Constantly search for ideas about Church-related stories that will interest your local media. When possible, alert your news representatives about local Church stories that are issues of current community interest.
Regularly check the Church’s newsroom Web site at lds.org/newsroom for news stories you may be able to localize for your area. Your local media contacts are interested in stories with appeal to their viewers, readers, and listeners.
Make sure what you give your contacts has news value.
Write good leads in your news releases that capture your reader’s attention. See News Writing Basics.
Localize your story.
Write for your audience.
Media representatives like anniversaries (Is your meetinghouse 10 or 25 years old?) and human interest stories (Is there a stake or ward member with a unique story or talent?).
Write right. Be like a good reporter. Study how they write.
Enhance your story visually—include high-resolution photos when possible.
Include relevant quotes from your priesthood leader when appropriate.
Serving in the Church
