How to Write a Media Alert

Media alerts are used to notify media contacts of an upcoming event. The media alert never exceeds one page and is a quick, informative piece used to gain interest from the contacts who receive the alert.

Elements of a media alert include who, what, when, where, contact and a note explaining any visual opportunities for television contacts.

To further illustrate the simplicity and elements of a media alert, here is an example:

Need New Ideas to Attract Donors?
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago Offers an Essential Workshop

What: A vital workshop, “Successful Fundraising Efforts: A Time for New Approaches,” is designed specifically for arts groups who need fresh ideas and techniques to attract wary donors for annual fundraising.

Why: Fundraising can be challenging in a weakened economy, but not impossible. Through this workshop    learn new ways to freshen up your fundraising skills, expand your donor list, optimize your brand impact and raise needed funds.

Where: National-Louis University, 122 S. Michigan Avenue visit www.artsbiz-chicago.org for further details

When: Tuesday, February 24 at 9:30 a.m.

How: To register, contact Kristen Romans at (312) 372-1876 x221 or kromans@artsbiz-chicago.org

Who: Presenter Molly Hansen, Director of Development, Northlight Theatre
Panel: Ellen Wadey, Executive Director, The Guild Complex and others

Additional panelists to be announced

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago has, for nearly a quarter of a century and with the help of hundreds of volunteers from the business sector provided vital, capacity-building services and programs to our city’s vibrant cultural community. The Council makes good business practices “the business” of the arts, while also making the arts “the business” of business. For more information, visit www.artsbiz-chicago.org.

###