Publicity & Media: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the media contacts me?
If you are contacted by someone from the media, please take their information and then contact, Cheryl Anderson Brown, the COTA Public Relations Coordinator, at 770-499-3214. She will work with the reporter to facilitate interviews, photography and background information. If you are to be interviewed, she can also help you prepare by sending you sample questions, drafting possible responses or conducting a test interview.
How can I get publicity for myself, my student or my program?
There are a variety of publicity outlets, from the College of the Arts website, to Flourish magazine, to external media. And, external media outlets range from local “neighborhood” papers to daily nationals to broadcast media. The College of the Arts works with the KSU Office of University Relations to help target your story to the most appropriate outlets while balancing all of the university’s stories. In order to get publicity for your story, e-mail details about the story (who, what, where, when and why) to Cheryl Anderson Brown, COTA's Director for Public Relations.
You can also sign up for the KSU Faculty Database. This database helps University Relations identify faculty experts who can be called upon to comment on a relevant topic if and when the media calls. In addition, they will use this information to develop story ideas to take to the media which will help promote the University and our department. Click here to submit your information.
What types of stories are considered newsworthy?
Almost any story can be “newsworthy” if it is targeted to the right media outlet at the right time. However, the most common stories are those associated with awards, achievements, appointments, new programs, anniversaries, milestones and events. We can also cover and pitch human interest stories, the behind-the-scenes stories of personal struggles and/or triumphs. Please be aware, however, that COTA can issue only a limited number of press releases.
Will you send out a campus-wide e-mail about my event?
University policy does not permit us to issue a campus-wide e-mail about events. However, there are several publicity options for you: you may request to have your event included in COTA's weekly e-newsletter; if your event is ticketed, you may request to have it included in the monthly Box Office e-newsletter; and you may request to have an electronic postcard created that you can send to your own list of contacts. To request any of these options, e-mail Cheryl Anderson Brown at least four weeks before your event.
How far in advance should I request publicity?
If you would like publicity in advance of an event or on the day of an event, you need to e-mail Cheryl Anderson Brown at least four weeks before the event.
Will COTA notify my alma mater of my news?
The College of the Arts is pleased to offer this service to its faculty and staff. To register for this service, please send an e-mail to Cheryl Anderson Brown, listing all of your schools, your degrees from each and the year of graduation from each. We will contact the schools to determine how best to notify them of your news and keep them up to date on any stories you submit to us.