With its tremendous reach, the news media is an efficient mechanism to deliver the Think Blue message.  Think Blue Teams are well-positioned to work with local and regional newspapers.  In its 2005 survey, MBEA found that residents of communities bordering the Massachusetts Bays strongly favored receiving information on coastal water issues via mass media, including newspapers.

Press Releases
Press releases are an essential tool to provide reporters with the basics they need to develop a news story. They provide the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your story, and should be limited to one or two pages. It is important to emphasize a clear local connection early in the release, whether it’s a local person, water body, or even just a town name. Keep these tips in mind:

•  Keep sentences short.
•  Write clearly and avoid jargon.
•  Write in the active voice.
•  Keep paragraphs short.
•  Proofread!

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editors of local newspapers are a good way to express your views on an issue while also providing important information to the public. The Letters to the Editor section is typically one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper, assuring letter writers a wide audience for their views. Keep these tips in mind:

• Keep letters to 250 words or less, and discuss only one issue in a letter.
• Most newspapers prefer letters that respond to a specific article. When a stormwater-related article is published, such as a story on heavy rainfall or shellfish bed closures, that’s your opportunity to drive the Think Blue message home!
• Ask readers to follow-up, such as participating in your Team’s event or project.