Institutional Communications
1000 E. University Ave
Dept 3226, Bureau of Mines Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: mediarel@uwyo.edu
If you have news of interest, please let Media Relations know. The staff can guide you to make the best decision about where your information should appear and how to present it. Issuing a news release doesn't always ensure coverage. The Media Relations staff will advise if an item or event merits a news release. The staff's goal is to be able to communicate to local, state, regional and national media what's important about the University of Wyoming from an institutional perspective.
When you are deciding if you need a news release, consider the newsworthiness of your topic. Ask yourself who would care about your issue. Editors ask the same question before they decide which stories to make news. But remember, there are different audiences for different stories. Understand who your audience is and remember you cannot expect to make national news with a local-interest story. Neither can you expect that every news release will result in coverage.
Listed are some things to consider in determining what makes a good newsworthy event. Is the subject matter current? Is new research is being conducted on campus? Student achievements and awards, or involvement with professors on research, also is of interest. Timely issues discussed daily in the mainstream press or subjects that already are in the news could be interesting to the media.
Often covered are scheduled music and theater performances; public meetings, conferences, and seminars; statewide extension and Outreach School courses; special lectures and presentations; open houses; and deadlines for applications and registrations.
Sometimes, the best option for your information is not a news release, but a Web announcement, a calendar entry, or an item for UW This Week.
If a university announcement requires the attention of the media, Media Relations will invite the media to a news conference. News conferences are to be reserved for special or unique situations. Where appropriate, Media Relations will provide the appropriate background material.
Media Relations will send out advisories on a number of topics. Sometimes they are brief reminders of upcoming events, such as a symposium that's likely to draw wide interest, or a meeting announcement.
UW has many experts on campus who can discuss timely subjects with the media and are good sources for reporters. Advisories will also be sent when our experts can provide commentary on the day's news events.
Institutional Communications' contacts with local, state, regional and national media are a critical component of its strategy to showcase UW's reputation and work in critical areas.
Media Relations can advise you about media appearances and interviews.
If you would like to understand the interview process and your role in it, contact Media Relations.
We encourage using photographs with stories. Whenever possible, Media Relations will work with Photo Service to request photos. We do not schedule "grip and grin" photos; they include award presentations or photos of one of more persons passing a check or certificate or signing a document. Most newspapers do not accept such photos, and they don't work well for our purposes.
Institutional Communications
1000 E. University Ave
Dept 3226, Bureau of Mines Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: mediarel@uwyo.edu