This month’s word comes from right inside the heart of Fundraiser Towers. That’s right, we’ve rallied the troops and asked whether they think the media has a role to play in encouraging giving
Nick Smith, journalist, APM news
The media has and should continue to play a role in encouraging charitable giving. That can be overtly in promoting a particular cause but does not necessarily have to be. In simply reporting events the press and television will draw attention to crises or disasters that may promote giving to bodies looking to deal with that particular situation.
Jacob Quagliozzi, sales executive, Solicitors Journal
Tony Blair once called it “the feral pack” but British print media might be going soft. Look at the Independent’s ‘give a day’s pay’ campaign for the horn of Africa and the various Christmas appeals from national newspapers. But a campaign here and a there just adds to the lurch back to ad hoc cash giving, rather than committed regular giving which produces the best outcomes for charities and ultimately the causes they serve.
Andrew Wood, senior designer, Solicitors Journal
The media’s role is vital – even more so during economic downturn. And the rise of giving through social media must be a lifeline to charities these days too, as it enables donors to search for causes, to find out what people are saying about those causes, why people are giving to it, and to read the stories of people that those causes are helping.
Tatiana der Avedissian, senior account manager, Hollis
As society prospered so did charitable giving and much of that is owed to the media which has highlighted some of the most desperate causes. The media should continue to play its part now that times are hard and people are thinking of cutting back on charitable giving in order to save. I work for Alkionides UK, and many of our supporters found out about us through the media.
Kasia Rafalat, managing director, ICP
As society changes and charities become more evident, the media has an increasing responsibility to help promote them. There is not enough coverage to encourage people to leave legacies to charity in their wills. A lot of people haven’t thought of leaving a will and others may not be aware that it is possible to leave bequests to charity. That’s where, if anywhere, the media would benefit from receiving more information.
Want to get more media coverage for your charity? Here are 5 ways to get your charity in the news.
This article first appeared in The Fundraiser, Issue 11, November 2011
