Involving Local News Outlets and Platforms

Spread the Word About Your Missing Loved One

Why It's Important

Local news outlets can broadcast information to a wide audience in the area, increasing the chances of reaching someone who may have seen your loved one or has valuable information.

Step-by-Step Guide

Select Spokesperson for Interviews

The best person to request interviews and take on the role of spokesperson for your missing loved one should ideally be someone who is:

Emotionally Composed: Able to handle the stress and emotional weight of the situation while speaking clearly and calmly.
Articulate: Capable of expressing the details and urgency of the situation effectively.
Knowledgeable: Familiar with all the details of the disappearance and the efforts being made to find the missing person.
Personable: Able to connect with the audience and convey the importance of the situation in a relatable manner.
Available: Ready to respond promptly to media inquiries and participate in interviews as needed.

Example Profile for a Spokesperson

Name: Jane Doe

Role: Sister of John Doe

Attributes:

Emotionally Composed: Jane has shown remarkable strength and composure throughout the search for her brother.
Articulate: She is able to clearly express the details of John's disappearance and the family's efforts to find him.
Knowledgeable: Jane is familiar with all aspects of the case and has been actively involved in coordinating search efforts.
Personable: She connects well with the audience, conveying the urgency and importance of the situation.
Available: Jane is committed to responding promptly to media inquiries and participating in interviews.

Identify Relevant News Outlets

Step 1: Make a list of local TV stations, newspapers, radio stations, and online news platforms.
Step 2: Find contact information for the news desks or reporters who cover community news.

Prepare a Press Release

Step 1: Write a clear and concise press release that includes:
- A recent photo of your loved one.
- Their name, age, and physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color).
- The last known location and time they were seen.
- Any distinguishing features or clothing they were wearing.
- Contact information for tips (phone number, email, etc.).
Step 2: Include a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and any relevant details.

Contact News Outlets

Step 1: Email the press release to the news desks or reporters on your list.
Step 2: Follow up with a phone call to ensure they received the information and to request coverage.

Request Interviews

Step 1: Ask if you can appear on local TV or radio shows to discuss your loved one's disappearance.
Step 2: Prepare talking points and be ready to share any new information during the interview.

Leverage Online Platforms

Step 1: Submit the press release to online news platforms and community websites.
Step 2: Share the news articles on social media to increase visibility.

Monitor Coverage

Step 1: Keep track of which outlets have covered the story and share links to the articles or broadcasts.
Step 2: Provide any new information or updates to the news outlets to keep the story active.

Templates

Outline for the Spokesperson.docx

Template for Identifying Relevant News Outlets.docx

Press Release.docx

Media Kit - Search for John Doe.docx

Press Release Email Templates

Template for TV Stations

Subject: Press Release: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Producer/Host's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request your assistance in sharing the attached press release regarding the disappearance of my brother, John Doe. John was last seen at Columbia Mall on April 15, 2025, and our family is deeply concerned for his safety.

We believe that your platform can significantly help in spreading the word and gathering valuable information from the community. The attached media kit provides detailed information about John's case, including a recent photo, missing person flyer, police report, family statement, contact information for tips, social media links, talking points, and suggested Q&As.

Your support in sharing this press release would be greatly appreciated and could make a crucial difference in our search for John.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

(555) 987-6543

jane.doe@example.com

Template for Radio Stations

Subject: Press Release: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Producer/Host's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request your assistance in sharing the attached press release regarding the disappearance of my brother, John Doe. John was last seen at Columbia Mall on April 15, 2025, and our family is deeply concerned for his safety.

Your support in sharing this press release would be greatly appreciated and could make a crucial difference in our search for John.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

(555) 987-6543

jane.doe@example.com

Template for Newspapers

Subject: Press Release: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Editor/Journalist's Name],

We believe that your publication can significantly help in spreading the word and gathering valuable information from the community. The attached media kit provides detailed information about John's case, including a recent photo, missing person flyer, police report, family statement, contact information for tips, social media links, talking points, and suggested Q&As.

Your support in sharing this press release would be greatly appreciated and could make a crucial difference in our search for John.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

(555) 987-6543

jane.doe@example.com

Template for Online News Outlets

Subject: Press Release: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Editor/Journalist's Name],

We believe that your online platform can significantly help in spreading the word and gathering valuable information from the community. The attached media kit provides detailed information about John's case, including a recent photo, missing person flyer, police report, family statement, contact information for tips, social media links, talking points, and suggested Q&As.

Your support in sharing this press release would be greatly appreciated and could make a crucial difference in our search for John.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

(555) 987-6543

jane.doe@example.com

Interview Request Email Templates

Template for TV Stations

Subject: Interview Request: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Producer/Host's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request an interview on your show to discuss the disappearance of my brother, John Doe. John was last seen at Columbia Mall on April 15, 2025, and our family is deeply concerned for his safety.

We believe that appearing on your show could significantly help in spreading the word and gathering valuable information from the community. We are hopeful that with the support of your viewers, we can find John and bring him home safely.

I have included a media kit for your consideration which includes:

Most Recent Photo: A clear, recent photo of John.
Missing Person Flyer: Detailed information about John, including his physical description and last known whereabouts.
Police Report: A copy of the police report for official details about the case.
Family Statement: A brief statement from our family expressing our concerns and hopes.
Contact Information for Tips: A dedicated phone number and email address for people to send tips or information.
Social Media Links: Links to social media pages related to the search for John.
Talking Points: Key points to discuss during the interview.
Q&As: Suggested questions and answers to guide the interview.

Please let me know if you would be available to schedule an interview. I am happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
(555) 987-6543
jane.doe@example.com

Template for Radio Stations

Subject: Interview Request: Missing Person Case – John Doe

Dear [Producer/Host's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request an interview on your radio show to discuss the disappearance of my brother, John Doe. John was last seen at Columbia Mall on April 15, 2025, and our family is deeply concerned for his safety.

We believe that appearing on your show could significantly help in spreading the word and gathering valuable information from the community. We are hopeful that with the support of your listeners, we can find John and bring him home safely.

I have included a media kit for your consideration which includes:

Most Recent Photo: A clear, recent photo of John.
Missing Person Flyer: Detailed information about John, including his physical description and last known whereabouts.
Police Report: A copy of the police report for official details about the case.
Family Statement: A brief statement from our family expressing our concerns and hopes.
Contact Information for Tips: A dedicated phone number and email address for people to send tips or information.
Social Media Links: Links to social media pages related to the search for John.
Talking Points: Key points to discuss during the interview.
Q&As: Suggested questions and answers to guide the interview.

Please let me know if you would be available to schedule an interview. I am happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
(555) 987-6543
jane.doe@example.com