<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Thanks to Debbie Gates for raising the Oprah idea.  She asked me to post
this email to the listserve.

I think trying to get this story covered in the local and national press
(TV, newspapers, magazines) is an excellent way to raise public awareness
about CD, and perhaps all food allergies and autoimmune disorders. It
certainly is important when trying to pass legislation like the food
labeling act that is in committee in Congress now. Shame on all of us, and
especially the national organizations many of us belong to, for not staking
out a unified, visible position on this front in particular. That's why
Debbie's idea of a more "grass roots" approach - be it Oprah or other news
outlets -- was so appealing!

My husband, who is a TV news reporter, tells me that there are several
important things to do to try to convince news organizations to cover stories:

First, compile and provide a "press kit" of information, written for the
LAY PUBLIC -- no more than 2-3 pages of info, with a brief cover letter (1
paragraph) stating the issue, why it's important, and why it should be
covered and who it will affect. Perhaps someone on the list has a PR
background and would be willing to put together a press kit, or perhaps one
of the national organizations already has one that can be co-opted for this
purpose.

Second, compile a list of people who are willing to be interviewed and
their contact info. For local tv stations and newspapers, the list of
contact info should be specific to that community. Include one or two
local specialists (physicians, researchers, head of a support group), and
one or two "ordinary people."

Third, tryp to come up with a "hook" that makes the story timely and
interesting to the general public. One example would be the upcoming GF
Living conference in Phila.; another example would be a research
breakthrough; starting a new CD program at a local hospital or med school;
a particularly interesting or active local support group, etc.

Finally -- don't mail the info to an organization. Call and make a
personal contact first, with a particular reporter or producer (they are
ALWAYS looking for interesting story ideas) who covers the appropriate beat
(a medical or features reporter, not one who covers breaking news). Follow
up the call with a fax or an email with the info. Wait a couple of days
and follow up w/ a call again -- be persistent.

Obviously this is only a partial list (and includes the most obvious things
to do). Even when doing everything right, it's kinda hard sometimes to get
coverage to happen, depending on what else is going on. For example, I've
done all of the above (except the press kit) to try to get local TV and
newspaper coverage of the upcoming GF Living conference in Philadelphia,
and I am striking out so far.  My husband can't cover it b/c it's a conflict
of interest.  But we will perservere!  If it doesn't work this time, it
WILL next time!

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