Getting Media Coverage for Your Graduation: A Complete Guide

Published on May 14, 2025

Graduation season is upon us, and whether you're a student, parent, educator, or event organizer, you might be looking to get some well-deserved media attention for your graduation achievements. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to effectively secure press coverage that celebrates your hard work and memorable moment. From crafting compelling story angles to preparing professional press materials, these strategies will help your graduation story shine in the spotlight!

Identifying Your Compelling Story Angle

Every graduation has stories worth telling, but media outlets are looking for something that stands out. Consider these potential angles:

Human Interest Stories: Has someone overcome significant adversity? Is there a first-generation graduate with an inspiring journey? Perhaps a student with unique post-graduation plans?
Collective Success: Are graduation rates showing improvement? Is there a particularly outstanding cohort in a specific department?
Community Impact: How are graduates making a difference locally? Are there notable service projects tied to graduation?
Notable Speakers: Is your keynote speaker newsworthy or delivering a particularly timely message?
Unique Traditions: Does your institution celebrate graduation with any special or unusual customs that might interest the public?

Targeting the Right Media Outlets

Different stories appeal to different audiences. Consider these channels:

Local Media: Community newspapers, regional news websites, and local TV and radio stations often eagerly cover graduation stories with a local connection.
School Publications: Utilize internal channels like your school newspaper, alumni magazine, and institutional social media accounts.
Specialized Publications: For graduates with achievements in specific fields, consider relevant trade or industry publications.

Creating an Effective Press Kit

A well-prepared press kit makes journalists' jobs easier and increases your chances of coverage:

Compelling Headline: Create something catchy yet informative
Proper Dateline: Include City, State – Date format
Strong Lead Paragraph: Answer the essential Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Supporting Details: Expand key points with relevant quotes from students, faculty, and administrators
Institutional Boilerplate: Include a brief paragraph about your school
Clear Contact Information: Provide name, title, email, and phone number for media inquiries
High-Quality Visuals: Include professional-looking photos or offer B-roll footage for television

Timing Your Media Outreach

Strategic timing can significantly impact your coverage success:

Send advance notices 1-2 weeks before graduation events
Follow up immediately after with photos and highlights
Consider the news cycle when planning your outreach

Pitching Effectively

Personalize your approach: Address journalists by name and explain why their specific audience would care
Be concise: Respect their time with clear, direct communication
Follow up appropriately: A gentle reminder is acceptable, but avoid being pushy

Leveraging Social Media

Create a complementary social strategy:

Use relevant hashtags (#Graduation2025, #[YourSchool]Grad)
Tag local media outlets in compelling posts
Share real-time photos and videos (with appropriate permissions)
Encourage students and faculty to amplify content through their networks

For Individual Students and Families

Connect with your school's PR/Communications department
Reach out to your hometown newspaper about your achievement
Create engaging personal social media content about your journey

Final Thoughts

Your graduation represents years of hard work and dedication—it deserves to be celebrated publicly! With strategic planning and thoughtful outreach, you can share your achievement with a wider audience and create even more meaningful memories of this important milestone.

Have you had success getting media coverage for a graduation event? Share your experiences in the comments below!