This query focuses on a public relations aspect.

In Iowa (and I suspect elsewhere), we are competing for news space in a nfield where the newspaper column sizes are smaller, type is bigger, ads are bigger, resulting in more white space, etc. And, no matter how the newspapers like to spin it, it still means less news space.

So, we compete with everyone for that space.

I am playing around with an idea that may just be downright blasphemy. Grinnell College is a smallish liberal arts college with a gallery that has begun building a very good reputation. Still, getting a reporter (or television) to drive one hour east of Des Moines (or one hour west of Iowa City) is an event. It happens, but we would like to see it happen more.

I am thinking of working with other regional colleges or museums to develop something (a package?) that the newspaper would get almost on a monthly basis. The idea being that, with the newspaper budgets being cut and the news hole shrinking, if we can offer them a good reason to come out here -- more than one story -- then they might attempt it on a more consistent basis.

In other words, make a trip out here worth it.

Has anyone tried anything like this? What experiences have you had with it?

Is it blasphemy to even think this way?

I am of the opinion that we just might have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to media coverage.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.


Dann Hayes
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa

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