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Eight things the media loves
We all know press coverage generates visibility, credibility, authority, thought leadership positioning and, most importantly, new opportunity.
So, how do you give the press what they want? Read on…
DAGUS
As my friend and colleague Ed Perry, ringmaster of WATD-FM and member of the Radio Hall of Fame, says, “We take the DAGUS approach. Does Anyone Give A S_ _ _ ?”
Does your news include “news” that’s of interest to that media outlet’s audience? Is it useful, interesting, timely, regional? Make sure you provide news that gets a YES on the DAGUS test.
LIGHTNING ROD TOPICS
Topics that draw immediate attention? Sex, money and health. Beyond those obvious draws you might try news about a round number anniversary (10, 25, 50), a new service or product, key employee news (hired, trained, promoted), community involvement, awards or recognition, new location, strategic partnership, trends, new research, new innovations and human-interest phenomenon.
FIVE W’s
Answer all the questions the audience might have. That is usually well covered with the Five Ws – Who, What, Why, When and Where.
THE IN CROWD
It doesn’t matter whether you play squash with the news director of the NBC outlet. Reach out to your media friend with REAL news. Yes, you have easier access to a friend, but you don’t want to compromise the friendship or business relationship by pitching a non-story.
SILVER PLATTER
The press is overwhelmed and understaffed. Make it oh-so-easy for them. Provide a great story angle, background information to borrow from and a variety of industry sources to interview and add flesh to your story.
PICTURE PERFECT
Often times the picture or video can SELL the story. Provide great visuals and you are helping illustrate the story. High res photos are best for the print media. The best possible production values are helpful for video.
TIMING. IT’S EVERYTHING
Deadline, deadline. The press lives and dies by them. So, when an editor is enticed you need to respond IMMEDIATELY or in the same part of the day. Otherwise, they move on to the next source.
AND IN CONCLUSION – BREVITY
According to Wikipedia, the average human attention span has fallen from 12 seconds in 2000, or around the time the mobile revolution began, to eight seconds. Goldfish, meanwhile, are believed to have an attention span of nine seconds. Hint – keep it short and pithy.
Let us know if we can help you with your media love life.
Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Appoints New Education Director
The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, has appointed Joseph Satterthwaite as Education Director.
In his new role, Satterthwaite will develop and oversee programming opportunities for children of all ages in the learning center and new STEM lab.
Satterthwaite holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts as well as a Master’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts Boston and has been an integral part of the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield team for many years. He has served as part of the Club’s learning center program staff and lead staff for Discovery Summer Camp. He also was a teen coordinator and co-director of Camp Clubhouse Summer Camp.
Satterthwaite’s career began with the U.S. Navy, which he joined after high school and served as a Corpsman from 2007-2012. In 2008, Satterthwaite was deployed to Iraq with Third Battalion / Seventh Marines out of Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan with First Battalion Twenty-Fifth Marines, “New England’s Marines”, out of Devens, MA. He served as Fleet Marine Force Warfare Device Qualifier and Petty Officer Third Class.
Afterschool and Enrichment Programming
Afterschool and enrichment programming is led by the Club’s team of program directors, a number of whom are professional educators. Afterschool programming encompasses many areas including: Career Development; Character & Leadership; Creativity Through the Arts; Education Enrichment Programming; Family Programming; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; Health & Life Skills; Learning Center; Programming for Children with Development Disabilities; and Technology. Tutors and instructors help children with their homework in the Club’s learning center, and there is a computer center for STEAM and STEM programming.
In addition to the afterschool program, the Club also offers a number of fun enrichment programs to youth and teens, which are open to members and non-members alike. The enrichment programs are fee-based and include Pee Wee Sports, Playgroup for Peanuts, Science Kids, Teen Cooking, Hoop Stars, Club Tech, Sing like a Star, Gymnastics, Fifa Mania and Field Hockey.
About Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield (the Club) is a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community. The Club’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.
Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.
Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Appoints New Education DirectorRead More
Talking Information Center Appoints New Community Development Director
Talking Information Center (TIC), the non-profit reading service broadcasting 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, has appointed Bridget Torres as Community Development Director.
In her new role at TIC, Ms. Torres will primarily be responsible for development, fundraising and implementing strategic initiatives for programming expansion.
Ms. Torres brings 25 years of corporate experience to her role at TIC. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership in Human Resources at a global financial institution, where she developed strategy and led teams in recruiting, community outreach and mentor programs, as well as organizational and leadership development.
Ms. Torres is also a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Human Resources Consultant and the owner of BTransformed Coaching and Consulting based in Plymouth, MA. She provides integrated wellness and life coaching to individuals, and customized HR solutions to small and mid-sized organizations.
For the past three years, Ms. Torres has been a dedicated volunteer reader at TIC, and also serves as a Radio and Podcast Player in many of TIC’s monthly live radio plays.
She is a member of Sunrise Rotary Club of Plymouth, and serves as an Ambassador for the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Torres is a former member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
“Bridget’s knowledge, experience and dedication to TIC and the community make her an ideal fit for our team. We are very excited to have Bridget on board,” said Anna Dunbar, Executive Director.
The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network
Based in Marshfield, MA, TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. The non-profit reading service operates with the help of more than 500 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. TIC’s newest programming includes the Radio and Podcast Players and Veterans Voice.
TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.
In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs oversees TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.
Talking Information Center Appoints New Community Development DirectorRead More
Free seminars outline the “New Tax Law and How it Impacts your Retirement”. Scheduled for January 22 and 23 at Fairing Way, South Weymouth, MA.
Do the new tax laws confuse or overwhelm you? Straightforward and direct answers will be provided at free seminars that help outline the new “Tax Law and How it Impacts your Retirement”.
The complimentary seminar will be held at Fairing Way, 25 Stonehaven Drive South Weymouth, MA 02190. Guests can choose from one of the following times – Tuesday, January 22, noon – 1:30 pm (lunch will be served); Tuesday, January 22, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (dinner will be served) and Wednesday, January 23, noon –1:30 pm (lunch will be served).
The discussion will be led by a panel of retirement experts who will address new tax law changes, financial, legal, housing and other considerations critical to retirement security and reducing longevity risks. Expert panelists will include Paul Dion, CPA, a Certified Tax Coach; Doug Beck, Tailwind Wealth Management; Attorney John O’Connor, O’Connor & O’Connor, LLC; Attorney Patrick Kelleher, Patrick J. Kelleher & Associates, PC; Chris Downey, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, a Housing Wealth Advocate; and moderator George Downey, Seniors First founder, providing seniors with trusted advice and resources.
Fairing Way is a 55+ independent living retirement community located within the intergenerational community of Union Point, and is located at 25 Stonehaven Drive, South Weymouth, MA 02190. Information about opportunities to move to Fairing Way will also be presented at the seminar.
Although the seminars are free, seating is limited, and reservations are required. Please RSVP for yourself and a guest by calling (781) 660-5021 or register online at http://www.FairingWay.org.
Ringing in the New Year, a new and transparent inmate communications system offers a strong connection for all parties.
There’s a new CAT in town. ComApp™ Technologies, LLC. (CAT), a subsidiary of Homisco, Inc., has launched a new and transparent approach to inmate communications. The innovative approach underscores the most cutting edge technology and an emphasis on better communication, educational, entertainment for the inmate and their families and greater revenue and controls for the correctional facilities.
The seasoned and savvy CAT leadership team helped create the new concept. CAT is a Massachusetts-based company founded by two experienced technology, sales & marketing individuals – Ron Contrado and Phil Apanovitch. Both have proficiency in deployment of wireless systems and communications technology in corrections and other vertical markets with a combined 67 years of experience.
To accomplish this new and streamlined service, ComApp™ Technologies has acquired the Controlled Access Telephony System (CATS) from Radical Systems Solutions, Inc. This tested and proven technology was installed in over 600 systems throughout 30 states.
The company also established a strategic partnership with TECH FRIENDS Inc. to provide secure tablets for inmate phone calls, email/messaging, education, entertainment, video visitation, commissary ordering, and fund balances.
“There are the good, bad and ugly players in our industry,” noted Phil Apanovitch, President and Co-Founder of ComApp™ Technologies. He added, “Our many years of direct experience in the inmate communications market has helped us create a win-win for both the inmates and their families as well as the correctional facilities. Among the value proposition is better technology such as state of the art Smart Pads, phones and easy to use online payment systems for families. The other side of the equation is a more generous revenue share with correctional facilities that includes guaranteed payments and commissions.”
Ron Contrado, CEO & Co-founder of CAT continued, “Some industry experts wonder how we can offer the best of technologies and the pinnacle of revenue share. It’s simple, we work on a reduced profit margin and greater efficiently. We know there is a large universe of prospects including 1,719 state prisons, 102 federal prisons, 942 juvenile correctional facilities and 3,283 local jails.”
For more information about ComApp™ Technologies, visit https://www.comapptech.com or call (888) 809-7014. ComApp is located at 99 Washington Street, Melrose, MA 02176.
Workshop explores elder care law, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.
Critical questions for seniors and their families will be addressed at a free workshop set for Thursday, January 10, 6 p.m. and Thursday, January 24, 3 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference, 100 Grandview Road, Braintree, MA 02184 (next to the AMC Cinema and directly across from South Shore Plaza). 
There is ample and free parking next to the office building. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.
Many seniors and their families are uncertain about their legal, financial, housing and lifestyle situations. Elder law Attorney Patrick J. Kelleher of Elder Law Care Center based in Hanover and George Downey of Harbor Mortgage Solutions with office in Braintree will lead the discussion.
Topics to be addressed will include What is estate planning? Can you avoid losing your home and savings if you go into a nursing home? Trusts – what they are and why you may need one. Housing wealth – how you can use your home to stay at home and increase financial security.
Seating is limited to 30. RSVPs are required. Go to https://goo.gl/xBXFwi. Or email Ashley@elderlawcare.com or call 781-871-7526.
Workshop explores elder care law, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.Read More
BCI Announces New Springfield Location and New Regional Director
Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, announces a new Springfield, MA center and new Regional Director.
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, MA with a second location in Fitchburg, MA, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Central Massachusetts.
BCI will officially open doors of their new ABA center located at 90 Carando Drive, in January 2019. BCI provides specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout western Massachusetts, as there is a significant need for these specialty services ABA providers in the area. BCI’s Early Intervention Services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.
BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI is currently providing Early Intervention services to 75 families throughout greater Springfield through their temporary office on Mill Street in Springfield.
The new location enables BCI to expand services. In addition to Early Intervention services, BCI will provide center-based insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three, beginning in January 2019. BCI’s new 7,200 square foot space consists of five classrooms, a main area, gym and outdoor play yard, with the capacity to serve 30 to 45 children in their onsite program.
Britney Catron, M.A., BCBA, LABA has been promoted to Regional Director of Greater Springfield to supervise, train and provide oversight of all onsite and offsite programs.
Catron holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received her Master’s degree in Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Bay Path University in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She began her career at BCI in 2011 as an ABA therapist prior to becoming a BCBA for BCI’s Worcester location.
BCI has a team of five BCBAs in Springfield, including Marcy Schulz, M.A., BCBA, LABA who is the Assistant Director of Early Intervention ABA Services. Schulz has a lengthy career with BCI and has significantly contributed to establishing ABA services in Central Massachusetts and obtaining new Early Intervention contracts.
“There is significant demand in this area for BCI’s specialty Early Intervention services, which include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school,” said Schulz. “Essentially, we work with families to identify goals and then assist their children with learning new skills to achieve important milestones in their social development.”
“Our ABA services for children age 3 and older will open in January of 2019. We are excited to provide insurance funded, center-based programs as well as Early Intervention and home-based services,” said Catron.
To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in Springfield, call 508-363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/.
About BCI
Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.
BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com
BCI Announces New Springfield Location and New Regional DirectorRead More
Behavioral Concepts Appoints New Assistant Director in Tewksbury Office to Oversee Northeast Region
Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts continues to branch out.
BCI is meeting the need for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) providers in the area by providing specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout the greater Lowell area, through their temporary office at 1501 Main Street, Units 29-30, in Tewksbury, MA.
Katherine Law, BCBA, LABA, a resident of Dracut, MA, has been promoted to Assistant Director and leads the Early Intervention services for the greater Lowell area. Prior to her promotion, Law was a Behavior Analyst in BCI’s Fitchburg office, where she provided Early Intervention services to children under age three and insurance-funded ABA services to all school aged children.
Previous to BCI, Law was an ABA therapist and Behavior Analyst providing Early Intervention services at the May Institute in Western Massachusetts. Law received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a certificate in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Arts in ABA from Westfield State University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She is a member of Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT).
“Our focus is on growing BCI’s Early Intervention services and increasing the number of referrals from Early Intervention agencies in the area,” said Law. “Our goal is to expand our services to children age three and up.”
BCI’s Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. Early Intervention services include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school. They are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to a child’s needs, and usually provided in the home. BCI is a partner agency and receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
BCI is already providing Early Intervention services to 50 families in the greater Lowell area, and there is a wait list for ABA services for children over age three. BCI is looking to site an ABA center in 2019, which will enable them to expand their offerings to include center-based insurance-funded ABA services that families can elect to have for children age three to 22 years old.
“During intake, families often express they would like to remain with the same provider that they began with, to ensure a seamless transition from Early Intervention to ABA over age three,” noted Law.
BCI accepts most major insurance plans operating throughout Massachusetts as well as Mass Health.
To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in the greater Lowell area, visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/
About BCI
Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.
BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com
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