If your local streamkeeper, fishing or conservation organization is concerned about an issue, you can also issue a news release, stating your position. A news release should kick off with a headline, usually the headline you would hope the newspaper might use. Your opening line (the lead) should state your main point in one sentence. Reading headlines and lead sentences in actual newspaper stories will give you a good sense of how they are constructed.

Cover the basics in your news release:

• who, what, where, when and why
• Include some quotes from a spokesperson from your group
• Include contact information to get a statement
• check our News Release page for examples.

If the story is a bigger one that you think the local newspapers or local TV stations might be interested in, phone and ask for the news assignment editor and explain the story as briefly as possible. To be newsworthy, you should be reporting something that has happened (or will happen) that day. Most newspapers, radio and TV want stories in the morning (or by early afternoon), so they can investigate, get officials to comment, then write and edit a story