CRD Welcome Package

Corporate Relations Department

Procedures Manual

2.0

PROCEDURES FOR NEWS RELEASES

1) Ascertain from event planning committees whether releases and /or media coverage are required.

2) The assigned officer prepares a draft release and submits it to the Media Relations coordinator for vetting.

3)

If necessary, seek comments from the Department in charge of the event.

4) Submit the draft to the Senior Director for approval. NB The Senior Director is the Bank’s Official Media Contact person (see appendix VI for media policy).

5)

Email the approved release in PDF format to all staff.

6) E-mail the release in MS Word format to the Webmaster, for placement on the ECCB website.

7) E-mail release in MS Word format to the Res Reps for dissemination to their local media.

8)

E-mail the release in word format to the St Kitts and Nevis Media houses.

3.0 MEDIA CONFERENCE/ MEDIA BRIEFING GUIDELINES News or media conferences are held to announce some major happening for the first time. Press briefings are held simply to make individuals available to answer questions or demonstrate something.

1) For a news conference, tell media in advance what will be announced without pre- empting the conference by going into too much detail. 2) Gauge the number of attendees carefully when reserving a room; better to have too much than too little space. Make sure microphones, chairs, lighting and water are in place at least 30 minutes prior to the event.

3) Decide format in advance -- who will introduce speakers, who decides when question/answer period ends, and other details.

4) Decide in advance whether handouts are needed. If a speaker is making a presentation a talk from a prepared text, hand out material after the presentationso media will stay and listen, but advise them that the text will be provided. This prevents unnecessary note taking. 5) Ensure that the timing of the media conference does not clash with any other major community event. The limitations of the regional media do not allow them to attend several functions at the same time.

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