Link of the Week: Dec. 3 - 9
Wooing the Media
It seems that everyone has an product or an issue for the media to cover—but so few know how to work with the media. This week's link is MediaNet, a very useful site for learning how to "woo the media" and promote just about anything. There is even a resource page for nonprofits with links to other tutorials. It's a great site, hosted by InternetNewsBureau, which "offers online press release services for businesses and journalists." They created it in collaboration with CompassPoint Nonprofit Services (formerly Support Center/NDC).

Apply for IRE Reporting Awards: The contest "recognizes the best investigative reporting in print, broadcast and online media, and helps identify techniques and resources used by entrants." This is the annual contest of the Investigative Reporting and Editing, Inc. (IRE). For entry forms and additional information, visit the contest page at IRE's site.

2003 CAR Conference in NC: IRE has also announced that the Annual Computer-Assisted Reporting Conference will be held on March 14-16, 2003 in Charlotte, N.C. The event features panels by the best in the business on every beat and topic including Census, crime, education, local and state government, freedom of information and transportation. Hands-on classes will be offered featuring spreadsheets, database managers, mapping, statistics and the latest in cutting-edge technology. IRE sponsors the event along with the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR). This year's event is hosted by The Charlotte Observer and NBC News. See IRE's site for more details and registration information.

Help Put a Local Paper on the Web!: If you have some spare time to give to a good cause, we could use your help! Please visit our new volunteer opportunities page.

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"Nonprofits Online"
Information is posted regarding this free workshop. At least one more workshop will be scheduled, so please contact us to get on our mailing list (regular and/or e-mail) or waiting list. You can also take a tour of our workshop page.

Welcome to FIRE, a non-profit organization which provides community media resources to the Appalachian region. You can use the search box on this page to search our online archive of media outlets throughout the area. If you are a local journalist (or want to be), visit the "Resources for Journalists" section. You'll find resources that will improve your community reporting skills and will enable area residents to easily locate your published articles online.

FIRE's purpose is to promote citizen participation and community-based media. Please contact us if you would like to participate in our programs or if you have any feedback that will improve this Web site.