Capital Survival Kit

Before you win in the halls of power, you have to make your case in the court of public opinion. That's where we can help. As Florida's top public affairs communications firm, we know Florida's capital city and can help you effectively advocate for your interests.

Capitol Press Corps Guide

Want to break into the Miami Herald or St. Pete Times? Find out who covers the capital for Florida's print and electronic media. Access phone numbers, email addresses and other vital information about this key group.

Download the Guide

Media Tips

Reporters can help you tell your story if you respect the role they play and help them do their jobs. Observe these basic rules of media engagement and enhance your chances of success.

Meet reporters' deadlines.

News is a daily business. Your comments won't be reflected in the story if you don't return press calls in time to meet reporters' deadlines.

Tell the truth always.

You learned it in kindergarten. It still applies, especially when dealing with the media.

Expect to be "taken out of context."

Reporters take miniscule excerpts from lengthy interviews and include them in stories. They can't report everything you say.

Assume you are on the record.

Don't say a bunch of things you don't want to see in the story and then tell the reporter after the fact that he or she can't use what you said. Unless you have an agreement to speak on background or off the record ahead of time, anything you say is fair game.

Don't call with a timeless pitch on deadline.

After 3 p.m., reporters are on deadline to file their stories. Television and radio news services are preparing their daily feeds. This is not the time to call unless you are weighing in on a breaking story or have a hot, timely news tip.

Be quotable.

If you want to be part of a story, have something to say. If you can turn a clever phrase or are prepared to express a strong opinion, there's a good chance you can earn a place in a story.

Be a source.

The best way to cultivate good, long-term relationships with reporters is to be a good source of information. Their success depends on getting to the facts first. Call with good tips and you will become a trusted source.

When in doubt or in trouble, call a professional.

Ron Sachs Communications has been helping corporate, non-profit and government clients get their stories told for more than a decade. We can help you break through the clutter and deliver your message, too.