News coverage is the reporting, publishing and broadcasting of information about events in a particular area of activity. The mass media plays a key role in the construction of public beliefs and attitudes, particularly around emerging issues or concerns that may not have previously been on people’s radar screens. The media can also impact the degree to which individuals feel concerned about a given issue, and thus the extent to which they are motivated to take action.
While some news stories can inspire us to act, others simply cause us distress or anxiety. Continuous exposure to negative news can lead to the perception that there is more bad in the world than good, and can influence how we think about ourselves, other people and the future of humanity.
The best way to get involved in news coverage is to be proactive. The first step is identifying the appropriate contact person within a particular media outlet and making contact. It is important to be aware that journalists receive a lot of requests and may not respond quickly. Try to be patient and courteous, as most reporters are busy trying to do their jobs well.
Be prepared to articulate your message in a short time frame. Newspapers often publish opinion pieces (often called Op-Eds) in their editorial sections, or on other pages, such as the Sunday editions. Be sure to provide your name, address and daytime phone number, as editors and readers want to be able to verify your identity before printing your comments.