The Media Program defends and promotes Democratic Party values, goals and candidates by inspiring volunteers to write letters to the editor, participate in radio talk shows, respond to polls conducted by the media, be involved in community radio and television activities and generally counter Republican efforts to control communication and the media.

 

The program is divided into several areas.

 

Letters to the Editor & Media Monitoring:

 

AD and club members, Central Committee members and other activists are encouraged to wrote to local and national newspapers and magazines. Letters are widely read and influential.  The Republicans have a coordinated program for letter writing on a website.  We have produced simple guidelines for letters (to the point, short, pithy, written with passion) and included e-mail and regular addresses for local and national newspapers in an easy to use media guide.

 

Clubs and AD’s are asked to appoint a liaison to the Media Committee, which will forward ideas for letters, a weekly or bi-weekly message and monitor whether letters are written by members. The liaison is expected to keep in touch with and build relationships with local newspapers as well as with willing club members.

 

The Central Committee webpage will provide media contact information and weekly messages prepared by the Message Committee along with talking points.  The Media Committee will provide similar information to activists by e-mail.

 

Radio:

 

Conservatives dominate talk radio and we are “talking” back.  Our activists including clubs members are asked to monitor their favorite talk radio shows.  Guidelines on how to best get on the show are provided. (for instance, most callers are men so women have a better chance of being heard!)  Times and phone numbers have been provided.  People are encouraged to listen to talk radio while driving and to call in.

 

Community Access TV:

 

The Central Committee and one club both produce monthly television shows.  One deals mostly with issues and the other features the Party Chair interviewing Democratic elected officials or other Democratic notables.  They both air on many of the local access stations and provide favorable information about Democrats and party activities. 

 

Press Conferences & Press Releases

The Media Committee works closely with the message and speakers bureau to draft effective press releases and facilitate press coverage through press conferences and publicizing newsworthy events & issues.