Power of Good

I PowerofGood.com | Elevate Alabama 5 Breakout Sessions In An EvEr-ChAngIng MEdIA culture, what is the best way to tell a story? How does an organization attract attention when the mediums and methods are constantly chang- ing? To address these questions head- on, Alabama Power hosted a "Media Coverage for your Cause" breakout session at the Elevate conference on Aug. 20. During the session, three media experts shared their experi- ences and offered insight on how organizations can attract the media and share their stories. Ike Pigott, a communica- tions strategist and spokesman for Alabama Power, talked of how the seismic shift in the media landscape has affected print, television and social media. "The media landscape has changed more in the past five years than the past 50," said Pigott, who has experience in televi- sion news, crisis com- munication and social media. "It's important for nonprofits to know how to navigate that land- scape." The other two panelists offered insight from the print and television perspectives. Mark Kelly owns Weld for Birmingham, a media company that publishes a free weekly newspaper and maintains an online informa- tion site and blogging network. Vince Hodges is the assignment editor at WSFA12 News in Mont- gomery. He has worked as a news editor, pho- tojournalist and in sales and marketing roles. "First, you have to identify your story," explained Kelly as he shared details about Weld's year-long series cover- ing poverty in Birmingham. The human element is extremely important when crafting a story or pitch, the panelists said. Start with the human element of the story and incorporate statistics to back up the story. Consider whether the story is linked to current events and trends. The next step is pitching a story. All agreed that organizations can submit story tips by email and phone. Following up an email with a phone call can help ensure the tip has not been overlooked and help build relationships with the media outlet. When pitching a story or event, attendees were encouraged to Telling Your Story STORy By ALLISON WESTLAkE PHOTOS By MIkE TOMBERLIN Session offers tips to nonprofits on enhancing media coverage. STORY continued on page 6 Mark Kelly of Weld and Vince Hodges of WSFA12 News share ideas about media coverage for nonprofits.

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