Media placement for clients and resulting story coverage is just one piece of the media relations puzzle. Another is seeing said story generate effective change for an issue, cause or individual. It is my job as Media Relations professional to anticipate how proper media placement generates positive outcomes for a variety of story topics. In other words; what elements make for a good story and how to increase the likelihood of securing coverage.
Recent news coverage of a major Florida environmental issue involving recent fish kills and possible sources of contamination and pollution believed to be linked to said fish kills, has played a role in effecting positive change at a legislative level.
WPTV Anchor/Reporter Michael Williams recently covered the story below, which I pitched for the Florida Wildlife Federation.
Several print outlets have also been following this story and I am proud to share that this television coverage and in-depth interviews by Williams… a seasoned journalist… just may have been a final “push” and key factor which led to the following, as reported in the TCPalm Newspaper:
May 20, 2016
Lake Okeechobee discharges are continuing, blue-green algae blooms are threatening and Kilroy water sensors will be there to record it all.
The Ocean Research & Conservation Association was poised to remove 15 of its 25 state-funded Kilroys from the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon this summer, but state Senate President-designate Joe Negron announced Thursday he has secured $500,000 to keep them all in the water through June 2017.
“I’m over the moon, I’m so happy,” ORCA CEO and lead scientist Edith “Edie” Widder said Thursday when Treasure Coast Newspapers informed her of the funding. “I’m driving, and I’m lucky I didn’t run off the road.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection money will maintain only the 25 Kilroys the state funded for $2 million in 2014, said Negron, a Stuart Republican. ORCA also has two Kilroys funded by a grant from Scotts Miracle- Gro.
Maintaining them costs about $750,000 a year — $30,000 for each unit — according to Warren Falls, ORCA managing director. For each of the past two years, the state has provided $250,000. That’s just $10,000 for each of the 25 units.
THANK YOU Senator Negron and the entire team with ORCA, the Florida Wildlife Federation and Michael Williams for your ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s environment!
Contact Julia Yarbough Media Group to learn how we can work to capture and share YOUR story!