About a month ago, my husband, Brian Parker, received a call asking him if he would take part in a segment of Maryland Public Television's "News Night Maryland." The segment would focus on environmental issues within the state. Brian agreed to appear and checked with other Chapter activists to gather information specific issues of concern to the club.

On the night of the program, we arrived about 20 minute early (which I have discovered is a very good idea) and spent that time speaking with the program's commentator and the "News Night Maryland" director. We discussed our issues; what was important to the Sierra Club about the current state of Maryland's environment. This discussion became the basis for the moderator's questions during the actual segment.

Both before and again, afterwards, the producer of the "News Night Maryland" spots, Aaron Harris, indicated he would be interested in any environmental stories packaged by the Sierra Club for use by his staff. He told us that they had run out of ideas for their weekly environmental spots.

I discussed my interest in the pesticide notification issue with him. My insistence must have made an impression on him because he called me at work, a couple of weeks later. He said he had pitched the idea to his editors and everyone was interested in the issue. He called to ask me for a packet of information on the issue.

I faxed him copies of the two bills being introduced this session plus some background on what had occurred during previous sessions. I also included a list of names and telephones of people to contact on this issue. He called me back two days later to let me know that the information was good and that the show would be produced and aired during the second week of March.

I was ecstatic. I knew that this important issue would only be touched upon in passing by the general media. I believe it is extremely important that parents be notified about pesticide applications in schools so they can make informed decisions. Unfortunately, this notification idea has some very staunch opponents.

My experience with MPT proved to me that we can get the media to stop and listen IF we package the issue for them in the way they can hear it...and use it. I also learned a lot about sending information to someone who has never met you before. I didn't have the heart to tell the producer that I had made several previous attempts to reach him with no results.

But once he had a face to put with the name, he seemed to feel much more comfortable with listening to suggestions. I guess this proves that you need to have face-to-face meetings with the media to establish a relationship and get their attention.