How to Use Media Relations

Media Relations is the department within Communications & University Relations that publicizes the university through the media, by pitching news and feature stories to the press; by providing the media with scientists and researchers who can provide expert opinions; and by providing information to media representatives for stories on which they are working. The department's goal is to work with the media to promote LSU and to inform the university's local, state and national publics about the research, teaching, programs and events taking place on campus.

Who do I call?

Each member of the Media Relations staff has a "beat," or certain area of campus, that he/she covers. Scroll through the beat list to find your contact person. If you have a story idea or would like publicity for an event or program, please call or e-mail your contact person as soon as possible.

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How long before an event should I call?

You should notify your contact person as soon as you begin planning your event or as soon as you find out about a story idea, even if that is months ahead of time. That way, your contact person can help you devise a strategy for publicity, and will have time to work with you and get the word out to the media in advance. Remember, some media, like certain magazines, publish on a monthly basis, and their deadlines for publication can be two or more months ahead of time. The sooner, the better.

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What kinds of services does Media Relations provide?

Some of the services Media Relations can provide are: media advisories, press releases, feature stories, media tips and pitches, faculty expert opinions, placement of op-eds written by faculty, press-conference planning and media training. You can find out more about these services by calling or e-mailing your contact person.

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What kind of publicity can I expect?

Your contact person can notify campus, local, state and national media of your event or story. Campus media include The Reveille, K-LSU, Tiger TV, LSU Today, the LSU home page and LSU Wire. Local media include all Baton Rouge print and broadcast media. State media include all print and broadcast media in Louisiana. National media include print and broadcast media across the United States. Your contact person will provide guidance on which media should be notified of your event or story.

It is important to note that the media decide what stories and events they will cover, based on the newsworthiness of the event, the timeliness of the story and their space and time constraints. While Media Relations can pitch the story, the amount and type of coverage it receives it is ultimately up to the media.

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Page last updated: September 23, 2009