Local newspaper, magazine and radio journalists are always looking for interesting stories and events in their area. Here are our tips to help you get the word out about your fundraising event.

Prepare a press release

This is a document, or email, with all the key details a journalist will need to cover your story. You can download one of our templates below depending on what type of fundraising you are doing. If you’re not sure get in touch with our Fundraising team and we’ll be able to help you.

Include a great picture

A great image makes a huge difference and will increase the chance of your story being published in your local media. Ask a friend or family member to help; the photo will need to be a good quality image, but it can be taken on a smartphone.

Share with local news contacts

Next you need to find the contact details for your local media. Consider contacting:

• Local magazines and newspapers
• Local BBC Radio and other local commercial radio stations
• Parish or local council newsletters
• Social media pages for local media and community groups
• Your employer’s website, newsletter and intranet

Look online to find a contact us section which will give you the details of who you need to get in touch with. You can also try searching for the name of the media outlet and telephone number to see if you can reach them that way.

Get in touch by phone or email

Phone or email the media outlet at least a month before the event to let them know that you are a local resident raising money for Kidney Care UK and explain why you think they might be interested in your story. If you’ve phoned them let them know you have a press release and image you can send them; if you’re emailing them let them know you have a photo you can send them. If it’s a radio station or TV news, let them know that you are happy to be interviewed.

Keep them informed

The media tend to work quite quickly so check your phone and emails regularly; if they are keen to run the story they may want additional details and they are likely to want them the same day.

You may also want to check to see if they’d like an update on how your fundraising goes and make a note to contact them after your event to let them know how much you raised, and share any images.

Kidney Care UK’s top photo pointers

A photo really does help make your story stand out and you don’t need any fancy equipment, a smartphone should take high-enough resolution images.

• Wear your Kidney Care UK T-shirt, if you have one.
• Take the photo outside if you can, as the lighting will be better.
• If you need to take the photo indoors, make sure you are in a plain room or area with no distractions in the background.
• Take a landscape photo rather than portrait.
• If a group of you are taking part in your fundraising, make sure everyone is happy to be photographed and get them all in the shot! Some people prefer not to be featured in publicity so always get permission. This is particularly important if you are photographing children, whose parents or guardians will need to give their consent.
• Make a note of the names of everyone in the photo, and include this information when you send the photo to the media.
• Make sure everyone in the photo is looking at the camera… and say CHEESE!