What is a Media List and Why is it Important?

Media: Love them or hate them they are important - and really once you get to know them - they aren't so bad.  What they are for sure is an integral part of getting your team's story out there. Your sponsors will thank you for any chance you get them mentioned in the media.....and happy sponsors equal happy team.

A Media List is a special list of key press contacts that would benefit from receiving your press release - they can be the automotive/motorcycle and sports writers that follow racing but they can also be lifestyle, women's writers and so much more. Now there are a few ways to establish a media list - it all depends on budget and time. It may just take some research and you can establish a great list of your own.  Your local area print, radio and television media have e-mail and fax capabilities and it may just take a phone call to find out the particulars.  Remember - no ones likes SPAM so try to pinpoint the right individual to contact - and most newsrooms have a general address where a release can be sent.  Please respect anyone that replies to be taken off your distribution list.

At the track - try to check out the local media center. Here you find the press penned in like wild dogs as they cover the event.  They don't bite - feel free to introduce yourself and make sure your release (and media kit) is available there. [we'll discuss media kits another time]. 

Now, one of the easiest ways to get your news disseminated is to use a service.  Public companies MUST use these services and they can be costly BUT they also can be a good investment - the company I work with has been more than helpful in working with my budget.  Now you can buy lists and do the distribution yourself or you can simply supply your release and have them send it "over the wire".  Let me stress this does NOT guarantee that you will be getting press coverage but let's look at the facts - if you have a good release - sent to 100 people rather than 10 - you have a better chance of having it "picked up".  Don't be afraid to talk to one of these services - you will be pleasantly surprised how they can work with you to get your story out there.

With your media list in place remember to send your releases in a timely matter - think of the boy that cried wolf and send ONLY when you have the goods. 

If there are other areas you'd like to see us cover, or you'd like to provide your insight, ideas and share your experiences, we invite you to do so on our forum or by e-mailing us here at info@racerchicks.com