How to get coverage
How to invite a journalist to cover your event
Send through an invitation and programme (either by e-mail, fax or personally) at least one week before the event.
Call to make sure the invitation was received and note down the name of the person you speak with.
The paper will confirm whether or not we can attend.
At functions:
On arrival at the job, the reporter will introduce himself or herself and the person who invited the paper will be expected to host the reporter and to assist him or her.
The reporter will not usually be able to stay for the full duration of the function, as there are usually other events to attend straight afterwards. Therefore, please indicate the best time for the reporter to be there (When a lot will be happening, with the chance for great photos).
Don’t tell the reporter to come at 10am if the event starts with long welcoming speeches; rather invite the reporter during drama, poetry, singing and dancing, etc.
Please be punctual.
Write a brief summary/report of the purpose of the event for the reporter, especially if she/he is taking school photos. (Help with names, surnames, grades and achievements.)
What events will the paper attend?
School achievements (in sports, academics and extras murals – only top achievers, group of 10 or more are not encouraged).
Donations (substantial donations only: money, clothes, food, uniforms, stationery, blankets, computers).
We do not attend church seminars, but we do attend gospel concerts where possible.
We are not able to attend all entertainment/church happenings, but are happy to do pre-publicity to help secure a large audience.
We attend big community events, charity work, if a very important person in society is being honoured and so on.
Community awareness campaigns.
When to call the paper with breaking news:
If there has been a car accident, a shooting, robbery, burglary, someone being beaten, stolen goods recovered (like cables), dumped babies, etc, please call immediately.
Strikes, riots, picketers, etc.
Suspected corruption: housing, with officials, SAPS, EMPD, or any other department, there is some proof for the reporter.
If services are not up to standard or businesses are not delivering, eg tombstone erection delays, selling rotten meat to the public, potholes,robots not working, stop signs not properly visible, etc. Phone us at 011 970 3030 or e-mail us at tembisan@caxton.co.za
Call (011)970 3030 for further information.
