August 14, 2012
Political campaign communications workshop set
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale next week will give current and potential political candidates and organizers insight into effective uses of the media.
The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is hosting a political campaign communications workshop, "Using Free and Paid Media in Campaigns." The workshop is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21, in the Institute lobby, 1231 Lincoln Drive, in the old U.S. Forestry Building.
Local media professionals will offer advice on topics that include giving effective radio and television interviews, maximizing paid media commercials and print advertising, and the best ways to buy and place advertising.
David Yepsen, Institute director, said one of the Institute’s missions is encouraging civic participation in government and politics.
"This workshop is designed to do that by providing some training in media relations for local people who want to run for office, work in a campaign, or be active in politics," he said. "It will also be for students and faculty interested in politics, journalism and advertising."
"We will have some of the leading journalists and media sales people from Southern Illinois make brief presentations and lead discussions. We will be talking about how to deal with the media, how to get free media attention, and how best to spend campaign money on paid media advertising," Yepsen said.
The media professionals at the workshop include Mike Snuffer, news director, WSIL-TV Channel 3, Tom Miller, host of "Morning News Watch" on WJPF-AM 1340, and Gary Metro, editor, The Southern Illinoisan.
The event is free, but Institute officials encourage registration. To register, contact Emily Burke, Institute program coordinator, at 618/453-4004 or by email at eburke@siu.edu. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 17.