Lessons in Managing a Successful PR Campaign 4. Make use of the community newswire. The Community Newswire at the Media Trust sent out nearly 800 stories during January and February 2012. The service helps charities, communities and citizen journalists get their stories into the national and regional media. The best of the submitted press releases and photos are selected and written up by dedicated Press Association journalists and distributed to thousands of newsrooms across the UK. Even if you haven't got a specific news item, keep an eye on the news to see if something your organisation is doing can be pegged to the current news agenda; look out for angles that can be turned into a story! 5. Don’t forget the power of social media and your own public relations and marketing communication systems. Your own website and social media channels are vital aspects of your communications mix. These communication tools allow you to communicate your messages in the way you want them to be - without the spin! Make sure your website is regularly updated with fresh new copy that has been well written and in a way that can be easily understood. If this is an area that you need help with then there are lots of quality resources available on the Media Trust website: ➡http://www.mediatrust.org For more information about this year’s Hitting the Headlines conference and for other media related resources, please check out these links: ➡http://resources.mediatrust.org/events/hitting-the-headlines ➡http://www.mediatrust.org/newswire ➡http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/life-saving-skills/hands-onlycpr.aspx ➡http://www.blottr.com ➡http://www.journalism.co.uk ➡http://www.gowernews.co.uk
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