issue. Whereas, LTE’s serve more as a forum to provide a space for public dialogue and interaction.
News Release
A News Release, also known as a press release, are written communication issued by an organization, company, government agency, or an individual to members of the media with the aim of announcing something newsworthy.
The news releases are typically sent to journalist or other media professionals to inform them about events, developments, initiatives, or announcements related to the issuing entity.
Tips to help you work with the media:
- Do your research! — Know who you need to contact and when you need to contact them to get your story covered.
- Be persistent — Your issues most likely won’t be at the top of a journalist’s agenda, so you need to be willing to reach out on multiple occasions.
- Make it easy for them — when writing a press release, making calls, or speaking to media at events be concise and straightforward.
- Build relationships and credibility — work to make yourself an accurate and reliable source of information. Build your own personal connections for future stories.
MORE GREAT RESOURCES
These are some really good places to get more information on how to do strategic media work. We hope you find them helpful.
