Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on August 15, 2011 at 23:16

Dear all,

 

I too have found my work interrupted by that stupid show. I'm on edge since the display wagon will be on display at a public event this comming Saturday and I feel I need to have responses ready. The show is doing more damage than I had at first anticipated.

 

I know there is a lawsuit in progress, though it seems everytime we (the Romani) file a suit against anything, we are made fun of in the media. Often I feel such acts only give the media more ammunition against us. Often the results of the suits are not even published in the media, which only makes it worse.

 

We need to learn to use the media to our advantage, which will be no easy task since they don't take us seriously. I plan to draft a letter, mostly for my own organzation, to send to local and national media stations, both print and video, and ask questions about the mood towards Romani news items here in the States. This will be more of a survey, asking what the problems are for getting positive news in the media. Is it a lack of interest on the part of the media? Do they need to be educated on truths over myths? I am working with a marketer to help me develop this letter.

 

If we can understand what the media wants/needs, then we can start working with them in a more friendly atmosphere. When the letter is ready, I'll post it here for commets before sending it out. Please remember, this will not have WAIK's signature or letterhead, unless it is desired. I am simply offering to share information my organization discovers.

 

As for drafting a letter to the show, yes, we can and I would be willing to do so, then I'll post it for critique. I don't mean to be the doubting Thomas here, but I have to say I doubt the letter will do any good whatsoever. The show is a hit. Asking them to admit their errors about their content will be very damaging to their image and future editions of My Big Fat _____ Wedding, so they will most likely do nothing at all.

 

A press release issued to the larger media outlets may do some good, though we need to be careful how the release is worded and we need specific examples from the show about the incorrect aspects of the show and how those examples are damaging. If anyone has seen the show and wants to assist in this, please let me know. I have been avoiding it after seeing about ten minutes of it. It's painful.

 

Baxt,

C

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 16, 2011 at 0:34

Ciuin, I don't know if I was clear. I'm not suggesting we draft a letter to the show about the show, but that we draft a letter to their main advertisers, telling them that, after many of us wrote previously, both to the network and to the producer, the only result was a very disrespectful letter from the producer to leaders of some of our organizations. Therefore, we are calling for a boycott of sponsors to the show. I want to use the WAIK letterhead and also ask leaders of other organizations to add their logos and leaders' signatures. Actually, one of the RIA listserv members already drafted a letter, which I thought was okay, could be stronger. Some already want to sign it. But a letter from individuals, even a collection of signatures, will not have as much effect as a letter from organizations, because they will know that we are organized and there are many more people behind us. They can stop the boycott if they pull their advertising or get produces to revise the show. Would love your help getting such a letter done; you are an ace letter-writer. Hope your husband and you are well, by the way.

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on August 16, 2011 at 0:45

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. Yes, we can do that. I can work on such a letter, and again, if anyone wishes to give me some input as to the negligence of the show, please feel free.

 

My husband is still waiting for treatment. Don't you just love insurance companies?

 

Baxt,
C

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 16, 2011 at 0:57

My perspective on the media, based on two decades of leadership, including being president, of a state-wide political organization who had to do many interviews and speeches covered by the media:

You can never be friends with the press. Their job is to get a story with a strong angle that will impress their editor enough to make it "above the fold." Their angle will not necessarily be one you would choose.

What the media loves are facts and access to stories with a strong emotional content or conflict. This is why we see so many stories about Roma that are sensationalized: elderly bilked by "gypsies" (their small "p", not mine); poor Roma; "exotic" (to the mainstream) Roma activities like fortunetelling, passionate dancing, etc.

Things one can do to angle the stories your way:
have media fact sheets, with citations and sources;
be ready for all interviews and events with "talking points" that present a cogent argument, and do not let them throw you off those points, returning to them whenever they try to divert you to something more sensational or conflict-oriented;
If you don't have an answer right away, get back to them with one, including sources;
find those who are sympathetic or at least fair-minded, and "seed" them with good stories, access to leaders and interviewees, and a "heads-up" whenever something's brewing.

If you want to begin making contact, I think that's a great thing, and I don't see why you shouldn't use the WAIK logo. I would suggest a somewhat fact-based approach, i.e., "do you think your readers would be I interested in the story of the Roma diaspora, beginning in India in the twelfth century"; "are you aware there are more than one milion Roma in the U.S.?"; "would you be interested in interviewing Roma academics (or recent immigrants from Eastern Europe, or. . . . If they think you are offering facts, they will be more likely to respond, but I think your survey should include an offer for a sit-down discussion as an alternative to the survey. Media folks are always on deadline and in a hurry, and not inclined to respond in writing, but you might get contacts, phone calls, and meetings out of it.

Sorry to be so long-winded. I hope there's something in there that you can use.

The media tends to respect people who make it easier for them to do their jobs

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 16, 2011 at 0:59

Small "g" is what I meant!

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 16, 2011 at 1:07

Thanks, Ciuin. I would be happy to approach some of the other organizations about using their logos and signatures. I mentioned this to Els and she seemed to be in favor. She suggested we send a draft to the Advisory Board, many of whom are leaders of other organizations. I will also post something on RIA about what we are doing, and ask for their input.

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 16, 2011 at 18:19

Thanks, Els, for all the information and clarification. I am sorry, I'm sure it's something i should know, but FAGIC isn't something I recognize. But Valery, for sure.

A very strong reaction to Hilda is in the works--and we think now there is more than Hilda involved, perhaps much more--but anything you, in your busy life, cN do to help I am sure would be appreciated, as this is a full-scale attack on people who ae speaking out for us.

The more hands, the better, here, for I do not think we will be out of work anytime soon!

Comment by Mr. Valery Novoselsky on August 16, 2011 at 20:51

Federation of Roma Associations in Catalonia (FAGIC)

http://www.fagic.org/index.php/en/who-we-are

Comment by Mr. Valery Novoselsky on August 16, 2011 at 20:54

FAGIC: Empowerment through Networking - Roma Minorities and Civil Society Organisations

http://romanetwork.ning.com  

Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on August 17, 2011 at 4:53

Thanks, Valery, that wasn't fresh in my mind, though I've been to the site.

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