The Media is Your Friend

One of the questions posed by Lady Avelyn, at the Caldrithig All Candidates meeting was: "At the baronial level, do you think the media should be important to us as an organization, and if so, what do you think their role should be?". Although we did chose this one to answer, the following is a more complete reply.

Yes the media is important to the health of the Skraeling Althing. We should be taking the opportunity to showcase our best attributes as often as possible. The examples of positive representation in the media far out weigh the occasional "bad rap". Harrowgate Heath has had some lovely local coverage, including a full page spread of photos depicting a wide range of SCA activities and a healthy cross section of members. We have kept a copy as a memento of the enjoyable day we spent at that demo. That was I believe, the day I met you Avelyn.

We can not prevent a local paper from reporting about us if they so desire, so we had better be on top of things to make sure they feel welcome, get an accurate story and plenty of opportunity to build a collection of positive things to show and tell about us. I love the idea of matching any visiting reporters to a responsible guide or host. I also thought the TV spot Judith helped arrange before the Osgoode demo last year went very well. Mathias was an excellent spokesperson for the SCA. About four or five years ago I helped a student journalist from Algonquin arrange interviews with a number of local members. She was writing a comparative article about the variety of hobbies available in the Ottawa area that give a person a chance to play with swords. The resulting article portrayed the SCA in a very positive and accurate light.

We know how well these particular encounters with the media went because one or both of us have actively participate in all of them. We have always been willing and will continue to be willing to interact with the public, including the media. We understand that not all members of the SCA enjoy, or are permitted to share their free time with the public eye. That is another reason why the media should be invited to see what we do in an unobtrusive, well controlled manner. For all who would rather not be quoted in the news or seen on TV, we will happily be your spokespeople.