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How to Get Your Story Out

Help the Communications & Marketing Office get the story out about exciting developments at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech. 

We consider the same news values taught to every reporter and editor:

  • Timeliness
    • Something upcoming, that just happened, or is happening now.
    • We need to know in advance so we can get the word out to appropriate media outlets and get reporters here if appropriate and possible.
    • If something newsworthy is about to happen, please let us know as far in advance as possible.
  • Impact
    • Addresses the question, “Who is this important to?” The more people affected, the more newsworthy.
    • For us, it means capitalizing on trends, highlighting initiatives or events that have community or regional implications, or addressing national issues.
    • Note: It is our job to view this from the eyes of reporters and editors. We know there are lots of reasons more people should care about lots of things — and sometimes we can make that case. But we need to be realistic with our expectations and pitches.
    • Examples:
      • Fermentation Science got national coverage via the Associated Press – brewing is big (yes, it is more than that — but that’s why it got covered).
      • Our water monitoring work on the Mohawk River gets coverage for its broad implications for many communities in the region.
      • START-UP NY news always gets coverage because it is a hot-button issue at the state level
      • Institute for Rural Vitality involves regional partners and has regional implications
  • Prominence
    • If it involves a well-known public figure, it is more likely to get coverage.
    • For us, that could be a visit by a government official, but it also includes things like Chef Yono, who is well known in the Capital District participating in our Culinary Extravaganza.
  • Novelty
    • First. Only. Best. Unusual.
    • Our Therapeutic Horsemanship is an excellent example of novelty because it is new to most people.
    • We were the first in SUNY to implement an Applied Learning requirement
  • Human Interest
    • These are just good, person-focused stories.

 

Press Releases or Story?

If a story fits one or more of those criteria really well, a press release may be appropriate. We have a variety of curated distribution lists for different topics to get the news to the most receptive audience.If the event/news item has already happened or is mostly of interest within the Cobleskill Ag & Tech community, we will write it up as a blog post and/or push it out via social media.

 

What We Need to Know

  • Advance notice of an event or activity
  • Basic details: who, what, where, when, why
  • There is no such thing as too much context. Provide as much information as possible. This will help us maximize impact.
  • A quote or two from organizers or prominent participants
    • These should add some personality to the release and give some “insider” context for why it’s important. They should be 2-3 sentences at most. C&M can help craft quotes if needed.
  • Photos
    • Should be as high resolution as possible
    • Should be horizontal/landscape orientation
    • Should have basic caption information: WHO is doing WHAT 
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How to Tell Us

  • Use the Communications & Marketing Request Form on our office webpages to make a formal request and initiate the discussion.
  • For upcoming news stories and events, email or call Jason Politi, Director of Communications, at 518-475-8038.