Why Media Outreach Matters
Reaching out to the media is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness during Myeloma Action Month. Local and national media help bring myeloma into public conversation and reach people who may have never heard of myeloma and amplify a unified message of awareness, action, and hope.
Media coverage can help you:
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- Raise awareness about multiple myeloma
- Highlight local stories and voices
- Promote landmark lightings and community action
- Educate the public about early symptoms and diagnosis
- Amplify the global #MoreThanMyeloma movement
Remember:
When many organizations and individuals share similar messages at the same time, awareness grows faster and farther.
Start With a Clear Message
Before reaching out to media, ask yourself:
- What do I want people to know about myeloma?
- What is happening locally for Myeloma Action Month?
- Why does this matter now?
Landmark Lighting
Highlight when and where your local landmark will be illuminated in red
Personal Stories
Share compelling patient or caregiver experiences with myeloma
Community Events
Promote local actions, fundraisers, or awareness activities
Global Campaign
Connect your local efforts to the worldwide #MoreThanMyeloma movement
Who to Contact
Start local—local media are often the most interested.
Consider reaching out to:
- Local newspapers and magazines
- TV and radio stations
- Online news outlets
- Health, science, or lifestyle reporters
- Community blogs or newsletters
Pro Tip:
You can usually find reporter contact information on media websites or social media profiles like X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.
When to Reach Out
2–3 Weeks Before March
- Send a media alert to let journalists know something is coming
- Highlight landmark lightings, events, or planned actions
1 Week Before or During March
- Send the press release
- Offer interviews or visuals
- Share photos or video from your activities
If you don’t hear back, it’s okay to politely follow up by email or phone.
What to Include in Your Outreach
Strong media pitches often include:
- A clear subject line
- Who, what, when, where, and why
- Why the story matters to the local community
- A short quote or personal story
- Visuals (photos or video if available)
- Contact information for follow-up
What Media Love:
Media love real people and visuals, especially when paired with a larger global moment like Myeloma Action Month.
Landmark Lightings Are Media Friendly
Landmark lightings are especially compelling to media. These moments are visual, timely, and easy for media to cover.
If your community is lighting a landmark red:
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- Mention the landmark name and date
- Explain what the lighting represents
- Offer photos or video
- Tie it to the global #MoreThanMyeloma campaign
Localizing Your Materials
You are encouraged to customize the provided templates by adding:
- Your city or organization name
- Local data or context
- Quotes from community leaders, patients, or healthcare professionals
After Coverage Runs
Once your story is published or aired:
- Thank the journalist
- Ask for a link or clip
- Share the coverage on social media
- Tag the outlet and use #MoreThanMyeloma and #MyelomaActionMonth
Remember:
When many organizations and individuals share similar messages at the same time, awareness grows faster and farther.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Download the media resources and start reaching out today. Together, we can shine a light on multiple myeloma and create awareness that saves lives.
#MoreThanMyeloma | #MyelomaActionMonth