Frequently Asked Questions

Communications

Who should I contact with questions about American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen?
Your first point of contact should be the initiative manager at KETC/Nine Network:

Alternatively, you may contact Doug McKenney or Nicole Mezlo at CPB:

Where should I direct reporters who have questions about American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen?
All press calls about American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen should be directed to Amy Shaw or Kay Porter:

What should my communications plan include?
Your communications plan should include details about program promotion so that we can avoid duplicative strategies with the various entities involved (PBS/NPR, program team) and identify any communications gaps that we need to address.  Therefore, it is important that you can provide us with a detailed approach for how you plan to generate visibility for the program. 

We are interested specifically in your plans for media outreach, including specific targets; social media outreach; advertising/marketing; other activities, such as speaking opportunities, etc.

Why is it imperative that we include American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen branding in our communications outreach or advertising?
Public media has made a substantial investment of time, funding and other resources to address the dropout crisis.  Therefore, using American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen branding is essential in: 1) generating visibility of the overall initiative among key stakeholders; 2) building awareness of the content that is part of the initiative; 3) maximizing opportunities to raise awareness of public media’s work around the dropout crisis. 

What elements of my communications/PR/advertising campaign should include American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen branding?

• Print/Online:  The American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen logo should be included in all print and online materials, as well as ads, to promote the program.  Program websites should feature the logo, linked to the American Graduate website.

Additionally, all written materials such as media releases, articles, blog posts, reporter pitches, should include the following language: “[PROGRAM TITLE] is part of American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen, a public media initiative supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help local communities across America address the dropout crisis.”

• Radio:  Radio ads or promotions should include languages that references American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen and, if possible, should reference CPB.

• Social Media Conversations:  A link to the American Graduate:  Let’s Make It Happen website should be referenced in social media outreach to promote the program.