(d) Editorial Boards
(optional - dependant on accessibility)
Getting in to speak to the editorial board of a major newspaper is usually quite challenging, unless you can convince the managing editor in charge of these things that the board will benefit from your visit as well as the knowledge that you provide. The editorial board generally consists of the editor of the newspaper, the news director,the managing editor and, sometimes, the publisher. Who attends these meetings varies with the availability of the personnel, but typically they will include the reporter most often involved in covering Aboriginal issues.

Usually, it is best to arrange an editorial board meeting immediately after your press conference. The danger in holding it earlier is that this particular newspaper may-and probably will-scoop the other media in your area and minimize the effect of your press conference. Try to book time immediately after or within a 24-hour period of your big event. The sooner after your official announcement in the media, the better.

If you have been able to arrange an editorial board meeting, this is a good thing. There is no special formula in accomplishing this. All it takes is a call to the editor's office and an introduction of yourself, the First Nation you represent, and the issue at hand - the ATR.

The Meeting
Intimidation can be a big factor in the actual meeting. These people are the ones who decide-next to the owner, who is usually interested in bigger fish-what the editorial policy of the paper will be on various issues. The meetings can be quite informal or they may take the rigid form of a boardroom setting, with them on one side and you on the other. Don't be misled by an informal setting, as it is no less important than the more structured meetings.

Be prepared for some very direct questioning. For this reason, you may want to have your spokesperson accompanied by your full communications team and some technical expertise. Editorial boards are not above ganging up on certain delicate issues and you may need all the help you can get. You will have no way of knowing what the reception will be until you arrive there.

Your agenda should include introductions of each of your guests, where you are from, whom you represent and the issue you wish to place before them. They may ask for your opinion on other various issues as they affect Aboriginal people, but other than offering generalities on specific issues, stick to your script. If you feel that the board is hostile, or a particular member appears to be consistently negative in their questioning, just be patient. Two negatives will not make a positive. Keeping your head during a critical questioning period can only reflect favourably for your community in the long run.

When the meeting is over, don't expect an editorial piece in favour of your project in the next edition, although this has been known to happen. Look at it this way: the news may not proclaim your ATR as a triumph for the community, but at least what is written is more likely to be based on facts as you have put them across. The results will likely be favourable in the long run.