News coverage is the reporting of events and issues in newspapers, television programs, radio broadcasts, or online news sources. The way that information is presented can impact people’s perceptions and attitudes about the issues being covered, influencing their responses to the news coverage itself [1].
Getting featured in local media can help build your reputation and increase your visibility among consumers. It can also be a good first step toward getting picked up by national or global outlets down the road. To maximize your exposure, make sure to prepare media kits that include a brief background story on your business, key messages and visuals, and any relevant statistics or data. Additionally, be available for interviews and always provide quotable statements that align with your brand messaging and goals.
The media’s role in covering emerging issues is crucial, as the media often provides the public with its first impression of novel concerns and the urgency surrounding them. This influence can lead to an increased awareness of certain social problems, and it may also affect the problems that the media perceives as important or worth addressing [3].
The impact of the media’s coverage on personal behaviors is largely shaped by its perceived credibility and social influences. This is particularly true during critical times, such as when natural disasters occur. For example, the media’s graphic portrayal of violence against civil rights activists in the 1960s helped spark the American public’s outrage and support for civil rights legislation [4]. In addition, the newsworthiness of an issue can be influenced by its framing (e.g., whether it is presented as a “riot” or a “demonstration”).