When you have an opportunity to be featured on television, radio or in a newspaper article, it’s important to say “yes.” As a former reporter, I was amazed how often local businesses and organizations would turn down media coverage. It’s a great way to get your name out and bring attention to your business. Remember, though, that media outlets receive countless requests for coverage, so don’t assume yours will be picked. Instead, make sure to reach out to the appropriate contact person, and send your request in the morning when it is less likely that they will be flooded with other requests.
News coverage is the reporting of current events in a newspaper, television broadcast or online news site. The topics covered can range from major economic trends to human-interest stories about people, places or events. News stories are usually based on fact but can also include opinions and analyses.
While the Mirror Model suggests that the media should reflect reality, it is impossible to report every event or opinion in a single program or newspaper issue. News agencies are limited by time, money and personnel, so they must select what to cover. Moreover, they must also decide how to present selected information.
The types of topics that are covered as news depend largely on what is considered “hard” and “soft.” Hard news covers timely, important or consequential events or issues in society such as terrorism, natural disasters, elections and political conflicts. Soft news is less significant, more entertainment-oriented and includes celebrity, sports and culture stories.