Local Media Guidelines

LOCAL MEDIA GUIDELINES SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON WHY LOCAL MEDIA MATTERS

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a proud tradition of leadership, service, and brotherhood — and local media is one of the best ways to share that story. Positive local coverage helps show the public who we really are: men committed to living our values rooted in Friendship, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Whether it’s volunteering with a local nonprofit, hosting a philanthropy event, or mentoring younger students, these are stories worth telling. Local news outlets want examples of young men making a difference, and SAE chapters across the country do that every day. When your chapter’s work is featured, it not only strengthens your reputation on campus and in your city, but it also builds pride among alumni and reinforces what it means to be a True Gentleman.

Regional media plays a critical role in connecting our mission to the community. By engaging trusted local outlets, we can share stories in ways that resonate with people where they live, through voices they already know and trust. These platforms not only amplify the good work SAE chapters are doing but also help build the grassroots support that drives lasting impact. National coverage is valuable, but it’s often regional media that sparks the conversations around the kitchen table — and that’s where real change begins.

HOW TO ENGAGE LOCAL MEDIA

1. Find your story To share your story with news outlets and your community you first need to ensure you understand what makes your story newsworthy.

2. Build a media list (campus media, local newspapers, TV stations, etc.)

Maintain an up-to-date press list. As local reporters move around, be sure to include the newsdesk email.

3. Write a media alert Use the provided Press Release Template and Press Release Example.

4. Send media alert 2-3 weeks before the event with personalized emails Reaching out to local and campus reporters, editors, and radio hosts doesn’t have to be complicated. When your chapter organizes an event or service project, send a short note or media advisory to local outlets explaining what you’re doing, who’s involved, and why it matters to the community.

5. Follow up one week before with reminder emails and phone calls Send them the relevant information about a week in advance and indicate that your chapter is available for interviews either before, during, or after the event. If you’re trying to engage the public to attend or support a philanthropy, for example, there is significant value in previewing the event in local outlets. You can follow up with phone calls to gauge interest, and confirm the outlets have the information. For widely distributed announcements, you should use SAEprovided templates for press releases to ensure brand harmony.

6. Designate internal communications team (person of contact (POC) for press, photographer, quote collection) Every chapter should also appoint a brother who is well-spoken, polished, and dependable to serve as the spokesperson when engaging with the media. Ideally, this is the Eminent Correspondent, but a chapter leader of any kind could work. This brother should be comfortable representing SAE’s values, speaking with confidence, and sharing the positive impact your chapter is making. Having one clear, consistent voice helps ensure your message is strong, professional, and true to the spirit of the fraternity.

7. After the event, send follow-up press release with photos and quotes to outlets that couldn’t attend Be sure to share high-quality photos or a short video, and don’t be afraid to include a quote from one of your brothers about the impact of the project.

8. Share coverage via social media channels Share good news from your events on social media, and don’t forgot to share it with our national accounts, email us at LOCAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

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communications@sae.net, or submit it via the Good News Reporting form.

Even small mentions in community papers or local broadcasts can go a long way in showing that SAE stands for something greater — men of honor, integrity, and purpose who are committed to bettering the world around them.

Every story helps shape how others see our fraternity, and local media gives us the chance to tell that story ourselves.

WHEN TO CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA

Chapters should reach out to local media anytime they’re doing something that demonstrates leadership, service, or positive campus involvement. Examples include: ● Philanthropy events (fundraisers, 5K runs, campus charity drives) ● Community service projects (cleanups, mentoring programs, blood drives, food or toy collections) ● Campus leadership or academic achievements (chapter awards, scholarships, leadership positions) ● Partnerships with local nonprofits or businesses (philanthropy events with other fraternities and sororities) ● Major anniversaries or milestones (chapter anniversaries, national SAE events, or large alumni gatherings) ● Achievement (standout member who has done something heroic or exemplary) ● Organic kindness (chapter coming together to support someone in need outside of regularly scheduled events)

WHO TO CONTACT

Start by identifying local reporters who cover community, campus, or lifestyle stories. Good contacts include: ● Local newspaper editors or community reporters ● TV or radio newsroom assignment desks ● Campus newspaper editors or student media ● Local online news blogs or Patch.com community pages You can usually find contact emails on the outlet’s website under “Contact Us” or “News Tips.” For TV and radio, look for the “assignment desk” email — they handle community story pitches. Frequently, there is also a phone number listed, which is a good way to confirm they have received the information.

THREE TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE MEDIA OUTREACH

1. Be proactive. Don’t wait for reporters to find you. Reach out before or right after your event and make it easy for them to cover your story. Don’t wait a week to send them highlights of your event!

2. Be prepared. Have a few key points ready: what you did, who benefited, and why it matters. Keep it clear, upbeat, and focused on impact.

3. Be professional. When speaking with the media, dress well, stay composed, and remember that you represent SAE and all its members.

SAMPLE OUTREACH EMAIL

Subject: Story idea: SAE brothers partner with [Local Charity Name] to serve our community Hi [Reporter’s Name], My name is [Your Name], and I serve as [Your Role] for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at [University Name]. Our brothers recently [briefly describe your activity — e.g., “hosted a food drive with the local food bank that collected more than 2,000 meals for families in need”].

We thought you might be interested in sharing this story with your audience, as it highlights local college students giving back and strengthening our community. We have photos and quotes available if that’s helpful, and I’d be happy to connect you with our chapter spokesperson, [Name], for a quick interview.

Thank you for your time and for the work you do telling community stories.

Best, Your Full Name Sigma Alpha Epsilon – University Name Your Phone Number Your Email Address

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