Joint Use Forum »

1. 

   Lori Dorfman
   Member

   All good questions, Jane.

   I think we need to do two things. First, it's up to us to create news that reporters want to cover. Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes, used to say, "Reporters don't tell issues. They tell stories." So that's number one.

   The second thing we need to do is build relationships with reporters. Joint use is a local issue, so it makes sense to get to know local reporters. Then, when we're ready to pitch a story or respond to breaking news, the reporter we want to tell the story will know who we are and know a little bit about joint use.

   It might be easiest to start with the second thing: identify the newspaper or TV broadcast you want to see cover joint use; identify one reporter who seems likely to be interested (maybe someone on the education, health, or city hall beat); and then invite that reporter to lunch to introduce yourself and the issue. As you get to know the reporter, you'll get a better idea of what aspect of joint use will be of interest. When you know that, it'll be easier to pitch a story when you've got one.

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   jane_adams
   Member

   I share an underlying frustration that the media is generally focused on "problems" rather than the "solutions." We won't likely read headlines that say "School Closes at 9:00 pm Due to Joint Use." The questions are how do we frame joint use as an issue that deserves to be covered in the media? What problems does joint use solve? Have we articulated that clearly? Do we need a media spokesperson - like the Boys/Girls Clubs?

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   hgehlert
   Key Master

   At Berkeley Media Studies Group, we monitor how the media report on public health issues because the news plays a large role in shaping public opinion and public policy. For the last two months, I’ve been monitoring both national and California-based publications for articles about joint use. The problem is there is very little news on the subject. Between June and July, mainstream national papers didn’t publish any articles on joint use. California papers weren’t much better. I found seven stories, two of which are no longer readily accessible online. Of the five articles still available, four were told from a financial perspective, typically regarding how much a joint use project will cost, with no analysis of whether it’s a smart use of resources.

   The articles also lacked any focus on physical activity or health even though joint use has strong ties to both. Reporters are clearly interested in writing about health -- the news is filled with articles about rising obesity rates, menu labeling legislation and health care reform -- but the media are missing the boat on joint use.

   Research shows that joint use can encourage physical activity by providing adults and kids alike with a safe place to exercise and play. This leaves public health advocates with a challenge to get joint use on reporters’ radars and show that it is more than a line item in a budget -- it’s a health issue.

   Has anyone seen articles that effectively frame joint use from a health perspective? If so, please share them!

   Posted 1 year ago #

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