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Media Relations FAQs

How do I promote my campus event?

The primary way to promote an event on campus is to post it in the . Be sure to post it ONLY after you have all the relevant information and a photo. Once posted to the Events Calendar, it can be shared on social media, via email, newsletters, etc. 

Consider what your audience will want to know:

• Gather information: Who, what, where, when, and why.

• Select a novel image over a stock image for more attention. Consider a headshot or environmental pic.

• Get the speaker’s or performer’s bio—ask for a tight one-paragraph bio, and be sure to include education credentials for scholars who will be delivering a lecture or talk.

• Include in all promotional material:
          —Event sponsors
          —Ticketing info and intended audience (students, "open to the public," campus community, etc.)
          —Link to campus map with parking info if needed

• Keep it short and avoid academic jargon.

Off-Campus Promotion 

Post in Events Calendar then consider a few off-campus tools to push awareness of your event beyond campus.

• Post to local event calendars at least 2 weeks prior to your event, taking care to estimate your draw. Do include an image.
          — (local community)
          —Rochester's (Rochester and the greater Monroe County area)
          —Rochester’s alternative (arts and entertainment-focused audience)

• Distribute posters or handbills to Main Street merchants if open to both students AND residents 

• Send invites to interested individuals or groups
          —Consider sending invites to corresponding departments/groups at area institutions
          —Reach out to relevant local nonprofits, schools, or companies

 ***Note: Events during business hours will draw from a much smaller pool of possible attendees.***

What is a press release?

Essentially, a press release is a news story or idea that we share with outside media in hopes of news coverage. Press releases are often targeted to different media outlets depending on the demographics of their audience. Press releases are sent out by the director of media relations.

Can I get media coaching?

Media coaching can help faculty and staff prepare for media interviews, whether for print, radio, or on-camera appearances. Media coaching can also help with conference presentations, public talks, and Q&A sessions. Coaching tips will help improve your comfort during an interview so you can maintain control yourself and the discussion.

If you would benefit from media coaching, contact Monique Patenaude, director of media relations.   

What is a good story idea?

 The stories that we find most compelling are those that appeal to our target audiences, especially potential students and their families. We are interested in sharing news that is uniquely Geneseo.

• Published research (articles, book chapters, books) that appeals to a general audience
• Faculty research
• Undergraduate research
• Distinctive programs or compelling courses
• Town-gown partnerships

How do I submit a story idea?

Contact: Robyn Rime, senior writer and editor

Publications and research: Monique Patenaude, director of media relations

Alumni story ideas: Keith Walters, director of advancement communications

What should I do when a reporter calls?

 

Refer the reporter. Reporters should go through the director of media relations to schedule interviews with faculty, staff, and students. In fact, most do. But if you’re contacted directly, please refer them to Monique Patenaude, director of media relations at 245-5056.

Let us know. If you’ve provided an interview, call Monique Patenaude, director of media relations at 245-5056.

Get coached. Media coaching is available for on-camera, radio, and interviews that take place over the phone. Coaching can be arranged for a pending interview, or scheduled as practice for possible interviews in the future. 

Keep it on your schedule. If a reporter calls you directly and you don’t have time to think through the topic at hand, call them back after you gather your thoughts. Do ask what their deadline is, and if you can’t or don’t wish to contribute to the story, let them know. Don’t ever feel obliged to give an interview.

Get the facts. Always get the reporter’s name, media outlet, and contact information—phone number and email address. Not everyone who calls for an interview is a reporter; verify their identity, especially if you’re not familiar with the news outlet. The college’s director of media relations can help vet any inquiries.

Get your message across. Use the interview as an opportunity to communicate what YOU want to say. Before you begin, decide what two or three key points you want to get across and have both data and examples ready to highlight each one. Take the opportunity during the interview to pivot the discussion to serve your agenda, as well.

Provide context. Reporters cover dozens of stories a week. Help them by offering context and background information on complex topics.

Prepare for the difficult questions. Anticipate difficult questions and prepare responses to them. Never say, “No comment.” Instead, explain why you can’t or won’t answer the question.

Give simple, direct answers. Be brief. Reporters likely will use short quotes, clips, or sound bites. Avoid jargon and explain the topic as simply as possible. It’s best to avoid flippant or joking comments that be acceptable in conversation but might be taken out of context.

Stay “on the record.” Don’t say anything you don’t want to read in the newspaper or see on the evening news, even when the formal interview seems to have ended and you are just chatting with the reporter.

Assume the camera is on. As soon as a reporter’s camera is visible, assume that it’s recording. Keep banter to a minimum, stay on topic, and watch your posture!

Ask questions. Although reporters are unlikely to let you review a story before it’s published or aired, they may let you verify specific information or quotes. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Give feedback. If a reporter makes a major mistake in the story, call the publication and ask for a correction. If the mistake is minor, it may be better to let it go.