Resources for Developers

How the Media Works ...

.. or how can it work for you? The AGDC has as much become a firm fixture in the games journalist's diary, as it has for (exhibitors). And, for any company that is ambitious to develop their profile it's one of few precious chances when the media actually comes to you!

So, how do you catch the attention of a journalist speculating for a news scoop at this year's AGDC. A few simple steps:

1. First thing's first — have the media room covered off on your agenda. It's the one central resource the media are sure to visit, if anything.
   
2. Endeavour to work alongside the AGDC's media agency, DatelineMedia , who will be running the media room and tracking exactly which media will be attending. See contact details below.
   
3. Give plenty of time to thinking through and preparing what material you will need to gather. Ideally, you will need to have media briefing kits or at least copies a news-worthy press release. Think: What might be happening in December that will capture the media's interest?
   
4. Again, speak to DatelineMedia in your brainstorming for good news hooks. There's likely to be excellent opportunities already planned through the AGDC where you may be able to gain inclusion. Joining forces often makes for a stronger story, and lessens the risk of being drowned out by competing news.
   
5. Get your media material to DatelineMedia in good time and increase the chances of them being able to generate exposure for you. At the very least, submit your material by no later than ( Thursday 1st December 05 ).
   
6. But remember ... news is not guaranteed. Prepare now to win the battle for coverage later. Good luck!

Media contact :
DatelineMedia
Susan Fitzpatrick

Office: +61 2 90061614
Cell +61 (0) 400246010

What should a media briefing kit include?

A media briefing kit usually includes the following basic items — though be creative, as long as it's relevant:

•  Company background
•  Key personnel profiles
•  Press release (no more then two)
•  Company / industry facts and figures
•  Example photography
•  Contact details for media enquiries

How to write an effective press release?

Tip 1:
The main body of a press release should state your company's news and answer the classic questions - who, what, when, where and why? For example, if the aim of the release is to announce a new product or service, then include a description of what exactly it does, where it fits into the marketplace (is it unique? first to be introduced?) and how it can be purchased?

Tip 2:
Include quotes that help sum up the essence of the story. Provide additional information or interesting opinion to personalise the news. Quotes are helpful to journalists on tight deadlines with no opportunity to interview the main spokesperson.

Tip 3:
Conclude your press release with a paragraph describing your company — its core business, where it is located, an approximate employee count, and some key details about its history — when it commenced trading publicly, who founded it and when, any awards recently won. This final paragraph allows you to position your company as a success by using phrases such as ... "As the leading developer of ..." or "With $3 million of government investment …".

Tip 4:
And, last but foremost, in addition to the news itself, your press release should include details of where your company is based and who to contact for more information — or to set up an interview. All of these things, along with the date of the news, should be close to the top of the press release.