You are on Page 1 of Section 11

 

 

  Introduction & Index

 

  What is PR 

 

  Job Expectations        

 

  Types of Media

 

  Building Relationships      

 

  Media, Hams & FCC Rules 

 

  The Basic News Release      

 

  Interviews and Live 

 

  Making your own show 

 

  Easy P.R. 

 

  Public Service Events 

 

  Piggy-back to  Events 

 

  Pictures NOW!  

 

  P.R. Research Aids 

 

  Making Friends

 

  ARES® PIO

 

  Final Exam Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Next Page

Section 11 - Public Events

             News Release Form

             Inviting Public Officials

             Resource People

             Have Fact Sheet pr Brochure

             Getting Permissions

 

Goals of this section:

             Recognize the opportunities and limits of a PIO in a public event

             Review the major preparations a PIO should take before the event

             Be able to list resouces a PIO should have available as needed

 

 

 

Public events present unique settings for a “captive” audience to become more aware of Amateur Radio. They are ideal for attracting inquiries and promoting interest in our hobby.

 

After a club has committed to providing communications for an event, ask for support for the public information and public relations effort. Most event sponsors are eager to help us promote Amateur Radio at their events.

 

Ask for space for a paragraph on Amateur Radio in the event brochure, program and Press Kit. Depending on the event and the circumstances, this can range from mere acknowledgment of Amateur Radio operators to a brief description of our hobby and contact information such as the ARRL (for the prospective ham mailing with list of local clubs, classes and exam sessions).

 

In most cases, it is better for the promotion of Amateur Radio to refer to the group “generically” as Amateur Radio Operators or Ham Radio rather than using your club or group name (if you have one). The idea is to get the words “Amateur Radio” or “Ham Radio” in front of the public eye as much as possible. The Wireless Association of Greater Norfolk County may be a super club but the name doesn’t convey Amateur Radio to the general public.

 

Make your activity and participants visible! Position a station in a highly visible and well traveled location (with regard to spectators and participants). The Net Control Station (when feasible) or an Information station with a LARGE sign or banner displaying Ham Radio or Amateur Radio is a good attention getter. You may find someone in your area or club who has one to loan or who can generate one with computer banner or sign programs.

 

Ask to have the Public Address Announcer make a few announcements regarding Amateur Radio. Have “prepared” copy to be read, thanking the amateurs for their participation and inviting people to get more information about Amateur Radio. You or one of your crew can hand this directly to the Public Address Announcer.