A poster of this blog just asked the following question. I think it is a very interesting and important question and deserves its own thread. However, I will let the readers post their opinions first and I will offer my opinion after:
“Chess event sponsors want media coverage. But telling the sponsor “We will be trying to get media coverage” is not as good as telling the sponsor “The local media has identified this particular event as one they would be interested in covering”.
Would it be plausible to inquire with the local newspaper as to what kind of chess event they would see fit to cover? Does one show the newspaper rep a list of 2-3 possible event types, and almost have the rep pick one they would cover?
** Which comes first, the sponsor or the media coverage?“
(In any case, I presume it is best to provide the newspaper rep an advance mock-up of the event coverage materials the event organizer would write and send to the newspaper when the event occurs.)
It’s my suspicion that the average journalist would be interested in which ever type of chess provides the most controversy.
I think chess has to be more confident than that, we have the greatest game in the world, and should be proud of it. I agree coverage is important, but to mould events into media curiosities for the sake of it, cheapens the game.
I can see the point in discussing these things with the media, but to change anything other that the peripheral details of an event would be wrong in my view.
It reminds me of a very old joke told about almost every failing soccer club in England. A man phones the club to ask them what time the game starts, to be given the answer. “What time can you get here?”
I thought all this was worked out. I’m surprised by this post.
What was worked out? Another troll!
The first step is to identify which department or section would cover a chess event: “local”, “lifestyle” or some other one. Do not automatically expect that you can dictate to the editor that coverage would go in ‘sports’. Browse the paper in question to get a feel for where the editor places different local goings-on. If the point is to get coverage, be happy to get it where ever placed.
The original question however doesn’t give nearly enough information but one assumes a small local event or else a larger event should already know the process. There is probably a completely different approach to getting media coverage for something with big bucks involved (because that’s interesting to the editor no matter what it involves) versus small bucks and trophies only.
“We are talking to the media” and “they are interested …” are two different things – unless ‘they are listening’ is enough for you to claim ‘they are interested’.
Always good to understand rather than overstate the truth, especially in PR.
This is great. You really did a good job thanks.
[ Thought I’d posted this – maybe not.]
Anon of 2.28pm merely states what was also my reaction to the post: this is a really basic question of marketing that PT-SP should have answered for themselves ages ago.
“We will be trying to get media coverage” sounds really limp.
“The local media has identified this particular event as one they would be interested in covering” is also weak, ponderously wordy and has a grammatical error thrown in.
As a potential sponsor, I look for ‘trust’ first. Is the proposer going to deliver as they say they are? What’s their background integrity.
I look for crisp use of language, separating facts rather than conflating facts, avoiding exaggeration, and not apparently trying to mislead by ‘bigging up’ information too much.
My genius little brother has been selected to represent his age group in the World Chess Championships in November 08. Only problem is that we can’t afford to send him. We’re thinking of approaching companies to support him but don’t really know how to go about doing this and what we could offer them in return for their support. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thanks NJE
oh dear – my brother is meant to be going to the World Champs in 2007 NOT 2008 as I mentioned earlier.NJE
To the sponsor, it is purely an economic decision, independent of what is being promoted.
If you can get their product/service more widely read about for what you are seeking in terms of sponsor monies, then your event is a “better buy” than advertising dollars.
If you are unable to do this, then they elect to spend their money the old-fashioned way.
The metric they use is column inch circulation:
How much “space” (in newspaper “column inches”) your article will cover times the newspaper circulation. If this is better than their print ad coverage for about half the price, they will go with you.