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Home , BBC Radio Stoke, Freddie Starr

I MIas: IisIiIUS: en Using the media...... 3 National newspapers ...... 26 I 7 How to write press releases ...... 5 Regional newspapers...... 27 The Activists Media Toolkit Interview techniques...... 9 is written by National and regional TY...... 29 Complaining ...... 10 News agendes ...... 30 The Toolkits Collective Getting pictures published = Police press releases ...... 31 in conjuction with Undercurrents CD in the press ...... 11 7 Local radio ...... 32 16B Cherwell St, Oxford OX4 1BG I Selling your video image to [email protected] television ...... 14 National radio ...... 32 Tel: 07970 343486 Organising a video screening ... 17 Trade press...... 33 =CD Using the Web...... 19 Nlagazines...... 34 What's wrong with the Alternative media...... 35 Cover design by CounterFeet c.::t mainstream ...... 24 Resources...... 36 @nticopyright for non profit making groups and campaigns only (please credit lJ~;) Setting up a local newsletter..... 24 © for everyone else. I ~~~~g !-~ III~~~~ ~~--l We have tried to ensure all information is up to date and accurate, but accept no responsibility for incorrect or inaccurate information '"ThIra'. 1M haIe_ - if it's wrong - let us knowl And if you have useful contacts made through your media work ­ let us know and we'll include them in the next edition

Printed and Published by Oxford GreenPrint What are we up against? rising up against multinationals who are polluting their local area, 115 Magdalen Rd, Oxford 014 1RQ Triviality. Every media outlet shares the same On the face ot it, this is a www.oxfordgreenprint.com aim: to expand its share of the rnarket. as ollr aim i', 10 flI.lk(' by seeking to grab ,md hold dlld attention, This is why the media concenlr,lll", '>0 ISBN 095453140 X on events, especially tr ivial, flashy clnd (J)lollrllli niH''>, rather than issues. Most jOLlrnabts die (ollvill( (:d liI,1i Bias. Many outlets have a secondary ,Iilll: of people can't concentrate tor rnore th,m a lew ~ewlld', pdndering to the prejudices of their Printed on 100% post consumer waste r«yded paper, and really want to hear about some large news-gathering organisations are or Freddie Starr and advertised in by billionaires and using renewable energy and solvent free inb mere trivia such as rrdHn,tinnals, which makes lite still harrlrr the war or communities there are some outlets we ';illlply have IIJ ilI I media work tends to be tacked on as Sunday the because it's generally short of news. an anerttlought to an action, with the result that The GM crop trashing at Watlington near Oxford took to avoid: there's no point in approaching or interviews with opponents of the scheme there's either too little of it or the reporting is place on a Sunday afernoon, and received coverage the Daily Mail, for instance, unless you're appealling to the difficulties of personal hygiene while tree dominated by the story from the other side's point of on all the national TV news bulletins that evening and narrow mi rded knee-jerk nationalism or one of the In short, if the media isn't playing with view any organisationicorporation/political structure nearly all of the daily press the next day (with most of few issues they support - GM being prime example. in suits then it's ridiculing everyone else's . a of a reasonable size will employ a full time PRlmedia the coverage reasonably positive). If you can, try to Sadly, our job is to try to break through this and The Sunday Times has been waging war on protesters officer or team, who's sole task is to portray lhem as give journos their story by early afternoon - by 5-6pm for years, and has no qualms aboul peddling utter ourselves across as more informed than the a nice friendly caring setup which has best most of the make-up of the next days papers is bollocks in order to discredit the movement. On side. It can be done, but you need to play them at th( '11 interests at heart. They will dominate media already decided, <,everal occasions its journalists have attempted to own game yes, you may feel compromised milch Cdrp with hC,ld of ~,ti\te i~, visitirllj you need to look ahead and this paper at all costs. media work as you do ',(,I' wh;)! otlier evenl', television executives might claim to hate u~, and dr e even 111m e tr ivial television camer as love us. media. The result is, once Overall media strategy Everyone has a different approach to media work, but there are some aeneral themes which can be useful: • Timing is critical. You Ileed to give 11)(' rll('di,) (,;)Oll'lit the game. All media, but notice of your action for them 10 re~polld. iJll! flol to() ,} set of rules - a formula for much so as they forget. For a big aLlion ',('IHI (JIll be balanced and warning press releases a week and 3 days IJefor (c the event. Look in the section on pres~ releases for more info. The day of the week will also make a difference as media coverage. Friday is the worst day, -- of the vicar who has discovered that it's illegal your off-site press officer send out a during his sermon, and intends to release the moment you are successful. Environmental Activists Blockade GM Crops Company preach continually in front of the threatened will Press Release for immediate use make them sit up and wonder what it's all about. you Who to send it to 25 April 2003 want to mention the tree-sit you [an do so further on ~nnnr'+e a lot of in the text. to: all the to GM crops this morning blockaded the UK headquarters of Bayel 4. The first is the most Tell the newsroom, ITN/C 4 CropScience [1] near Cambridge [2]. The blockade is timed to coincide with the Annual General Meeting whole where and when, 4 (Today Programme of the firm's parent company Bayer AG in Cologne, Germany where UK GM activists are simultaneously is where you need to arab the Radio 5 Live, Independent Radio News, holding a protest. Bayer CropScience is the company leading the rush to commercialise GM crops in the The second and third ies (Reuters, PA, AP Look at your regional UK and Europe [3J they know and 8BC local radio as well. The activists blocked vehicle access to the company's buildings by lockina themselves toaether with and the fourth YOIt ';hoilid also he aware of your local papers, news metal tubes. One of the protesters, David Locke from Oxford, said dCj('[i( if:', ,mel i1ldependent local radio (most local Don't write more than a sincjle page 01 M, II YOII I ddi(l (jet tlieir new', 110m IRN, but some do have thC'ir a safety and accountability record as poor as Bayer's [4J to introduce a technology as i"hArAnt!\I need to more factual information, do ',0 Oil .I own lo(,tI bllill'lill") there isn't enouah SDace to unpredictable and potentially dangerous as GM crops," separate called 'Notes for Fditol',' thf'1lI ,III in lhe Toolkit, but Laura Nauder lrom London said "This year is going to be make or break time for GM crops. I think it is break it up, as a large block of text willlJllt tlIC'1lI ol! deldil:'. from the phone bo important to send a clear message to both the UK government, and biotech corporations like Bayer, Use numbered paragraphs or bullet Guide see resources section for that the public still don't want GM crops, and that we will resist their introduction every step of the way," across facts and statistics, include individual and freelance Sarah Wise from Totnes In Devon said "would you trust the company that brought the world heroin, 6. Write the date at the who seem interested sarin, VX and Agent Orange 15J to make your food? - Because, frankly, I don'!." Always include a cause. where contacts are You wil also need to tailor your press releases to the - ther-______-. For further information phone 07940 159979 (on site) the next two Include a name . rags will need Ittwrt's it: pack the loose Notes for the editor the contacts at bottom of the page. a different headline earth CIt"CUKf 1. Bayer Crop Science was tormed In June 2002 when Bayer AG the first GM crops to be grown commercially In the UK. 7. An embargo is useful put it at the top, above the from the nationals purchased Aventls CropScience and merged it With With its 4. Bayer are currerrtly embroiled in a series mll:in·lmltlon dollar headline it means you are instructing journalists not 'Fulminster's existing agrochemical business. law suits people died and many more suHered serrous to publish the information before a certain time, There bypass threatened 2, The blockade is located at Bayer CropScience iust outside side-effects after taking an ami-choleslerol drug made by Bayer are sever al good I easons for doing this: by protesters' Hauxton on the A10. west of Junction 11 01 known as Baycol or Lipobay. The Bayeoi scandal has wiped - lounalists know they won't be pipped at the post by interest near Cambridge. millions 01 pounds off Bayer's share price. other people getting the story before them, , F u I m i 3. Over 80% 01 the GM field trials conducted In 2002 involved 5. For more inlormation orr Baye(s history see - It creates a sense of event. Advertiser' GM crops now owned by Bayer CropScience. Should the UK www.bayerhazard.com, www.cbgnetwork.org and lita - A timeline concentrates a government give the go ahead, Bayer CropScience's GM Harnischleger's recent article on Agent Orange in the Financial - You know when to publiCity and can plan your r- herbicide lolerant fodder maize and oil seed rapc will be among Times (Apr 15, 2003). media response I I I I I This is the usual format: forget the trade press - many of them take an I release and give additional information. Local TV, local radio I r EMBARGO: 00,01 am, Friday 15th _ interest in actions and campaigns affecting their r and national news wires were prioritised. Several local r 00.01 is a good time, as the papers can keep up with business during the M11 anti-road campaiCJn in Fasl r papers, local BBC and lTV sent reporters out Atelephone I the broadcasters, and it's less confusing than 00,00, London. press releases were always sent to Ihe ,I interview with PA newswire resulted in several newspaper r But be aware that because you put an embargo construction press as well as the national rnedi,l, With I ,I articles. National newspapers were less successful. The on the story, it doesn't mean journos won't be stupid some of their journalists following events clo'>dy ,md , Irv news program based most of their report on enough to call the police or the company you're always seeming interested in the alternative', we I occupying to ask their opinion, So don't stick anything I lootage shot by an activist This footage also went up on UK after all. if we want rail instead of roads I ,I InrlyMedia in which you don't want to be generally known. stili be il. are also I on the I The action succeeded and we got fairly halanced local For immediate news, iike the press release you send I I to say you have occupied a buildina/worksite etc don 'j with the I Press work and how it went: media coverage, though not much national coverage I I use an media is I 8e(or(' the ilction we wrote apress release (see ahove) and Things that would have made it better I ,I mailer of time befm e cornpiif;ri iI list of email addresses, fax numbers and phone 1, Two people doing press work on the ground one !lOII( cd by those who need to keep thclJ1 numbers I()r IOllfidists This was left with someone not generally chasing up journalists and one phoning ',wl'!'1 to c[]<,lJrc: they get re-elected. going on the actioll, til st:nd out when the action started. handful of targeted journalists. There is a small database of trade press in Ihe IJ1)ok , Copies of the press relcdsf: ,lI1fl the phone contacts were 2. Getting direct phone lines for journalists you could send out 'war ning' We have included the most likely ones we (,In lind, but taken on the action along wrth dedicaled 'media mobile wanted, rather than newsdesk numbers, a week beforehand. If your action look around on your next office occupationNt(' vi~;it to phone', As soon as the blockade was up one person started 3. Having an agreed policy on giving video footage to 11" is a an occupation or a lock-on) have see what they're reading. Check thc Glhudiart F7i I YOIJI .)1I1I););11f\ I phoning journalists to check they had received the press mainstream rnedia, e,g using a'Copyleft' agreement Media Guide for listings specific to C b:mI I I ------_ .. turn up. it Be calm, However mlJch the issue, your opponent, the alternative media and email lists - vital a new press release every day as long as you've (j1,1 - don't say anything stupid or risky. or the media itself winds you up, you mustn't let it up extra something to say e,g, 'new record set for cr,1111 - be friendly, whoever they are. Bite your lip, Don't show. Generally the calmest person is the one the etc This will often their backs up even if you can't stand them, audience sees as the winner. This doesn't mean How to send them to cover the wider issue rather can't be passionate and enthusiastic, but Generally the best way to send a press release has event. Be a tour guide. and enthusiasm must be been fax and often still is, However the media are If you some amended contact details or new Take them round the event/site and show them what repeat mustn't, email more often, emdil, for newsrooms are useful contacts please let us know you want them to see, Introduce them to who'll hostility, If necessary, take a where we've been them. If in doubt call inside front cover) we'll include it on well with them, and keep them away the answering the question. Be the newsrooms you want to wntact and ask how you who won't be able to restrain their everyone. ~hould send them a press release, as at the time of Dealing with journalists in person doesn't seem like a major intrusion on their privilCy. writing the situation differs between companies for The media-exploitation process is about new', stay with them, in a friendly way, and talk them throllqh iii. f3(' (Oil( i',(' 11\ ,lIfwing how little time you instance, when updating the database we call all the management once journalists get to the action .I', everything thev see. You nlll',1 know I'X,1( Ily wildt you want to say, to check their details. When asked for a fax well as when you're trying to attract them. You've il 111 .1', I,'w worth as possible, with clarity on Sunday said that to give the best possible account of what Be ready to deal with the ones who don't turn dl'lulllilllltion. The main point must come at til(' alw"ys use email and the fax rarely gets looked at, and provide the clearest possible However good your publicity. lots of jOIJfnctinn HOllse, london W1A 1M ndependent Television Street, London W1 P 7LB, Tel: 0207 255 3000, rlll,lil: 1O()n1.3~) 15@compuserve,com your i. If you're fantastically rich, have been narned In • FOI indl'I)('lldrnl radio: The Rildio Authority, viii. Turn hostile questions to rlnnonent as someone who has be. 'II person and have lots of free time, sue for libt'l. 11'., nol lIolhlook 11011',1', I t1 (,IC,1I Queen Street, London WPP, are at le;d a (ouple of to be told the truth, Think of yow an option for most 01 us, but if you know OJ IdWYI'1 ')DCI. FolX: OlO/ 1j(J'J !()G4. Tel: 0201 430 212t1. - De,,1 with the to put them right, rather than to prepared to work for free, it's wor th scndirllJ ,} II YOII've (jot d malar complaint, contact !III' and you'll find that when you go into threatening leiter, It might prompt the P.lI)t'1 or Bro,l(kasting Standards Commission, as well as one studio you'll be a lot less tense, programme to issue an apology and C,ci! Ie 0111 III the above, BSe, 7 The Sanctuary, London SWl P 3JS. And remember when you go into a studio, you ,til' court: a few thousand quid for your (au~,e never Fax: 0207 233 0544. Tel: 0207 222 3172, there to tackle one issue and one issue alone, not I,· amiss, Don't try It without a I ask for a copy of their regulations before put right the ills of the whole world, Concentrate There is no leaal aid lor libel cases. is a valid one task, and you'll make life a great deal easier h,1 and date of the yourself, wait, and keep on case. 1.------, FOLLOWING UP about in the A. Keeping up your contacts broadcast media to write down the names and numb!'1 '. can be you meet, and maybe make " spectacularly brief note of what like and how they treal,·r! worthwhile, as the If you're going to be involved in a lOr!' I producers of ~!~ keep the sympathetic ones informed abolil Channel 4's " -.,.:.J· .. ' it every so often, so that when the next event COITH". atrocious ~v up, they won't have forgotten what it's all about. Shal" Nature series your contact lists and experiences with people in oth('1 to their cost. campaigns: it could help them a lot. And send us In,jQn~n,j~n+ Television ix. Leave YOlli flol(H, hcilinci. If what you want to say contacts so we can include then in the next your case, verdicts in its isn't in YOIH 111',111, YOII ',IHJlildll'l 1)(' in the studio. a leaflet/newsletter etc. that Channel 4 had to make a • and distribute these apology and the series director, Martin can. We could not suggest you go into from the company he worked for. newsagents and stick a leaflet in every copy of the rag in question, But you could stand next to the street Remember: if they stitch you up and you don't paper sellers giving them out, distribute to all the complain, they'll do it to you again and again. hOllses in an area affected by the story... but this needs time and bodies. Conclusion do not belong • Appeal to the Press Complaints Commission, It's a All voluntary body set up by the newspapers Clnrl is to will your audience over, So, for example, the SUlld I, useless, even though most of It, rnernl)(,1 " '"lIiric,ing your Times claimed that ',"" from outside the press. Its code ill( needs sp('( 0ppollml'., 11"',llioll is often Ij:, ~ .... lA~ terrorist' tree-sitter', to reDlv and iour nallsl'; as it needs s[)('( f. ,,(,:-~, ~ .) quite dl('( IIVI'. ('Wi'll, 1('1's Salsbury Hill rnore there are, the mort' ,11'.)[ take alook .lIllII', ('lIlIilIY',lrie London will corne across, and the nlOW

~.... ,<'* ~ 1';":~1 Alliance, Its rndillllll)(lr-I i', til,' ,~(O..." ~ Fax: 0201 3538355. Tel: 0207 353 12118, will be dttracted to our cause. This I'. hllw ',111.111 Duke of Westminster, who, rumblings turn into earthquakes, ThE" I ('volt It iOIl will his name suaaests, I', d III. It you've been stitched up by the broadcast media, be televised, but that doesn't medii 11i.l1 it f~ , your prospects are rather better. It's by laws won't also be live. ~ cmJ __ "___ ~\\l~~"~'~~-<~ ,,~, WVl\/1,mlflirr - any sane person feels this way if they're is still employing. Here you have to be involved in an issue stay cool. You can are not white ilS the driven snow, back for a second go later in the is the thing to them ilnd most don't give two gfttnpg a credit (also known as a i~j~:r:fe::-j~hft~ the emeraino Cilreer of a rookie aren't paying. You will then -.,..­ _ ...... -,,*­ sold to the press, of feature () one can deny that thr press is deeply up trees and receiving cheques, To stick .1 The golden rule is: if NIht' information they receive. Given that a 'staffer' on a often takes up too much time and don't expect them to a thousand words this same rule must many of these newspapers aren't interested in the Editors have their own take on the story II If' in contact with However, everyone has to wider social issues, even thouah the events print a derogatory article using a (,jplioll Oetilll on back of thl' there are many photographers around are happening in the you have YOIII {[Hilde! details. who cill their teeth on direct action and gained meant to be informing, Ill" 111('1 care 3 ways of getting DICUIW. THE picture sweet tends to be more imn()rbnt Conclusion: It's not all In the press: their hearts the truth. Be nice even if wort Ii you hate. On 1. Being a freelance who has a name to interested to have a look at picture desks. any good ...you'll have to from your friends and fellow your picking up ideas from what is aren't good you're not close National News - A whole different ball game. 3. Work alongside a sympathetic journalist. But above still holds some truth These days all the national picture desks ail don't rant about rl------, despite the surfeit of pictures digitally (via a phone the irrelevant PR stunts effect of censor ina many Empathy is as stories in the ;:::::::::::!:======:=: name of the press. are .1 published on bearing stUdent and ones). The cost of an adequate most It's a you are working in th run to about a thousand quid. However field area (this avoids access to one of these it will open up over as You will also need access to a Impartiality is software and email. For watchword of the medi,1 there - will often be an (even though tho Associated machine itself is run by the digital gear and corporate money and on time. These guys also have a track record as an are 'partial' and to be avoided, accredited news source with the picture desk. have some good pictures of a local issue If you are not working on urgent news stories but are he interested in and would they like to have trying to an issue covered as a feature (often the directiofl, a view to the possibility of publishing thellL best find out who the journalists are who are the pictu! e editor/news editor (it costs c;vnm::rthp!'!r to social/environment causes and link There are 2 aspects to getting pic:tures in: your pride). Call them at the newspaper having 1. The savvv the psychology 01 (Jetting them to for m from reading their articles. Flatter them· DO NOT give them don't get much of that and they oe',frvp it if ttwy so you don't lose are any good, It won't make YOLI fed ',i( k 1)('( .111',(' il are notorious for and will be the oictures onto the On the

Most news storie', Sldl I ()II d lo( allevel. so we'll deal with the local press lif',I: These newspapl'I" 1('lId 10 lI~e staff I:Im photographers who 11I0S!lV drc (overinG cats Written bv a news and feature Choose someone and close up would ask. This the activist mirrr",hnnp (or clip it to the person's chest more animated In response. • Choose where the being interviewed should offer your to Wnewsr either straight the lens or off to the right or The established have the power of mass disttil?ution and left of the camera, It is better to ~Jive them an eye ~'"Hgy~~r to ignore it. Whifeit is vitally important to contact to talk to just off the Lanwra. concentrate on creating outlets for our stories <:n""'''hes Generally don't work ver y well alternative news videos and CDROM's as well as Internet is much better to take notes and then broadcast, we can utilise TV for rapid dissemination on the day. interview the soeaker afterwards. However if you do either plug a cable from the ml~re~Tsa&~ microphone socket or place your no sOllnd <,ysjrrn news with no sound - check how many differenl cable (about fiV(' images make up each feature. Here is a reeelil it as (lose as you i .III III example of filming a GM crop direct action with TV mind. 1. Estahlishing shot . A wide shot showing the crop How do I get my images onto TV? llidl growing in the Once all the images are in Ihe bag, keep an watching Z. Close up/cut Detailing what the eye on the time and work out which news camcorders 3. Group shop - a of the protest outlet yOU are aiming for. There is no point response, Undercurrents tr ained activisb 10 record who the people are until 6.30pm if Channel 4 news is Iheir own to the best 4. Interview Ask what is wrong with these GM crops at 7pm. Each broadcaster has its of years we were, and 5. Action- imaaes of people the GM crop own news desk and all the phone number<, recorded on domestic carner as, for are listed in the book. It may be wor th transmission internationally. Today, most How do I get the best recordings possible? phoning news desks before an action, and news crews use small camcorders, which are Stable images are the key to good video work. them you are an independenl slightly better than domestic ones such as deep breaths and holding while recordina is "I (you do not need a 'press card' video (DVCAM). They cost much less than technique. Atripod may be useful for some else to prove it.) and you h"vc mounted cameras. They may have been slow off the overall it will be a hindrance. along to a direct action as a mark in joining us but the camcorder revolution is now • A camcorder lens is at its optimum when used dl Do not give the if they in full swing. short distances. It is much better to use a wide are interested they will then have and get in the face of the action rather than stand al to come back to once the Why don't news channels send their own a distance and try to pick it out. The most obviOll' have your crews? Whal iJroddc1';lers call 'News' is mistake is using the zoom (going in and out on d is a national or a rv1.1110Il', ';Iunl1111'1 1",,1"'1" the politicians' ended and difficult to use 'hei ,llJ',(' il'" was the video cameras of messy!' How do I talk to a TV station? ,1I!d tJnd"ri mrents who hiqhliqhted the real • Don't move the camer a away excited about a y ',0 II Y 01 violcill ',I,ll,' dll'l is talking. Anything they rcier to (,m of view. Why is a (1M an exlllll',11 • If you are stuck for questions think 11101 t' IllIplJllant than the latest But I'm not a professional! You can get a decent 11111' 1,,1 Where. and Who pointers to ensure YOII (Jel Ihl' Ilill;1 i' IIhlinstream audience? The The notion of III'W', " i', nonsense. A 'tie diD' microphone may Ill' ,,1'1 Ice breaking can be 'Wlial do you confidence, Most news desks known ·1', Undercurrents have pr oved Ihdl l.dn leal n how shops. to achieve?' or 'What would like to see as an 'forward h,WI' II) (!IIJ F.FF.i"'i to captur e the five that are are difti( Try to be orovocative and think of what a demand ~ needed for any news hrn;vlr::ld Watch TV Should I give an exclusive to just one TV network? No, as this limits who sees the images. If you are short Union of seems to be the ru Ie of the Going to the newsroom yourself is useful as you can on time, it is always worth asking one news desk to newsrooms so expect it and be oreoared. Phone ~ TV offer more of an explanation of the action and news wire it to other rivals. It is common practice between station and it will go something editors are so out of touch that you will be a breath 01 ITN and BBC and saves you a lot of time. You still News desk· Hello, news desk, Dilri!l~ fresh air to their stuffy office. Ensure charge each news desk that uses it. clips that you want to give, this is your Darius, my name ),lIIC ,lIld I have have full control of it at this stage. Keep Who keeps copyright? a documenlar y Ofl genetic engineering of who you dealt with and details of all "","",,,,monic You retain all copyright and it is worth telling news recorded a dl dllIatic direct action made. The news desks will now editors that they have the rights to broadcast for (4 pr olest, which you may be interested in. from a 30 second to a 3 hours only. They must contact you if they wish to usc News desk Where was it? Anv violence? How from yo~ur images. Interviews are images again. Normally you can ask for 50% oi are invaluable for giving the narrator ;nfNrr>"t;~n fee again. voiccover. What do I do with my tape aftelWards? hy r',/fJl 0' Connor. co-founde/ 0/ What do I do now? Undercurrents runs a protest archive and (an dub YOUf 1111i11'11 1II1C'1;/5 alternative news. He has been Its time to sit watch the news bulletins and tap" and supply it to TV makers for (dlliCOIder images to TV networks worldwide for over them if possible so that you have a record of who documentaries. We act as an agent lor ten years. Contact him on undemi'i)an.c1Dc.ora with used it and in what context Send the news desks funds. Contact us via any questions or suggestions. July invoice for the agreed amount as soon as possible stating your name, address, amount, date ot transmission and the contact name you dealt with on the day. If your images were not used, then you more tnan a them unless had an agreement to broadcast. cover costs. Ensure that your tapes arc returned I. ~rg~pl~l~g fjld.~~ ~~tirug---l News desk HmfTI. that is a bit expensive, I am ASAP and edit your own story and distribute it. sure our own crew recorded the event so we can get it ot! them. Frequently Asked Questions You No you can't. I was the onlv camera invited Can we trust news editors not to portray activists as hen yet another TV channel refused to broadcast screening is for less than 30 people use a along. just troublemakers? Wa oowerful documentary about deaths in police inch or bigger) TV, as this is cheaper and News desk .. hmm.... how about £50 ? No, we cannot trust anyone in the media the makers hir ed a video projector. video projectors. Put the TV at 5tt That wouldn't even pay my travel costs, but strong possibility and you have to careful outer walls of the Channel 4 building as a heads (and big hair) at the front since you 'ieem to be struggling financially I will you hand over. If you have images of was screened to hundreds of reporters. for those behind. You can also have two drop it to £300 machinery who didn't want to be was made about the most notorious in the middle of the room with audience both side News desk OK brill(l the footage in and lets see it. you have the responsibility of either erasing those British history the McDonalds and a cable that splits the signal and deliver:, HI(' clips or not trusting TV news desks with the tape at ail. However it never made it to British TV but same imaae to both TVs at the same time. How do I get my tape to the News Room? You must consider the pitfalls and benefits of getting to the invention of the video projector, McLihel This (an be the hi( ky hll Id"oIlly you w,ml to go with the imaaes seen. has been screened in thousands of places. There is the tapes bul 1II.Iy Iw 11111,'" dWdY wilholll ,Iny us from takina back the airwaves! A',k IIt'W'. d,",h How much should I ask fur use of my video images? is to NEVER tell the new" What do I need? the money with the Ask around local business. You HAVE activist networks first before and appear to The list can shrink or expand according to your Normal fees are around £150 fol budget, but the items below are essential for a stress­ model - flxf'd f()( 11', ,1!!tI regional news and £300 for national but could ai>.o free screen ing: dist,Hiu' IfIIlll to half or double it Best advice is to start Vi deo pi ayer or video (a mer .\ IlIilllll,", III work down. News desks like haggling and ,u,' TV or video '.111.111"1 0111<1 ,ifill 1'1Ilt' , good at it so be prepared. Don't be afraid to say no screen ~ 01111111.11 you feel the fee is too low. We have to push them illill Audio amplifier (Inc! " out of your iJdll(l', II , accepting a decent price for our so th.i! .I Connecting cables !,) '.f'! the police. standard price can be in place for future times. Blackout material I. Label all tapes with Y()III II,IIIH' ,lIld dddll".'•. Video recorder or lJllI: Of Generally newsrooms al C (,11 1'1111 w'II1I.1I)1''' .md don't Should I get them to sign an agreement? Good video material, lose them. but make sure they po',1 il h,i( k .I', ',(JOII d', Yes, in theory but impossible in practice c,O 1('Iv ,01 can CfllJ verbal Video players: a pub, in woods, a cinema or a front room. For - Produce the content of the pages and 'build' it into You can use a normal VCR but atmosphere, it is better to fill a small room than to a web site on VHS than have a large room half empty, -Get some on the web to host your site you can 2) Determine event name and write a one-paragraph -Get a addrp~'; ot your web site . description of it. This will focus your thoughts. Beyond ~~~~g !h~ e.g. Audio amps and speakers: TV, NewsReal, Wild spaces, Reel Madness, Global For site of 'computer Its best to amplify the sound so II y 10 get a VCR that Insights, and Undercurrents, are some popular event around with articles on has separate audio Olltplil', 101 Its two sound names, web sites. They often Include a free CD-Rom Avoid VCRs Hid! 1i,1V!.: only an RF (aerial) 3) Consider the following: web building software. There is even a basic as these are Iioubiesome if you want good - who will your audience be - the aeneral DubHc or a Communicator (tree web browser ',ollJld. For ot up to 30 people a domestic specific community? Otl IlIdrty (OWl (11'.(")' It is advanta(JPollS to havp hi-ti amp and is fine. Due to the amount of - what kinds of videos and issues will you be article is a brief introduction to how III!' WI'" r .II' ',DIlI!'OII(, Oil YOIII ICdl1l who is able to edit YOII! ',Ii" ,', on each video, sound quality is very presenting? useful to you as a tool for Call11l,li(J1l1111i ,1IId It up 10 dall' with accurate info strdirjili 110111 impol tant and domestir <,ystems are far superior to - will there be other entertainment awareness of your wlie!!' ii'" Ii,lppening. we dOIl't h;we they have good help files. Keep il :;imple and you ',/1ollld be large enough for uuw(h of lip to 50, but sheets. Write a press release and to and there's plenty of anoraks out there who are should be up and running in a couple of days. For you need something with 11101(' OOIIIl)h lor stations and newspapers too will ina to share this information with you. more details have d look at audiences. A4 Dosters or www,lInderclirrents.org/training From an activist's point of view the web is an Domain names are very cheap these days Cabling/connecting up your kit: useful tool, that gives people (both ,org.uk domains work out about £6 for 2. years The best way to avoid problems is to have a tr [ill run and journalists) instant access to your registration, and will usually mean a more memorahle the day beforehand. There is nothing worse than news without tying up your office web address try www.123reg.co.uk for trying to sort out any technical Droblems with an line. You also have a relatively level playing field domain names. audience waiting for the show to get to start on - much more so than with conventional With regard to web there's load~ 01 free to be sure of coverinG every Dossible system it is media (anyone can set up a web page with a minimum space providers, the they worth of dash and expertise, unlike starting daily papers/TV adverts, either as a pop-up window or a kits available in video channels). page. Alternatively you can pay for a (onvert every conceivable The first step - getting a web page - there are several your web pages. This can cost as little as connector into the desired stages to getting a web site: The problem we've found with free space the money. You (arl screfll data cable be a Master/Mistress of Ceremonies ~--."---. good to have someone introduce the can also encourage discussion and people towards supporting actions etc. after iJ.I',i( ''(ro'n leave your show. il willi ,llId iron a table of flyers and info sheets for "P"I PIOI"( lion IIpl omillf] events and related issues to hand out to ", 1II.Ik,' ill(' illI.1fj(' I)('oplr dS they come in or to pass around during the , 1.1',1 I old ',( I i,(,II', Me\ introductions. The audience will enjoy it more if hll C L,ciliti!", .III' (II ('.II Old (11iC they (an interact rather than just sitting there In the screens with tripod legs are popular and darkness and then going home. You could even have' as well. a questionnaire to hand out asking the audience til comment on each video, This will help you decide what Black-out: wor ks and what doesn't for future shows. The Vellll!' 11I·,·tI·, 10 he as light tight as you can make 8) Enjoy yourself and congratulate yourself on it. Most video III "i"llill', ,He Iiseless in a day-lit space. direct action! Blackout teillll,ll"li,rI "OII11 I,dll Ill', will do or as a last For the latest alternative news videos and screCllilll1 resort use black birl 11I1t'1 '" events check out www.undercur Checklist: WE 1) Find a space. This «Ill 1)(' ill d ( for alivirf: Oil crmf>"i"" disappear with no www,egroups,corn or www,topica.com), offers some for web space the benefits, Fir stly, you can send one email which is make sure your site distributed to everyone on your mailing list, which is putting video up there for downloads for info on how appears. if you are on a slow dial up. You can also set up to do this see www,undercurrents.org a mail input form on your web page, allowing visitors to add themselves automatically, which is a real boon Promotion of your website: emails eg: when vou're pressed for time as is often the case in Registering with search engines most people use a fiies search engine when looking for information on the Check out Undercurrents: The nl'W~, you don't see on the web based email there are two email web, so adding your site to them is vital. Look at the the news: http://www.undercur rents.olg you securer web based email main search engines google, ask yahoo, 1111.,'1, Thi~; ',hould help increase the number of visitors to and ziplip.com. They are more etc and find the bit where you can add d ',ile III(' your '.ile hili don't become obsessed by the number of What to put on your site. use encryption to scramble search engine will take a look at you web p,j(j(' ,1IIe1 ili'" yllll '1"'1. 11'<, IIi(' qllillity of the traffic that comes 11.I Your contact details - on the front page or at least emails so that they are less easy to read select keywords for reference. For mOf (' Ifllo "('(' YOII WdY lildl ((JIJII'" when it comes to a socidl (1,.1'1'1" one, clearly mJrked click away from the front page. transit over the internet. wt'\)<,il,', II'., Ir'('dh,l(k and the ensuing partirijl.lllllil phone ntlrnl)er, fax, e-rnilil, address contact names" Newsgroups should also get a mention. ,,,,.,/lJHI Many ill'ople may be ace c"',inC] your site for this one of the original tools of the re,NlJl ,ilulI(' so make it ed',y tor thcm, global discussion on pretty much any topic. If you post to a newsgroup expect large amounts of spam. 2, Campaign information - The what, where. how, why (unsolicited email) There are other types of groups Stickers: They work, and cost £15 i~h fOI a box of 100 dl the very least all of the infor 1l1.ltion on your and forums that are web-based, (eg Yahoo groups sheets. Then laser print or "hr.lromm. real time. don't have \PdU' for on www.groups.yahoo.com) but generally they seem to be onto them, and stick them and discuss advertiSing funded. seconds to water proof them. in several different-countries ilt once. Press: When you do any kind of interview or press For more info see the Indyrnedia IRe paue 4. links - to other sites of interest to your release try to insist that they print your URL. This is so http://irc.indymedia.orgl relevant infor mation, and the target of your you can tell the story from your point of view. or http://www.mirc.com/(info and software). to get someone with time and access to do searches sites that link to you. Web protocol is to exchanae links between sites, Have a full email 3. AMailing list once someone has visited your web the general information you want to site, it is much better if you can get them to join your for a rnutuallink exchange, You can then cut and mailing list, so you can then send them emails with that into the messages you send out. Make sure your latest news, urgent calls for action etc, rather add something which shows you have read at least a ~h~! '~ ~rQHg ~j!h !h~ than relying on them looking at your site regularly couple of pages of the web site you are requesting a can also email Ihem to let them know if you've link from. Try to establish a link between your cause the site with illlflOl I,m! and theirs. mainstream? Some web sites that receive loads of hits (visits) and are likely to link to you immediately include: email www.squall.co.uk, www.urban75.com ow we've spent ages telling you how to deal with able to manipulate the emails www.schnews.co.uk www.venus.co.uk/weed the mainstream we're going to tell you to start publishing their own rant mag than on the wd), N producing your own media. At the end of the day, you million people a day. So forget ever time on-line need to be aware that however much favourable stories on why the capitalist systems ,I IJ.ld Itrilil) ill that you can

re-do it, but their facts in and plug their events, media - now the Look up the local MP's news and have a go at that Take every chance to get reader feedback its often Filthy Lucre. YC's, sadly you're going to need cash at as we!1. hard to know what works, so ask people what there is some point - for printing, ',jdITJP', etc tlt the very least. Look at national stories that can have a local slant about your mag that makes their spirits rise/blood Initially this may come out 01 YOIII PO( kel!'" but issuing nearest GM trial site? Which town is next boil/stomach tur n/brain switch off, subscriptions (eg £1 () 1)('1 VP.lf ,Hid f25 for Who's stickina UD for asvlum seekers? organisations) is a good WdY ul The format. Yes, the boring details how big, how - hassle your local FOE/~tlld!'1 II it relevant by often, how many and so on, Aweekly issue can be too Stalls at local events and in the I with the local playing fields or conservation much work - unless you've got loads of new', ,lf1d of raising cash and areas tIlat are being concreted over by McSheliBury's loads of bods monthly is okay but 50nw s10! i(H, (.Ifl Imflrls from and then people will begin to understand the lose thC'ir impact totally if for example relevance of these issues to their lives. They will see about an action that happenf'd w('ek', d'lO that you are the voice of common sense and that Fortnightly can give a balancf' betwe('ll til(' Iwo politicians and corporations are the outsiders, terms of workload and immediacy of drlil Ie:" Some practicals: reversing the way your views are portrayed by the time to relax between Gel ',0/ I,'d with an addre,,~, ,mel bank account - use establishment. Use 'we' and 'our' a lot when writing. about its existence. reaction you 10( ..1 action centre a<; ,lfl addf ('s~, point, or get a If you still have room, stick in anything national or easiest format is a local box (cost around £50 II building society or international that's: relevant to your area, interestin n -it can be Get someone 10 (,lltJb,mk 'clubs and societies ;)(COllflt' j" Ille E'

Whole of Scotland &northern The Gloucester Otizen news fax: 023 9267 3363 The Western Mail Yorkshire Post newsbx: 01733 313147 England phone: 01452 424442 news fax: Portsmouth/Winchester/loW/Chich 0292022 3333 phone: 0113 243 2701 25 mile radius of Peterborough Derby Evening Telegraph 01452 420664 ester news fax: 029 20 583 652 news fax: 0113 2388537 Lincolnshire Echo phone: 01332 291111 Gloucester/Forest of Deanl Aberdeen Press and Journal All of Wales Yorkshire phone: 01 'J2; 8;0000 01224690222 news fax: 01332 253027 S GIOllCS Western Morning News South Wales Argus news fax: 01 'JZ? 80!f!f93 news fax:01224 663575 most of Derbvshire/oart of Hull Daily Mail phone: 01752 765500 phone: 01633 810000 Li ncs/Gain<.bor OUgll/Spd Idi nq 014823271 Stirling I Kirkwall/ Fort William news fax: 01752 76 55 35 news fax: 01633777202 Evening Post Daily Times new,> fax: 01482 584353 Preston Lanes Evening Post Devon/Cor nwall/Scilly/edge of Newport/Pontypool/Cwmbranl phone: 0171? 254841 230023 599477 phone: 0177 2 254841 S-set + Dor set Cilrdiff news fax: 01772 880173 nr.ws fax: 01473 324 1776 news fax: 01772 880 173 Wolverhampton Express and Worrester Evening News t/Penrith/ ',',!~X and Suffolk Lanes + S Cumbria Star 01 ')(h 1'1,'l/DO News The Scotsman phone: 01902 313131 rww', I,)x: 01lj()') 1,.,Y.OIl() 028 9032 2226 news fax: phone: 0131 620 8620 news fax: 01902319721 Won ',II kr dor d/KI( Idcl Eastern 90337505 newsfax:01316208616 Wolverhampton/Staffordl Fvesli,HH 01(;03 NI + border + Dublin Scotland Kidderminster/Dudley Cambridge Evening News news fdX 01603 623872 Lancashire Evening Telegraph The Sentinel Yorkshire Evening Post 01?;>3 ,.,1'1'13,., Notlolk I northern bit oJ Sllffolk phone: 01254678678 news fax: phone: 01 782 602525 0113 243 2701 news fax: OI??3 434415 Edinburgh Evening News () 1,'~)4 680429 news fax: 01 782 280781 32388536 of news fax: 02392 673363 0131 6208620 Nr 1,lfIc,/Burnley/Blackburn 5toke//UtloxeterI Peterborough Evening 2 editions new,> fax: 0131 620 8697 Leicester Mercury Leek/ Wakefield/ Telegraph Edinburgh and surrounding area plione: 0116751 2512 news fax: Star phone: 01733 555111 Havant/Waterlooville Brighton Evening Argus 0116 ?r)i O[)'15 01952 242424

phone: 01273 544544 Leics news fax: 01952 254605 r---- _____ ·~· ___ ·____ ~_~_, news fax: 01273555046 Uverpool Daily Post All natronal and. regional TV news Whole of E+W Sussex phone: 0151 22/ 2000 news fax: Wales Echo producers are fisted - text in italics is the Evening Chronicle 0151 236 4682 029 20 22 3333 name of the regional (usual/j evening) phone: 0191 2327500 3 editions news fax: 029 20 583 624 news programme: Some areas \\ill receive news fax: 0191 232 2256 SWales .~!~~.~~ ~p.~ rQg~~p'~' more than .one regional TV channel ill Berwick to Carlisle to Teeside Swindon Evening Advertiser L...-______!, ---!! Oxford we get BBC Nev.sroom South East, Teeside Evening Gazette Echo 01793528144 while iN believes we are in the Midlands 01642245401 2272000 news fax: 01793542434 BBC National News (Next news fax: 029 20 555 960 and gives us Central News Smdn and news fax: 01642 232014 news fax: 0151 236 4682 Swindon + surrounding area Day's News:) BBC Northern Ireland ­ cabled up full