[ARRL-OK] The stories are coming out - also PR tips

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

The stories are coming out thanks to the efforts of Allen Pitts at ARRL HQ
and other PIO's around the country.  See Washington Post Thursday page
D01, Wall Street Journal page A6, and watch Fox News Channel on Friday
1330-1350 CDT.

So far Oklahoma Hams have been mentioned or seen on:
KTUL TV
KOTV TV
All 26 News Papers for New House Newspapers
The Washington Post
Nationally on NPR radio

Be PR smart. Take notes, who, what, where, when. Take photos or video of
Hams in ACTION. Write down who is in the photos or video.  Avoid the "good
ol'boy" grip and grin photos. Look at newspapers and TV. See the style of
photos the PROs shoot. Keep your photos looking sharp.

If you have club shirts or hats, jackets with ARES or other HAM public
Service logos, wear them. Be a PRO.

Send your stories to me of Oklahoma Hams in action NOW. I know you are
busy but, we must get the message out of how TRAINED and PREPARED amateur
radio operators are responding to the emergency.

NOTE: If you speak to the media, please let me know who, and what media
outlet. The news cycle is short. NOW is the time to get the story out.
Also if you do speak to the media - Please do NOT call Amateur Radio a
HOBBY.  We are licenced by the FCC as the AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE.  When you
say HOBBY, we get lumped in to the same block as scrap bookers, and old
lady's kiting (if you scrapbook or knit.. sorry... please don't write
me... I am busy getting the word out of all the good Amateur Radio does to
serve our communities.)

If asked "why does amateur radio work, when other systems fail" or
something like that, here is a suggested response - "I can't speak to the
strengths or weaknesses of other communications systems, but Amateur Radio
works when all else fails, because hams are electronic experimenters and
enthusiasts. We know how to build and make communications systems work. We
train and practice communicating in less than ideal conditions. We are
here to help."

Thanks for all the good work you are doing... LET ME HEAR ABOUT IT!!!!


73 Mark Conklin N7XYO
OK Section Public Information Coordinator
918-232-8346 or 918-366-2007
n7xyo at arrl.net