Lions Clubs International is pleased to introduce the Lions Press Center, the association’s first online newsroom designed for both journalists and clubs. But what is an online newsroom and why is it important to have one?
In today’s digital world, we have grown accustomed to finding the information we need with a few clicks of a mouse. For journalists, it’s essential to have a dedicated location where they can find trustworthy information, data, multi-media and other resources that may help them develop their news stories.
The Lions Press Center is one of a kind because, unlike ordinary online newsrooms, it puts Lions club marketing and public relations chairpersons in the shoes of journalists. In the Lions Press Center, clubs can easily download templates, photos and get up to speed on recent news from Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
Let’s explore the Lions Press Center’s features and discover how these tools and resources will help you and journalists promote the good works of your club and our organization.
- Media Kits. A media kit is a prepackaged set of promotional materials for journalists to use for their own news story research. The media kit in the Lions Press Center is for both journalists and Lions and includes resources such as fact sheets, photos, sample interview questions and suggested responses, bio and headshot of the current Lions international president, and more. Lions may want to keep a media kit close at hand when contacting members of the media since it includes information that many journalists look for.
- Press Releases. Press releases share important news and updates with the media. A library of past press releases about Lions International and LCIF can be viewed in the Lions Press Center.
- Press Release Templates. Did you know there are several customizable press release templates that may help you share your stories with the media? Templates to announce new officers, service projects, club anniversaries and more can all be found in the Lions Press Center. Don’t forget to keep checking this section for new templates.
- Fact Sheets and Bios. Compelling data and facts help journalists add more interest to their stories. The Lions Press Center includes information about our organization’s history, data about our service, and the headshot and biography of the international president of Lions International.
- Multi-Media. Photos help tell our story and the Lions Press Center offers several sample photos that can be shared with the media. Radio and television public service announcements (PSAs) are also available for download in English only. In the very near future, Lions International will be expanding our video and PSA offerings to provide content in all languages.
- Contact Information. For reporters on deadline, it’s important for journalists to know who to call for assistance. Our PR team is always here to support journalists and our Lions. If you have PR questions, please contact us at PublicRelations@lionsclubs.org.
- Additional Resources For Lions. Social media, branding and marketing guidelines are complementary resources to PR efforts. Links to these resources can all be viewed in the Lions Press Center. To give your PR campaign a boost, consider applying for a PR grant. Information about PR grants is found under additional resources in the Lions Press Center.
The Lions Press Center provides everything a journalist would need to tell a good story—and everything you need to start sharing your stories. Check out the Lions Press Center today!
Shauna Schuda is the senior media relations specialist for Lions Clubs International.
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