How to develop Newspaper Inserts

Printed Information

Newspaper inserts aim to reach and inform the majority of people in a targetted geographic area about an issue or proposal.

Newspaper inserts will increase awareness of a proposal or issue, even though many inserts will not be read.

Method:

1. Decide the size, cost and number of inserts by determining the potential number of stakeholders, and how these match with the delivery areas of the newspaper.
2. Decide on your key messages, including methods for public participation.
3. Write your information in simple, concise and unambiguous language.
4. Outline major events and the duration of the participation process.
5. Include contact information, i.e. key project staff (by name), information hotline numbers, location of information repository ( if any), and include phone, email and website addresses.
6. If possible, use trained layout help to ensure the inserts attract interest and are easy to read.
7. Record contact made as a result of the insert, and add to project mailing list.
8. Use to report project outcomes as well as publicizing the process.

Uses/strengths:

• Achieves high level publicity.
  
• Provides information.
  
• When a large number of potential stakeholders exist.
  
• When a large number of people are affected by a development decision (e.g. road works/planning scheme preparation).
  
• Outlines opportunities for public involvement in a participation process

Special considerations/weaknesses:

• Content should be simply stated, concise and unambiguous.
• Content should provide basic information (do not overload with too much information).
• Contact information should be provided.
• Cost may be a factor if the newspaper charges for the inserts, or insists on advertising.
• If undertaken as a community service, rather than a commercial transaction, distribution depends on the newspapers willingness to insert the flyers, leaflets, etc.