This is the Media Guide.  Its purpose is to help you develop a positive and productive relationship with the media.  Whether you are publicizing an event, seeking increased visibility for your group, proactively seeking understanding for our lifestyle, or responding to a media inquiry, this guide is designed to help you get better results.

There's no better teacher than experience, and our community has acquired its share.   Within these pages are the lessons learned by many of our community's leaders.   Much of it was ground breaking, much of it was difficult.  Despite the experience distilled within these pages, media relations remains more of an art than a science.  Remember:  you are dealing with people - those within your organization, those in the media, and those comprising the reading, viewing, and listening audiences - and with perceptions.  Therefore, this guide is merely a starting point.   As you pursue an active media relations program, you will find what works for you and what doesn't.

The guide is presented in three chapters that take you from understanding media through preparation for an appearance on radio or television.  In some cases you will find that certain ideas or techniques are mentioned within the context of a particular medium.   This was done to provide order to this guide.  In fact, many of the suggestions have wide application within the art of media relations.

CH 1 - Understanding the Media
The people you'll be dealing with
Two types of news
News is what you make it
Making the media plan
Maintain your perspective about the media
Be honest with yourself

CH 2 - Your Media Toolbox
The human factor
Media events
Establishing  contact
Getting your story out
Follow up
Supplemental materials

Ch 3 - Media Manners
General tips
Dealing with the one-eyed monster
On doing radio

Appendices
A - Frequently asked questions
B - Thoughts about crossdressing
C - The finer points of a news release
D - Glossary of media terms