Getting Local Press for Your Inter Faith Week Event

Local press coverage is the best way to significantly boost awareness and engagement for your Inter Faith Week activities. Follow these five essential steps to capture media attention.

1. Craft a Compelling News Angle

A strong story is what makes your event newsworthy. Focus on the impact and the people.

• Focus on the "Why": What is the unique purpose of your event? Highlight an unusual partnership, a focus on a current local issue (like the cost of living or community safety), or a demonstrable positive impact on your neighbourhood.
• Feature Local Voices: Journalists love stories about people, not just institutions. Line up a compelling quote or interview with a key organiser or participant from a different faith background who is genuinely excited about the event.
• Emphasise Community Benefit: Frame the event around themes that resonate widely, such as unity, community cohesion, social action, or celebrating local diversity. Example: Pitch a joint food bank drive or an open house that offers a rare glimpse inside a place of worship.

2. Prepare Your Media Toolkit

You must be ready to give journalists everything they need to cover your story with minimum effort.

• Write a Powerful Press Release:
  • o Strong Headline: Should grab attention and clearly state the event's purpose.
  • o The "Five W’s" (Who, What, When, Where, Why) must be in the first paragraph. Get straight to the point.
  • o Include Strong Quotes from leaders or participants that capture the event's emotional importance and tie it to the national Week.
  • o Include a Media Contact: Provide a name, mobile number, and email for a designated press officer who can answer queries quickly

• Visuals are Crucial: A compelling image or video is essential for local newspapers and news channels.
  • Invite Photographers: Offer a specific time slot when the best photo opportunity will happen, and be clear about the location and time.
  • Provide High-Quality Photos: If the press can't attend, send a few well-captioned, high-resolution photos immediately afterwards. Always ensure you have permission from everyone visible in the image.

3. Build Relationships and Follow Up

Proactive outreach is more effective than mass emailing.

• Identify Key Local Contacts: Research and create a targeted list of local newspaper editors, radio and TV news desks, community/features writers, and even popular local bloggers or podcasters.
• Target the Right Desk: Don't send to a generic email inbox. Look for the specific "community," "features," or "what's on" editor.
• Send a Media Advisory (Invitation): Send a short invitation 1-2 weeks before the event. Focus on the available photo and interview opportunities and include all logistical details (time, venue, parking).
• Confirm and Follow Up: A day or two before the event, call or email your key contacts to confirm they received your information and ask if they need anything further.

4. Leverage Inter Faith Week Resources

Use the official branding to add instant credibility and visibility.

• Use the Official Hashtag: Include #InterFaithWeek in all your social media posts. Local journalists frequently check trending tags for stories.
• Register Your Activity: List your event on the official Inter Faith Week website (e.g., in the UK, at interfaithweek.org/submit). This provides a reliable resource reporters can cite.

5. Consider Non-Traditional Outlets

Widen your net beyond the main newspaper.

• Community Radio: Contact local stations; they often have dedicated community interest slots and may welcome a short, easy interview or segment.
• Local Blogs/Facebook Groups: Post the event details and a compelling photo in relevant community forums or Next-door groups where local news is often shared.

contact@interfaithweek.org

www.interfaithweek.org

Published 29 October 2025