The public information office is responsible for preparing and distributing news releases and public service announcements to radio, television, and newspapers. Some departments, such as music, theater, and athletics, prepare and distribute their own news releases after they have been reviewed by the public information officer.
Staff are also encouraged to submit newsworthy items for the Staff News. Be sure to include Who, What, Where, When and Why (when appropriate) and a contact name and phone number. Information may be submitted by e-mail or the attached form.
What makes something news?
- Impact. Something that is likely to affect many people.
- Timeliness. Something that is immediate, recent, or about to happen.
- Prominence. Something involving well-known people or institutions.
- Proximity. Something or someone in the circulation or broadcast area.
- Unusual. Events that deviate sharply from the expected and the experience of daily life.
- Currency. Events, issues, and situations that are being talked about.
Public service announcements are sent to the media by the public information office, which also works with Access Sacramento to have calendar events air on cable channels 17 & 18. Our own media services designs promotional spots for campus activities and events that air at the beginning or end of our regularly scheduled educational broadcasts on cable channels 15, 16, 17, and 18. There is no guarantee PSAs will be aired, but if the radio or television station decides to do so, there is no charge. PSAs should be brief and of broad, community-based interest.
Activity/News Release