e-mailWhat Makes a Story Newsworthy?
UMKC Web Site Feature Profiles
UMKC Public Relations will use the following information to consider a news release or web story about UMKC people and programs of interest to both internal and external audiences. Please be sure to provide all of the information requested in as much detail as possible. Decisions regarding publication and media distribution are at the discretion of the UMKC Office of Public Relations.
Topics for feature profiles on the UMKC Web site should reflect the University’s core mission* areas. That can be accomplished through stories about professors, scholarly and scientific research, students, alumni and staff, communicating the importance of research, curriculum/program emphasis or national/international recognition.
- Faculty research should be new or advanced, sharing the significance and remaining thought-provoking
- Student and alumni stories should show accomplishments or community involvement – the story must convey the unusual/notable achievement of the student or graduate
- Staff – impact of work or volunteering/mentoring on student or University success
*UMKC’s mission is to lead in life and health sciences; to deepen and expand strength in the visual and performing arts; to develop a professional workforce and collaborate in urban issues and education; and to create a vibrant learning and campus life experience.
News Releases
News can be defined as "newsworthy information about recent events or happenings, especially as reported by news media." But what makes news newsworthy? This is a tricky question, and everyone will have a different answer. News is subjective – what is important to one person or department may not seem significant to an editor or news reporter. Ultimately, what is "newsworthy" is whatever interests news editors on any given day.
Topics that are likely to spark interest include current or recent research, major grants, expertise relevant to current events, and major UMKC developments or changes. The one thing that is (almost) always true is that in order to be news, it has to be new – so please try to contact us before your event or publication happens.
Our strength in serving the university and the public is based in large part on our relationships with media representatives. Not everything that goes on at UMKC will interest the local media. Part of our job in the Public Relations office is to filter information. Even if we do not issue a release about your news, we may be able to help communicate your message in other ways by contacting reporters directly or using your information in another format.