41 Canadian Brigade Group Website

1
Writing Media Products Captain Peter Fuerbringer
2
Introduction

• Media products allow us to get information out in
  a quick, concise and organized fashion.
• The quality of the media product is a reflection
  of your units professionalism.

3
Backgrounders

• Usually a one-pager
• Provides background information about your unit
• Historical information
• Deployment history (both domestic and
  international)
• Typically accompanies other media products

4
Media Advisory

• This is an invitation for the media to attend an
  activity.
• This is usually to inform media of upcoming
  newsworthy event (ie Mountain Man, CANAM Cup,
  training in Wainwright).
• This is usually sent out a day or two before the
  event depending on logistical considerations.

5
News Release

• The intent of a news release is to provide
  information to the media.
• Usually includes quotes.
• This is essentially a hard news story.
• Formatted so that it can be placed in a newspaper
  as a news article.

6
Public Service Announcements

• Gives public notice of events that impact
  directly on the public
• This is also a good way to promote activities
  (ie Canadian Forces Day and parades)
• Could also be important information about road
  moves or convoys
• PSAs must be sent out about 2 weeks in advance

7
Key Information

• Media products should include the following
  information
• Who number of soldiers, trade, unit
• What what is the activity, what is the
  significance
• When Date, time
• Location Building, directions
• Why why is this training being conducted

8
Key Information

• How How it is being conducted, how many soldiers
• Contact information
• Website information (as required)

9
Media Product Checklist

• Is the subject newsworthy?
• To whom will you send the news release?
• Does the news release conform with the Canadian
  Style Guide?
• Does it answer the 5 Ws and 2 Hs?
• Is it concise?

10
News Release Checklist

• Is the information presented in a descending
  order of importance
• Is the news release on proper letterhead
• Did you date the news release
• Is the symbol -30- at the bottom
• Have you received proper clearances

11
Scenarios

• Your unit won an international tank competition
• Your unit is welcoming home a platoon of soldiers
  from a two-month deployment overseas
• Your unit is deploying to Wainwright by large
  military convoy

12
Task

• Determine what media products you require to get
  the information out
• Write a lead for the PA product

13
Questions?
Thank you