2008 Red Ribbon Week Media Kit

Arrange a Radio or TV Interview

Call your local radio and TV stations to speak with the public affairs director or a public affairs program host or producer. Offer to provide a spokesperson to interview for their public affairs program who can discuss Red Ribbon Week and speak about your local organization’s participation in the event. If your organization does not have a spokesperson, consider using someone from your board or a local expert allied with your group’s values. Give the spokesperson sample questions below and other information in this kit to help them prepare for the interview. Pitch the idea that the show can offer listeners information on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and provide contact information to order free educational materials. Sample interview questions:

• What and when is Red Ribbon Week 2008?
• Who are the local sponsors and what will they be doing?
• When and how did Red Ribbon Week begin?
• Why is this celebration important?
• Are any local events planned? What can individuals do to participate?
• Where can parents get free information to help educate their children about the dangers of using drugs?
• Is there a free booklet parents and others can order on how to start talking to their kids about the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use?
• How does building awareness help in the substance abuse prevention effort?
• Is there an Iowa resource?